I'm 23 years old and not quite your traditional college student. I initially attended college in 2019 after spending a year as a volunteer teacher for underserved communities. This was an incredible time of learning and discovery regarding child development, education, and mental health. When I completed my volunteer year, I continued on to work for their community advocacy team. I worked part time public speaking and educating on nutrition, physical wellness, and mental wellness. I began my college career thriving. I was involved in on campus peer counseling, theatre, and student leadership. However, I was uncertain of my path and struggling to commit to a major. In May that year, my entire world came crashing down upon losing my sister to suicide. My sister, Helen, was absolute sunshine, and it came as a shock to me and my family. She took her life just 2 weeks prior to graduating with a bachelor's in Social work. I couldn't pick myself up and found myself tumbling further and further down a hole of depression. I myself had an interrupted attempt 6 months later. I was given the care and treatment I needed. After taking time to heal, I again got involved with peer counseling and had organized a suicide prevention walk, raising funds for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. However, it was unfortunately canceled due to the Coivd-19 outbreak. While the pandemic ruined that opportunity to give back in her honor, it allowed me the introspection and time to prepare to return to college. College was different upon returning. I was different; I knew exactly what I wanted to do and have felt incredibly motivated. I want to get my bachelor's in psychology and continue to graduate school. Helen's death was further complicated by the discovery that she was turned away from treatment. She wasn't considered to be a risk to herself or others, and unfortunately, we know their screening was incorrect. We currently are and have been dealing with a national mental health bed shortage. The implications of this are dire. Alongside of a clinical practice, I want to work in mental health advocacy to ensure that no one in need is ever turned away again. I believe I am called to help people. I know that when given the resources, suicide can be preventable. If I can prevent even one family from grieving the loss from suicide, I know it will all be worth it.