Mental health is important to me because I've lived with it since high school. For a long time, I did not understand what was happening to me. I just knew something felt wrong, and I had no language for it. For years, I assumed my racing heart and shortness of breath were just my heart condition, so I never recognized my anxiety for what it was. There were many times I had anxiety and panic attacks, and I was surrounded by people who didn't know how to help. That confusion, feeling alone in my own head, is what drives me to advocate for others today. As a student, mental health matters because it shapes everything: how I focus, how I learn, and how I show up for the people around me. When I was struggling, my grades and my relationships suffered. I learned that you cannot separate a student's mind from a student's success. That lesson made me want to be part of the solution instead of staying silent. I advocate for mental health by turning my experience into action. Right now, I talk openly with friends and family about the topics I learn about in undergrad. I also believe advocacy starts with reducing stigma, so I speak honestly about my own journey instead of hiding it. I have also learned to check in on the people around me, even when they seem fine. I ask how they are really doing, and I make it clear that I am a safe person to talk to. In my own home, I try to normalize conversations about anxiety and stress instead of treating them as things to hide. My long-term goal is to become a therapist. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to work as a mental health technician in a psychiatric hospital while pursuing my master's degree. That role will allow me to support people at their most vulnerable while I build the skills to help them in the long term. My mission is simple: to help people understand what is happening in their own minds, and then work with them to build a plan for healing. Mental health advocacy is not just a career goal for me. It is personal. I know what it feels like to be lost in your own thoughts, and I know how much it matters to have someone who understands. That is why I want to be that person for others.

I decided to pursue a career in the mental health field because mental health has been a part of my life since an early age. Growing up, I faced my own mental health challenges and spent time in mental health hospitals. During those experiences, the people who had the greatest impact on me were the mental health technicians who supported patients every day. They treated me with compassion, patience, and understanding during some of the most difficult moments of my life. Their care showed me how meaningful it can be to be there for someone who is struggling simply. Because of the support I received, I began to see mental health care not only as something that helped me, but also as a field where I could one day help others. Those experiences inspired me to pursue an education in psychology and counseling. I have already earned my Associate’s degree in Psychology, and I am now working toward my Bachelor of Science in Counseling. My goal after completing my bachelor’s degree is to work as a mental health technician in a mental hospital, so I can support patients in the same way others once supported me. I want to provide empathy, encouragement, and stability to individuals who may feel overwhelmed, alone, or misunderstood. In the future, I plan to continue my education and earn a master’s degree to become a licensed therapist. As a therapist, I hope to help people better understand their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and build resilience during difficult periods of their lives. My personal experiences have given me a strong sense of empathy and a deep understanding of how important compassionate mental health care can be. Another important part of my journey is being the first person in my family to graduate from college. Achieving this milestone has been incredibly meaningful to me because it represents persistence, growth, and the belief that change is possible. Pursuing higher education has not always been easy, but it has strengthened my determination to build a career where I can make a positive difference in the lives of others. My experiences have shaped both my goals and my passion for the mental health field. I want to use my education and personal understanding to help others feel supported, valued, and hopeful during times when they need it most.