Our current society is overdriven by perceptions of what’s cool based on people’s social media, musical influence, peer pressure and etc. The influence that those factors have are taking a toll on the youth of different communities that are leading to reckless behaviors in public, including overdosing in schools. This negative image is poisoning the mind of our youth and placing them in a path of destruction that can ruin their future in various ways. My motivation to pursue a career in the field of substance abuse is to honor my late grandfather, Henry Skinner. My grandfather worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and alcohol addiction counselor. Based on the stories I have heard, he enjoyed working with his patients and learning about who they truly are outside of their addiction. He was a good man that took on the burdens of other people’s pain to be the leap in change they needed to have better lives. Sometimes all people need is for someone to believe in them to make that great change in becoming their greatest self. My personal experience with substance abuse comes from the community I live in. My house is located in a middle class neighborhood in Washington, D.C where one street separates my family from the lower income houses that are more prone to drugs and violence. A community where one of the current lifestyles for young boys means being outside claiming ‘hoods leading to lethal rivalries, smoking marijuana, misusing prescription pills/medications, and normalizing violence. As a black female, it hurts to see communities falling victim to drug use at such young ages. I have witnessed males in my life praise this lifestyle of misusing substances to “get high” relieving themselves of their sorrows and realities they face. This lifestyle that plagues the innocence of the black and brown males in this community has even led me to stating that I am unsure about having children. The influence it has is so strong that it strips away that there are young men who are focused on education and sports, trying not to fall victim to these stereotypical images. By pursuing a career in this field, I want to provide a safe space for those who suffer from substance abuse to know there’s other coping outlets. I would want my patients to understand that they aren’t alone, that substance abuse will only lead to self destruction, and that life has more to offer than the current demons you’re facing. I want the youth to recognize that the life that people portray on the internet is a facade. I want to show people that what you see doesn’t have to be your life. You must always want what’s best for yourself, including not falling victim to your environment, personal problems, the wrong influence of others, and so much more! Drug use will only put you in a dark hole that is tough to get out with lack of motivation or support.