I am an incoming junior at Emmanuel College, studying Psychology with a concentration in Counseling and Health. Throughout high school, I have made countless sacrifices and applied all my efforts to afford and attend college. I am so grateful to be where I am today and understand the privilege I have to go to such an amazing school. It was a difficult journey for me as I navigated what I wanted to do with my life, but everything became very clear almost 4 years ago when I lost a close friend to suicide. I had experienced something heavy, that I carry with me every single day. But it was not just me. It was a mother, classmates, coworkers, teachers, and friends. We all lost someone, but through my grief I found something. A lot of my friends were set on their futures. They wanted to be teachers and nurses, but I had no idea what I wanted to do. We were only 15. But after his death, there was only one thing I could see myself doing. I was not able to save him, but I knew there were others. Depression often goes under diagnosed in boys, yet they have the highest rates of suicide. I used social media to advocate for mental health awareness and did not let his story fade. When college decisions and career paths became the topic of every conversation, I felt confident in what I wanted to do. I no longer was uncertain about my future and began researching the world of psychology. No matter the obstacles I face or the criticism I receive towards my career path, I have no doubt in my mind that I was put on this earth to help others in ways my friend needed. In addition to my Psychology degree, I am minoring in Global and Public Health, to educate and prepare myself on helping communities and working with programs that are easily accessible to patients. I want to be able to give back to the communities I was raised in and offer assistance to those in need. Growing up in a low-income environment, mental health care was often inaccessible and a taboo topic for many of my peers. In my career, I want to be the support system for children and young adolescents that many people in my community lacked. For being so uncertain before, I now have full confidence in my future. I owe it to my friend to show up for others and take every opportunity that comes my way. Everything I do is for him and all the others that suffer in silence.

Over the course of my reading journey, there have been a few books that have really stood out to me. Books that I could talk about for hours and never run out of things to say. One of those books is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. From the beginning, the book grabs your attention. Albom’s writing style is so personal and relatable that you as a reader feel that you are joining him in his vulnerable state. Written from Albom’s perspective, it is a memoir of his relationship with a college professor, but also his relationship with the world around him. The professor, Morrie, is diagnosed with ALS, which is a neurodegenerative disorder that ultimately leads to death. Each Tuesday, the two convene at Morrie’s house, and share deep conversations as Morrie offers Albom guidance and advice on all things’ life. But each Tuesday, Morrie gets closer and closer to his inevitable passing. A prominent theme throughout the book is death, but the two characters in the memoir process this idea very differently. Albom is filled with guilt and confusion as he processes Morrie’s death and the fact that he did not remain in contact with his favorite professor post-graduation. After attending the regular Tuesday meetings, Albom soon learns that Morrie is not scared of his death, nor ashamed of his disorder. He is secure in his situation, something that Albom was not able to grasp easily. Morrie demonstrates compassion and empathy towards Albom, despite death being right around the corner for himself. Throughout their time together, their relationship progresses far past a professor and student, and explores the intimacy of platonic relationships. There is a beauty of being introduced to two characters, learning about their very differing perspectives, and then watching them gradually influence and inspire each other. Albom writes in such a flawless medium that you as a reader feel that you are sat right next to the two characters and are experiencing the passing of wisdom and advice. After finishing the book, I was filled with gratitude for the little things and directed my focus on what is important and close to my heart. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom is a beautiful memoir that I encourage everyone to read. It opens deep conversations and teaches you to hold your loved ones close, which in my opinion, is one of the most important things to practice.