Mental health has been an undeniable force in shaping my life, from my upbringing to my relationships, and ultimately my professional aspirations. My father’s struggle with alcohol addiction was a constant presence in my childhood. I watched as his physical health declined and his relationships fractured under the weight of his addiction. Despite loving him deeply, it was heartbreaking to see him stuck in a cycle he couldn’t escape. Seeing this made me realize that I never wanted to go down the same path. At the same time, it instilled in me a deep sense of compassion for those suffering from addiction. I’ve learned to give others the grace I wished my father had been afforded, knowing that his addiction was a result of unaddressed pain. In 2017, I experienced intimate partner violence that completely shattered my sense of self. The aftermath of that trauma left me battling severe PTSD and major depressive disorder. The darkest chapter of my life followed, culminating in hospitalization for suicidal ideation. While those moments were terrifying and isolating, they also marked the beginning of my journey toward healing. It wasn’t until after my hospitalization for suicidal ideation following intimate partner violence that I decided to prioritize my healing over others’ opinions. That moment marked a turning point in my life. I stopped caring about the stigma my family placed on mental health and forced myself to attend therapy, even when it was uncomfortable. Therapy became the space where I could begin unpacking my trauma, including the violence I witnessed and experienced as a child. These experiences have shaped the way I approach others and the work I do. At my job as a Lead Teacher in an early childhood center for underserved communities, I work with many young children who, like me, have been exposed to traumatic experiences such as family violence and addiction. One moment stands out: A mother confided in me about her partner’s addiction and the ways it was affecting her and her children. Her story resonated deeply with me. I shared parts of my own experience, offered assurance, and collaborated with administration to transition her daughter to a longer classroom schedule. This allowed the mother to take steps toward removing herself and her children from the situation and become self-sufficient. Moments like this remind me why I’ve chosen this path—to be the person I needed when I was younger. My journey has not been easy, but it has profoundly shaped my beliefs and has ingrained in me a greater sense of purpose and belonging. Growing up in a home where emotions were dismissed, I’ve learned to see vulnerability as a form of strength. It takes courage to acknowledge pain, and even more to seek help. The challenges I’ve faced have made me more empathetic and skilled at connecting meaningfully with others that are struggling. My father’s struggles showed me how deeply addiction can impact a person and their relationships, and I carry that understanding into my work and interactions. Looking ahead, I see my purpose clearly: to support the mental health needs of children and families, especially those from immigrant and Latino communities, in navigating the trauma that often goes unspoken. My own experiences with PTSD and depression have taught me that healing is possible, even if the process can be messy and nonlinear. I hope to use my story to destigmatize mental health among Latino communities and create spaces where others feel safe to share theirs. The pain I’ve endured has not defined me, but it has fueled me. It has given me the clarity and determination to break cycles of silence and stigma, both for myself and for others. Mental health will always be part of my story, but it is a chapter that propels me forward—to build a career rooted in empathy, advocacy, and healing.