My Italian-American heritage, rooted in the Sicilian town of Terrasini and carried with me to San Pedro, California, is the foundation of my identity. The dialect I speak, a blend of Arabic and Greek influences, is a constant reminder of my culture's depth and diversity. My culture, my experiences, and my values have inherently embodied determination, resilience, and dedication, mirroring the virtues of Marcello Rosino. I was always closely connected to my culture, kept vibrant by the Italian community in my town, ensuring from the very beginning the impact of my Italian heritage was deeply felt. As I attended the local Italian-American club in my town, I found myself to be one of the only little girls who knew how to speak Italian, or should I say, Sicilian. However, this connection was exacerbated in an unconventional and tragic way due to the unexpected loss of my father. One decision. It took just one decision to change the trajectory of my life. Overwhelmed by grief, my mother decided to move back to Terrasini. This set off an ongoing cycle for the past seven years, with an intangible, invisible string forever connecting us between Sicily and Los Angeles. It marked the beginning of a journey that had us constantly traveling back and forth between these two regions. This facilitated resilience as I navigated the complexities of my bicultural identity. Embracing Sicilian life allowed me to connect with my family's past, learning the importance of kinship and community. I felt alienated and alone due to my feelings of being different amongst the rest, but this was bridged between cultures through language and translation, exemplifying the dedication to my heritage and the determination to overcome barriers. This made me able to recognize a silver lining as I accepted this new approach to life. However, despite being open to embracing the traditional customs in my town, one issue prominently stood out: the approach to mental health. I felt a deep urge to challenge these ingrained views, especially witnessing the stigma in my surroundings. Conversations were tainted by misinformation and insults that undermined its importance. My passion for psychology became the tool through which I began to dismantle these ingrained perceptions, starting with my own family. I believe this attitude extends beyond my community, affecting broader perceptions internationally, especially among those who immigrated and raised children abroad. This exemplifies my dedication to making a positive impact through education and awareness. In pursuit of my independence, I travelled alone back to Los Angeles, always carrying Sicily in my heart, wearing it on my sleeve. I carried the determination, the same one my father carried as his eyes gleamed with the American dream and hope. I sought to uphold his legacy within his honor. Along with my mother, from whom I gained resilience as I witnessed her struggle and make sacrifices as a single mother raising me and my siblings alone. I plan to use my education in psychology to address the mental health stigma through the dedication to dismantle these constructs that are prominent in the Italian American community and beyond. This commitment to my heritage, values, and future goals aligns my connection to the legacy of Marcello Rosino. Through my education and actions, I aim to make a positive impact, breaking cycles of stigma and misunderstanding. In the guise of my strong Italian and American influence, I aim to make a change.