In October of last year I lost a very good friend of mine. Over the years I have moved from school to school, always having to encounter new connections and friends. When I first arrived at the school she was very bubbly and bright. She welcomed me with smiles and joy, making me feel included. I am a very shy person with lots of anxiety and she was someone who was outgoing and fun but, she made me come out of my shell and feel safe. However she did not pass due to mental health it was simply a fatal car crash. When I was given the news that she had been gone, I immediately broke down. I didn’t want to do anything, be around anyone, nor could I sleep. It was always and still is on my mind heavy. It’s just this feeling of emptiness and sadness. My whole world just turned upside down. I couldn’t do anything but just cry. I was fairly frustrated and angry because she was such a genuine soul. I just couldn’t believe that she was gone. I also had to attend school that Monday. As soon as I got on campus I felt my heart sink, it began to race.. it felt like I was afraid. In which I was. I was afraid of the truth knowing that she was actually gone. I walked through those school doors and the tears immediately came. I ran to my teacher and she just hugged me and told me it was going to be ok. I , myself would’ve never thought that I’d experience something like this but it increased my passion for working in the mental health field. I am a very sensitive person and I feel my emotions on a deeper level than most people. It is within me to care so much about others even if I don’t know them. I always put myself in other’s positions because I know life is not easy and sometimes people just need a hug. I want to be that person to spread awareness around the world. I want to be that person who does the simple gesture of just asking someone how are they. One little thing as simple as that can have so much impact on someone. When I was dealing with the passing of my friend my mother was there. I in fact did talk with her about my emotions and how I was feeling and I felt a little better. Everyone, no matter who you are just may just simply want someone to hear you. I want to be the person who hears you. I know that there are so many challenges in life. So much stress, anxiety, due dates, bills, love, money, college, work, and even family. There’s so much that could be going on within one person and I want to be that change, that help, that breath of fresh air, that support system. I am deeply passionate about entering the mental health field to make a difference in suicide prevention. My genuine care for others and the prospect of saving lives bring me lots of happiness. I aspire to be a catalyst for change, creating a safe and nurturing environment for my future clients. By educating myself and others about mental health, reducing stigma, and advocating for supportive policies, I aim to contribute positively. Effective communication and crisis intervention skills will enable me to provide crucial support to individuals in need. I understand the importance of self-care to maintain my own well-being and effectiveness in helping others.

Pursuing social work at Holmes Community College is a choice I'm incredibly passionate about. It signifies my dedication to making a positive impact in my community and beyond. With my degree, I aim to intervene at both individual and community levels, advocating for vulnerable populations and promoting social justice. Social work offers me the opportunity to engage directly with individuals facing various challenges such as poverty, mental health issues, domestic violence, substance abuse, and more. My role will involve providing counseling, connecting clients with resources, and advocating for their rights within the larger social system. In Lexington, MS, where I live, my skills as a social worker will be invaluable. I foresee myself collaborating with educators to support at-risk students, assisting families in crisis, or working with healthcare professionals to improve access to mental health services. These efforts are crucial in addressing local community needs. My journey in social work will be a continuous learning experience. The field evolves with societal changes, requiring me to stay informed about new policies, research findings, and innovative interventions. This ongoing education will ensure that I can provide the best support to my clients and advocate effectively for systemic improvements. Beyond direct service provision, social workers engage in community organizing, policy advocacy, and program development. These activities aim to address the root causes of social issues, promote equity, and create sustainable change. My degree will prepare me to analyze social problems critically, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and implement initiatives that enhance community well-being. Moreover, my personal experiences and perspectives will enrich my practice as a social worker. My empathy, resilience, and commitment to social justice will guide me in building trusting relationships with clients and advocating for inclusive, equitable solutions. My dedication to serving others reflects a deep-seated belief in the potential for positive change, inspiring those around me to join efforts in creating a more just society. As I embark on my journey at Holmes Community College, I plan to take advantage of opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, and community engagement initiatives. These experiences will further hone my skills and deepen my understanding of the complexities of social issues. In conclusion, my decision to pursue social work exemplifies my profound commitment to compassion, advocacy, and community empowerment. My journey ahead holds immense potential to positively impact the lives of individuals and families in Lexington and beyond. By embracing the challenges and opportunities of this field, I will contribute significantly to building a more inclusive and supportive community.

Giving back to the community is an essential part of who I am. It brings me joy to be able to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I've been involved in various community service activities, all aimed at spreading kindness and support where it's needed most. One of the ways I've given back is by spending time with the elderly on Valentine's Day. These individuals often appreciate companionship and someone to share their stories with, and it warms my heart to bring them some joy and comfort, even if it's just for a short while. Additionally, I've donated toys to elementary schools in my area during the Christmas season. Seeing the smiles on the children's faces as they receive these gifts is truly priceless. Every child deserves to experience the magic of the holiday season, and I'm grateful to be able to contribute in some way to make that happen. Furthermore, I've provided cleaning supplies to local daycares across the city. Keeping these spaces clean and sanitized is crucial for the health and well-being of the children who attend them, as well as the staff who work there. By donating these supplies, I hope to ease some of the burden on these facilities and ensure that they can continue to provide a safe environment for the children in their care. Looking ahead, I'm excited to pursue a degree in social work. This field aligns perfectly with my passion for helping others and making a positive impact in my community. Through my college education, I aim to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for my clients effectively and provide them with the support they need to thrive. As a social worker, I envision myself working closely with individuals and families facing various challenges, whether it's homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues. My goal is to be a source of strength and support for my clients, empowering them to overcome obstacles and create better futures for themselves. I am sweet, kind, and caring, qualities that I believe will serve me well in my chosen profession. I am confident that with dedication and perseverance, I will make a significant difference in the lives of those I serve and contribute positively to my community. Giving back isn't just something I do; it's a part of who I am, and I'm committed to continuing this journey of making the world a better place for everyone.

No one has it all figured out. To me, giving back to your community creates a good cycle of kindness and compassion. The impact of giving back to your community creates a path way of new beginnings. Pouring into your community allows it to grow and expand. It allows more opportunities for the young and old. I am a 17 year old black African American female who wants to pursue higher education in Social work or Radiology. I am very ambitious with everything I do. I would love to pursue an higher education so that I am successful in life. I would also like to listen and fix others problems as a social worker. I love listening to people and letting them know that they have someone out there. I also love working with kids as well. They are just so innocent and sweet. They bring joy to me. As of now I am job shadowing at UMMC in Lexington, Ms. As well as the elementary school. I am also taking three dual enrollment classes as of now. I have given back to my community in three ways; Donating a boy and girl toy to the local elementary school in my town, Donated canned goods to the Homeless shelters, and I have donated cleaning supplies to the local daycares and facilities. In some way I feel as if these donations were such a big impact to someone else. What may feel small to you may feel so much more than that to someone else. I feel as if everyone should give back to their community. The younger kids will look up to you and continue to do it as well, creating a generational cycle. Majority of children in most communities don’t have role models, they want someone to look up to. I feel deserving of this reward because I will use this money to successfully pursue my future career. I am on the path to success. I am determined. My mind works very differently than other teens around my age. Their mindsets are in their teenage years , but I feel as if my mind succeeds that. I am rather mature, understanding, reliable, grateful, respectful, and generous. I know what I want in life, I am going to be successful and achieve everything. I made a 21 on my ACT and have a gpa of 3.68. Words can’t describe how proud I am of myself. I genuinely feel like I work hard for anything that I have. Thank you for taking the time out of your day for reading my essay. Have a wonderful and blessed day. Sincerely, Imia Moore.