I am very proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, and there is a sense of unity and love shared within the community that may not always be received elsewhere. I had this overwhelming sense of acceptance and love from all of my friends and those around me when I first came out, as I still do. However, growing up, this was not always the case. My parents did not understand that being a lesbian is not a choice someone decides to make one day. It is just part of who you are, as it goes for all members of the community. It's our identity and who we are. Living with parents that didn't accept me for who I am made my high school experience very difficult. At times things got very violent and physical, and other times I was not allowed to leave the house. When I was with my high school sweetheart, who will now become my wife this upcoming January, seven years later, I was forced to pretend to be someone I wasn't to have peace within my own home. I had to hide my feelings and relationship and a large part of who I was from those I thought loved me unconditionally. Eventually, I ran away from home and had to live with friends until I graduated high school. I later went to community college, and now I am about to get my bachelor's in Exercise Science this May. I will be applying to graduate programs for Occupational Therapy. I've always known that I want to make a difference in peoples' lives. By being an Occupational Therapist, I can provide the tools and support for someone to live more independently and have confidence in what they do. I want to work in a pediatric setting where I can work one-on-one with children. I want to provide them support for their long-term goals short-term goals, and not only work at improving aspects such as their fine and gross motor skills but also have them know that they are worthy and important. Mental health is one of the most critical aspects of the health field, no matter what setting and what the patient receives help for. If the patient believes they will achieve, heal, thrive, and conquer, they will do so much faster while also feeling a sense of pride doing so. I hope to work with underserved communities, minorities, children who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and any young individual that may need that extra support and the need not only to be seen but heard. I am proud to say I will have the opportunity every day to make a positive impact on these kids' lives, and I am proud to say that I am an intelligent, powerful, young woman who is part of and will always stand by the LGBTQ+ community.