I have always been the person who will make you laugh until your eyes water, your stomach hurts, or you're rolling on the ground. I can fill a room with laughter and ease tension naturally. If someone is down or upset, I am the first to talk to them and cheer them up. However, when I faced my own darkest times, there was nobody there for me. I struggled heavily during my sophomore and junior year of high school. I slept during class, my grades were slipping, and I didn't leave the house unless to go to school or practice. I was lost and confused, missing a part of me I've always had. My humor, happiness, and work ethic slipped through my fingertips due to no fault of my own. I felt like I had nobody to turn to and nowhere to go. Most nights, I would drink in my room aiming to not remember my actions. I did this for months- every day more of me slipped away. I was angry, irritable, and depressed. I failed to find joy in the activities I used to live for. I got into verbal arguments almost daily with my parents and listened to them lecture me about my recent failures and my predetermined doom for my future. I was at my breaking point in March 2022 when I sat down on the couch and just screamed. My mom watched silently from the other end of the sofa. It was time that I got help and could return to my normal self again. Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions in my area, no counselors were taking new patients, so we set up a plan. After a few months, I was feeling like myself again. I got my grade back up, I enjoyed my extracurriculars, and I looked forward to every coming day. Having been through dark times myself, I know how horrifying and strange mental health struggles can be. I also know that anyone can experience substance abuse and mental health disorders, even those you would never expect to. I intend to become a clinical psychologist because I want to help others that are going through similar hardships. Whether it be mental health issues, substance abuse, addiction, or anything in between, I want to be a person others can come to for help. I aspire to share my experiences in hopes to prove there is greener grass on the other side. I believe that no matter what someone's past holds, they have as much potential to become great as anyone else. In addition, I want to raise awareness about personal battles to further prevent and treat debilitating addictions and mental health struggles. By spreading information, warning signs, and support, we can decrease the harm done to our communities and neighbors.