The recent government shutdown was something that many expected with the election of our new President. Many who suffer from mental and physical illnesses warned others about the consequences that would arise had President Trump been elected. However, we are still left with the impact on those individuals and their families today. My mother, who deals with both mental and physical disabilities, suffered immensely during the government shutdown. Because of my mothers diabilities, she is unable to keep a full-time job. My aunt, who is financially responsible for her, works for the government. I remember vividly my mother calling me, panicking about how she was going to make rent, since my aunt was no longer receiving pay from her job. I know from experience, the anxiety that comes from not knowing whether or not you're going to be able to make rent. This, unfortunately, is a reality for many people who have mental illnesses or disabilities and rely on others to provide for them. Many people who have mental health illnesses also rely on government-funded organizations for help. Many organizations, like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Services, are unable to provide patients with the proper help or resources because they do not have the funds to allocate said resources. So many who rely on these organizations to help provide treatment and help go untreated and without help for long periods of time. This causes many people to relapse into old habits or to simply seek ineffective treatments that make their conditions worse. Without the medication people with mental illnesses need to function regularly, many are faced with quitting their jobs, being laid off, or having to take temporary leaves because they can't fully function. This not only impacts the individual, but also our national economy and unemployment rates. Unfortunately, this shutdown was not temporary or strictly financial. This shutdown impacted not only individuals with mental illnesses, but also people who rely on the government. Whether it be for assistance with meals, kids, finances, or medication, many individuals were left unsupported and unable to provide for themselves, let alone their families. So, no, I do not think the impact will be temporary as long as we are relying on a government that constantly fails to support its citizens. Instead, the government should make organizations that directly deal with those who struggle with mental health mandatory. Meaning that no matter what standing the government is in, these organizations must be supported with appropriate funds. There should be a mandatory budget imposed to make sure, whether or not the government is shut down or not, these organizations continue to receive the funds they need in order to fully cooperate.

My main objectives during college are to achieve academic growth and prepare for a legal career. I intend to major in Political Science and African American Studies, as these disciplines complement each other and will provide a comprehensive understanding of government, legal systems, and the historical and social challenges affecting marginalized communities. Through these majors, I seek to strengthen my critical thinking, writing, and analytical abilities while maintaining a strong GPA in preparation for law school. Additionally, I plan to participate in student organizations focused on law, advocacy, and service, and to pursue internships in legal or public service environments to gain practical experience. Following graduation, I plan to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney. My interest in advocacy began in middle school, when I observed the challenges faced by communities lacking adequate protection. This experience highlighted the importance of having advocates, particularly for underserved populations. It motivated me to use my education to support individuals who may not have access to proper legal representation. My long-term goal is to establish a career that is both successful and meaningful, enabling me to promote justice, equity, and lasting change. My background in community service has played a major role in shaping these goals. As a member of Teen Council, I have taken the initiative to create opportunities to give back and support others. During my junior year, I developed a passion for supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which led me to organize multiple fundraising efforts at my school. I started by creating a kickball tournament that brought students together while raising $1,200 for MDA. Building on that experience, I later founded the “First Coats and Cocoa” fundraiser, where I organized coat donations for individuals in need while also raising $3,000 for MDA. These efforts allowed me to combine service, leadership, and community engagement in a meaningful way. Through organizing these events, I developed strong skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving, while also seeing firsthand the impact that dedication and initiative can have on others. These experiences reinforced my commitment to service and showed me how important it is to create opportunities that bring people together for a cause. I plan to continue this commitment to service throughout college by joining service-based organizations and seeking opportunities that align with my interests in social justice and advocacy. Through my studies in Political Science and African American Studies, I hope to better understand systemic issues and use that knowledge to serve others more effectively. Beyond college, I intend to incorporate service into my legal career by providing pro bono work and advocating for underserved communities. Community service is something deeply meaningful to me, and I am committed to continuing it throughout my education and future career.