Experiencing grief can feel like drowning. Since November, when my mom passed away, it often felt like I was being held underwater, fighting for air that I thought would never come. My mom was my home and my comfort, and losing her felt like losing the air in my lungs. I didn’t just lose my mom, I lost my best friend. Returning to school, sitting through classes, and completing assignments while carrying that grief was one of the hardest things I have ever faced. There were days when I felt numb and unsure how to move forward, but I continued to show up each day and do the work in front of me. That experience forced me to grow in ways I never expected and taught me resilience during one of the most painful moments of my life. A few weeks later, I began volunteering at my church. At first it was simply something to do, but it quickly became much more meaningful. Serving others helped pull me out of my own grief and reminded me that even when life feels overwhelming, we can still show up for the people around us. Working alongside others in my community gave me perspective and helped me rediscover purpose. It reminded me of the values my mom raised me with: compassion, faith, and caring for others. Through service, I began to understand that healing sometimes happens not by focusing on yourself, but by helping others. Looking toward the future, I plan to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. I am interested in developing new materials used in everyday products such as plastics, toothpaste, and other household items. I am fascinated by how chemistry and engineering can be used to design materials that improve everyday life and make products safer and more sustainable. Continuing my education will give me the knowledge and skills necessary to turn these ideas into real solutions. The adversity I have faced has strengthened my determination to move forward, pursue my education, and build a future that would make my mom proud. Waves of grief may still come, but I have learned that waves don’t wait, and neither can I.