I plan to make a positive impact on the world by dedicating my life to service that is both compassionate and meaningful, particularly in the fields of healthcare, education, and community support. As a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in Psychology, I have learned that impact is not always defined by large-scale actions, but often by consistent efforts to support individuals in moments where they feel overwhelmed, unseen, or unsupported. My understanding of service began through my volunteer experiences in inclusive community programs and youth development. Working with children of diverse abilities and coaching youth sports has shown me the importance of patience, encouragement, and creating environments where people feel valued regardless of their background or challenges. In these roles, I have seen how small acts, such as offering encouragement, adapting communication, or simply showing up consistently, can significantly influence a person’s confidence and sense of belonging. In addition to community-based volunteering, my exposure to healthcare environments has further shaped my desire to serve others. I have observed how individuals and families often struggle to understand complex systems, especially during stressful or emotional times. Whether related to medical information, resource access, or decision-making, many people face barriers that prevent them from fully understanding their options. These experiences have made me realize that one of the most meaningful ways to create impact is by helping others navigate systems that are not always designed with accessibility in mind. In the future, I plan to become a genetic counselor specializing in oncology, where I can combine my interest in psychology with healthcare communication. My goal is to support patients and families by helping them understand complex genetic information in a way that is clear, compassionate, and empowering. I want to ensure that individuals are not left feeling confused or alone when making important decisions about their health. Beyond my career goals, I also plan to continue engaging in community service and mentorship. I want to work with programs that support youth development, inclusion, and access to education, especially for individuals from underserved backgrounds. I believe that long-term impact comes from both direct service and the creation of supportive environments where people can grow and thrive. Ultimately, my vision of making a positive impact on the world is rooted in compassion and connection. I want to contribute to a world where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Whether through healthcare, education, or community work, I hope to dedicate my life to service that uplifts others and creates lasting change.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses are often described in medical terms; memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behavior. However, my understanding of dementia is not only academic; it is shaped by watching how illness transforms not just an individual, but an entire family system. While I have not experienced dementia within my immediate household in a direct clinical sense, my exposure to patients and families navigating serious neurological and genetic health conditions has given me a deep awareness of the emotional, psychological, and relational impact of progressive cognitive disease. Through my work in healthcare environments and my academic focus in psychology, I have seen how conditions that affect memory and cognition extend far beyond the individual diagnosed. They reshape communication, family roles, and emotional stability. Dementia in particular is unique because it gradually affects the very elements that define a person’s identity; their memories, relationships, and sense of self. This makes it not only a neurological disease, but also a profoundly psychological and social one. One of the most impactful realizations I have had is how dementia changes the way families relate to one another. In the early stages, subtle memory lapses may be dismissed or minimized. Over time, however, families begin to notice shifts in behavior, communication, and personality. Loved ones often find themselves grieving incrementally, long before physical loss occurs. This experience is sometimes referred to as “ambiguous loss”, a type of grief where someone is physically present but psychologically changing. This concept deeply changed the way I understand caregiving, emotional resilience, and mental health support. In clinical and volunteer settings, I have observed how overwhelming it can be for families to navigate neurological diagnoses. Many individuals struggle not only with the emotional weight of the diagnosis but also with understanding medical information, treatment options, and long-term expectations. I have seen how important it is for healthcare providers to communicate clearly, patiently, and compassionately, especially when cognitive decline affects both patients and caregivers. These experiences have influenced my academic path in psychology and my interest in neuroscience and medical research. I am particularly drawn to understanding how memory functions in the brain, how neurodegenerative diseases progress, and how early detection or intervention might improve quality of life. Dementia-related illnesses raise important scientific questions about the relationship between brain biology and human identity; questions that are not only medically significant, but deeply human. What has stayed with me most is the emotional reality of these conditions. Dementia does not just affect memory, it affects relationships. Families must learn to adapt to changing dynamics, shifting roles, and new forms of communication. Children may become caregivers to parents, and spouses may have to navigate unfamiliar emotional territory. This reversal of roles requires immense emotional strength, patience, and support systems that are not always readily available. From these observations, I have learned that dementia care is not solely about medical treatment, it is about dignity, empathy, and preserving connection for as long as possible. Even when memory fades, emotional connection can remain. Small moments of recognition, comfort, and presence can have a powerful impact on both patients and families. This understanding has strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in psychology and healthcare-related research. I want to contribute to improving how we understand and support individuals with cognitive decline, whether through research on brain function, improved patient communication, or more compassionate care models. I am especially interested in how psychological support can be integrated into medical treatment to better support both patients and caregivers. Additionally, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of early education and awareness around dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Many families are unprepared for the progression of these illnesses, and greater public understanding could help reduce fear, stigma, and confusion. I hope to be part of efforts that make neurological health more accessible and understandable to the general public. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related conditions have taught me that memory is not only a biological function; it is also the foundation of identity, relationships, and meaning. When memory is affected, the impact is felt across every aspect of life. This realization has deepened my respect for neuroscience and strengthened my desire to contribute to this field in a meaningful way. Through my education in psychology and future work in medical research, I hope to support efforts that improve the lives of individuals and families affected by dementia. Whether through research, clinical communication, or patient advocacy, my goal is to contribute to a future where cognitive diseases are better understood, more effectively treated, and met with greater compassion and support.

As a first-generation college student, I have learned to navigate challenges without the guidance of prior family experience in higher education. This has shaped not only my resilience, but also my ability to empathize with others who are navigating unfamiliar or complex systems. Because I have had to learn how to advocate for myself, seek out resources independently, and persist through uncertainty, I understand how important it is to feel supported, understood, and included in environments that can often feel overwhelming. I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at UCLA, with the goal of becoming a genetic counselor specializing in oncology. While my career path is rooted in healthcare, the skills I am developing, communication, emotional awareness, and cultural sensitivity, extend far beyond a single profession. They are tools I hope to use to help build a more empathetic and understanding global community. One of my key experiences that shaped this goal has been working in healthcare-related environments where I observed how difficult it can be for individuals to understand complex medical information, especially when they are already experiencing emotional stress. I have seen how patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with limited access to healthcare education or language barriers, can feel confused or disconnected from their own care. These moments made me realize that empathy is not just emotional understanding; it is also about clarity, accessibility, and the ability to meet people where they are. In addition to healthcare exposure, I have also worked closely with children in inclusive community programs. These experiences taught me how to adapt communication styles based on individual needs and how small adjustments in language or approach can make a significant difference in whether someone feels included or excluded. I learned that empathy often requires slowing down, listening carefully, and recognizing that people experience the world in different ways. I plan to use these skills to build a more empathetic global community by focusing on improving communication in healthcare and education systems. In my future career, I hope to help individuals and families understand complex genetic and medical information in ways that are clear, compassionate, and accessible. I want to ensure that people are not excluded from important decisions about their health simply because the information is difficult to understand or not presented in a supportive way. Beyond my professional goals, I also hope to contribute to broader efforts that promote inclusion and understanding across cultural and socioeconomic differences. As someone from a first-generation background, I am especially aware of how easily people can feel isolated when systems are not designed with accessibility in mind. I want to be part of creating spaces where individuals feel seen, respected, and empowered to ask questions and seek support. Ultimately, I believe empathy is built through connection and understanding. By using my skills in psychology, communication, and cultural awareness, I hope to contribute to a world where people are not only informed, but truly supported in the decisions and challenges they face. My goal is to help bridge gaps between systems and individuals so that understanding becomes something everyone has access to, not a privilege.

Leadership, to me, is not defined by a title or position, but by action specifically, the willingness to serve others consistently and intentionally. My understanding of leadership through service has been shaped by my experiences volunteering in community-based programs and taking on roles where I was responsible not only for participating, but also for helping organize and guide activities that directly impacted others. One of the most meaningful service experiences I have been involved in is my work with an inclusive play program that supports children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Over time, I moved beyond simply assisting and began taking on a more active leadership role in helping facilitate activities, guiding interactions between children, and ensuring that each participant felt included and supported. This required thoughtful planning, patience, and the ability to adapt activities in real time based on the needs of the group. While the program itself was structured, my role often involved helping coordinate how activities were carried out and making sure every child could participate meaningfully. In addition to this, I have also served as a youth volleyball coach through community recreation programs. In this role, I not only coached athletes but also helped organize practices, structure skill-building drills, and create an environment that emphasized teamwork and confidence. Many of the athletes I worked with were new to the sport or lacked experience, so part of my responsibility was to break down skills in a way that was encouraging and accessible. I also worked to foster a positive team culture where every player felt valued, regardless of skill level. Through these experiences, I learned that service is most powerful when it is consistent and relationship-driven. Leadership through service is not about performing isolated acts of kindness, but about showing up regularly, building trust, and creating environments where others can grow. I saw this especially in my work with younger athletes and children with diverse abilities; small moments of encouragement or inclusion often had a lasting impact on their confidence and sense of belonging. What I find most meaningful about service-based leadership is that it shifts the focus away from the individual leader and toward the people being served. It requires humility, empathy, and the ability to listen. I learned that effective leadership often means stepping back, observing what others need, and adjusting your approach to support them in the best way possible. These experiences have reinforced my belief that leadership is rooted in action and consistency. Whether in sports, community programs, or inclusive environments, I have seen how service can build connection and empower others. Moving forward, I plan to continue engaging in opportunities where I can serve, organize, and support individuals in meaningful ways. Leadership through service matters because it creates ripple effects far beyond a single moment or event. It builds communities, fosters inclusion, and allows individuals to feel seen and supported. Through my experiences, I have learned that the most impactful leaders are those who serve first, and I intend to carry that mindset into everything I do.

As a first-generation college student and the daughter of an immigrant mother who raised my brother and me on her own, my journey has been shaped by resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to education. My mother came to the United States with limited resources but a strong belief that education would be the foundation for a better future. Watching her navigate life as a single parent while balancing work, financial pressure, and family responsibility has profoundly shaped my understanding of strength and determination. Growing up, I quickly learned that there was no roadmap for higher education in my family. College applications, financial aid systems, and academic planning were unfamiliar territory. Instead of guidance from experience, I learned through persistence, research, and asking questions. This process required me to become independent early on, but it also taught me how to advocate for myself and take ownership of my future. My motivation to pursue higher education is deeply connected to both my family’s sacrifices and my desire to create opportunities that were not always available to us. I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at UCLA, with the goal of becoming a genetic counselor specializing in oncology. While this career path is rooted in science and healthcare, my deeper motivation is centered on access; ensuring that individuals and families, especially those from underserved and immigrant backgrounds, can understand complex medical information and make informed decisions about their health. Through my experiences working in healthcare environments, I have seen how overwhelming systems can be for individuals who already face barriers such as language differences, financial strain, or lack of familiarity with medical processes. These challenges are not just logistical; they are deeply emotional and often affect how people experience care and support. These moments have reinforced my commitment to being someone who helps bridge those gaps. What drives me most is the idea of “reaching back,” a value reflected in this scholarship’s mission. My mother’s sacrifices were never just for her own survival; they were for the future she wanted to build for us. I carry that same mindset forward. I want my education and career to not only create stability for myself, but also to uplift others who are navigating similar challenges. Like Dinakara Rao, I understand that success is not defined solely by personal achievement, but by what you are able to give back. My goal is to use my education to support individuals who feel lost in complex systems, to advocate for clearer communication in healthcare, and to contribute to a more equitable and accessible future. As I continue my academic journey, I remain grounded in the lessons my mother has taught me: perseverance, humility, and responsibility. I am committed to turning those values into action through my education and future career, with the hope of making a meaningful impact on both my community and the lives of others facing similar obstacles.

I am a descendant of Bolivia through my father’s side of the family, and my Bolivian heritage has always been a meaningful and proud part of my identity. My paternal family is deeply connected to our roots, and growing up, I was surrounded by stories, values, and traditions that reflected the resilience and strength of Bolivian culture. Even while living in the United States, my family has maintained a strong sense of cultural pride, and that pride has shaped the way I see myself and my future. Although I was not born in Bolivia, my connection to it has never felt distant. It lives in the way my family speaks about our history, in the importance placed on hard work and perseverance, and in the emphasis on staying grounded in our identity no matter where life takes us. My father’s side of the family has always reminded me that being Bolivian is not just about geography; it is about carrying forward values of strength, humility, and resilience. This cultural identity has influenced my academic and professional goals in a meaningful way. I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with the goal of working in healthcare as a genetic counselor. While this path may seem scientific on the surface, it is deeply connected to my desire to serve diverse communities and help individuals navigate complex systems in a way that is accessible and compassionate. My Bolivian background has made me especially aware of the challenges many immigrant and underrepresented families face when accessing healthcare and educational resources. Language barriers, limited information, and lack of representation can often make systems feel overwhelming or unwelcoming. Because of this, I have developed a strong commitment to ensuring that people, especially those from backgrounds similar to mine, feel seen, understood, and supported in environments that are often intimidating or complex. In my work and academic experiences, I have learned the importance of communication, empathy, and cultural awareness. These values are directly tied to how I was raised within my Bolivian family. I have been taught to listen carefully, to value community, and to approach challenges with persistence rather than discouragement. These lessons continue to guide me as I move forward in my education. Ultimately, my Bolivian identity is not separate from my academic journey, it is part of the foundation that drives it. It reminds me that success is not only personal, but also connected to the responsibility of uplifting others and honoring where I come from. As I continue my studies and future career, I hope to represent my heritage with pride and contribute to creating spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel empowered and supported.

My decision to pursue a path related to social work was rooted in my desire to understand people beyond their circumstances and to be a support system for individuals navigating complex, often overwhelming situations. As a first-generation college student from an underrepresented background, I have experienced firsthand how limited access to guidance and resources can shape a person’s opportunities. Growing up, I learned to navigate challenges independently while also observing how many families like mine often lack structured support systems when facing education, healthcare, and financial barriers. Initially, I was drawn to this field because I wanted to help individuals who feel unseen or unheard. I believed that social work would allow me to be directly involved in advocating for people who need assistance navigating systems that are often difficult to access. Since beginning my academic journey, my understanding of this path has deepened and become more focused. Through my studies in psychology and my experience working in healthcare environments, I have realized that support is not only about addressing immediate needs, but also about understanding the emotional, psychological, and systemic factors that shape a person’s experience. Working in a cancer center genomics department has shown me how overwhelming complex systems can be for individuals and families, especially when they are already under emotional stress. I have seen how unclear communication and lack of guidance can create confusion, anxiety, and barriers to care. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to becoming someone who can bridge those gaps, not just by offering support, but by helping people understand and navigate systems that directly affect their lives. While I originally viewed social work as direct service and advocacy, I now see it as something broader: a commitment to equity across multiple systems, including healthcare, education, and community support. My perspective has shifted toward understanding that meaningful impact often requires both one-on-one support and systemic awareness. In my future career, I plan to support underserved and underrepresented communities, particularly families who face barriers related to healthcare access, language, and financial limitations. I want to help individuals who feel lost in complex systems by providing clarity, advocacy, and emotional support during critical decision-making moments. My goal is to ensure that people are not only informed, but also empowered to make decisions that affect their lives and families. Ultimately, I plan to give back by working directly with individuals in vulnerable situations while also contributing to larger efforts that improve access and equity within systems that often disadvantage marginalized communities. Whether through healthcare advocacy, counseling, or community-based support, I want my work to reflect compassion, understanding, and action. This scholarship represents an opportunity to continue building the skills and knowledge necessary to become an advocate for those who need it most. I am committed to using my education to create meaningful, lasting impact in the communities I serve.

As a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in Psychology at UCLA, I am committed to building a career centered on accessible, compassionate care. My long-term goal is to become a genetic counselor specializing in oncology, but my work with the special needs community has fundamentally shaped how I understand care, communication, and advocacy. For several years, I have volunteered with an inclusive play program that supports children with physical and cognitive disabilities. In this environment, I worked directly with children who experience developmental differences, helping facilitate play, encourage social interaction, and create a space where every child feels included. What stood out to me most was not the differences between the children, but the barriers created by their environment, lack of accessibility, lack of understanding, and limited opportunities for meaningful inclusion. This experience changed the way I view impact. Supporting the special needs community is not only about providing assistance, but about actively removing barriers that prevent individuals from fully participating in society. I learned that inclusion requires intentional action, adapting communication styles, being patient with different learning and interaction needs, and recognizing that independence looks different for everyone. These lessons directly influence how I plan to make a social impact through my career. In healthcare, individuals with special needs are often underserved. They may struggle to access clear medical information, advocate for themselves in clinical settings, or receive care that is tailored to their specific needs. As a future genetic counselor, I want to address these gaps by ensuring that medical communication is accessible to all patients, regardless of cognitive or developmental differences. My goal is to develop approaches to genetic counseling that prioritize clarity, adaptability, and inclusivity. This includes using simplified language, visual tools, and personalized communication strategies to help patients better understand complex genetic information. I also hope to advocate for more inclusive healthcare practices, where providers are trained to recognize and support the diverse needs of patients with disabilities. Beyond clinical work, I am committed to continuing my involvement in community-based programs that support individuals with special needs. Whether through volunteering, mentorship, or advocacy, I want to contribute to environments that promote inclusion and equal opportunity. The special needs community does not lack ability; it often lacks access. Through my education and career, I aim to be part of the change that removes those barriers. By combining my background in psychology with my hands-on experience in inclusive environments, I hope to create a meaningful impact by ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, is seen, supported, and empowered.

Growing up as the daughter of an immigrant mother has shaped both my perspective and my sense of responsibility. My mom came to the United States with limited resources but an unwavering commitment to building a better life. I have watched her navigate challenges that many people never see; long work hours, financial strain, and, more recently, serious health issues, all while continuing to prioritize my education. Her resilience has shown me what sacrifice truly looks like, and it has become the foundation of my own drive to succeed. As a first-generation college student, I am stepping into unfamiliar territory. There is no blueprint in my family for navigating higher education, financial aid, or career pathways. I have had to learn how to advocate for myself, seek out opportunities, and make decisions that will shape not only my future, but also create a path for my family. While this responsibility can feel overwhelming, it has also motivated me to take ownership of my education in a meaningful way. My experiences have led me to pursue a degree in Psychology at UCLA, with the goal of becoming a genetic counselor specializing in oncology. Through my work in a cancer center’s genomics department, I have seen how difficult it can be for patients and families to understand complex medical information, especially when they are already under emotional stress. I have also seen how access to clear, compassionate guidance can make a significant difference in how people cope and make decisions about their health. As someone from an immigrant background, I am especially aware of the barriers that exist in healthcare, including language differences, limited access to resources, and a lack of representation. These challenges often make it even harder for families to fully understand their options. My goal is to help bridge that gap by making genetic information more accessible and ensuring that patients feel supported, informed, and respected regardless of their background. Beyond my career goals, I am committed to giving back to my community. Through volunteering and mentorship, I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and I have seen how guidance and support can empower others to pursue opportunities they may not have thought possible. I hope to continue this work by mentoring students from immigrant families who, like me, are navigating higher education for the first time. My education is not just a personal achievement; it is a continuation of my mother’s sacrifices and a step toward creating opportunities for others. I carry with me the values of resilience, hard work, and perseverance that she has instilled in me. Through my career in genetic counseling, I hope to make a meaningful impact by supporting patients, improving access to healthcare information, and contributing to a more equitable and understanding healthcare system.

I chose to pursue psychology because I have seen firsthand how mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life, especially during times of crisis. As a first-generation college student raised by a single immigrant mother, I grew up witnessing resilience in its most honest form. My mother faced cancer with determination and strength, continuing to care for me while navigating uncertainty and fear. Watching her endure these challenges showed me how deeply emotional well-being influences one’s ability to cope, heal, and move forward. At the same time, I experienced my own struggles with depression and severe anxiety. While my mother battled physical illness, I quietly faced mental health challenges that made daily functioning and academic focus difficult. Living through both experiences gave me a deeper understanding of how closely mental and physical health are connected. It taught me that healing is not only medical; it is emotional, psychological, and deeply human. These experiences motivated me to study psychology and pursue a career centered on mental health support and counseling. Navigating higher education while managing my mental health taught me self-awareness, resilience, and the importance of seeking help. There were moments when school felt overwhelming, not due to a lack of ambition, but because mental health struggles can make survival the priority. Through accessing support and developing coping strategies, I gained insight into how crucial accessible, compassionate mental health care truly is. This understanding continues to shape my academic path and long-term goals. I am currently an undergraduate psychology student with a strong academic record, preparing for graduate training in counseling-related fields. My long-term goal is to work in counseling focused healthcare roles that support individuals and families facing serious illness, trauma, or life-altering circumstances. I want to provide emotional guidance, psychoeducation, and advocacy to help people process fear, uncertainty, and major decisions with clarity and support. My experience in the mental health field includes volunteering in a cancer infusion center and a cancer genetics counseling clinic. In these settings, I have witnessed anxiety, grief, and emotional distress alongside resilience and hope. I have seen how active listening, empathy, and validation can significantly ease emotional burden. These experiences reinforced my belief that counseling and mental health support are essential components of ethical, effective healthcare. As a low-income, first-generation student, balancing academics, mental health, volunteering, and financial responsibilities has required persistence and discipline. These challenges strengthened my drive and deepened my commitment to mental health advocacy. Receiving the Ethan To Scholarship would reduce financial strain and allow me to focus more fully on my education and professional development. Most importantly, it would support my goal of honoring Ethan To’s legacy by promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and helping others feel seen, supported, and understood.

Education is important to me because it represents hope, resilience, and the ability to transform hardship into purpose. As a first-generation college student raised by a single immigrant mother, I have learned that education is not just a privilege; it is a lifeline. My mother taught me the value of perseverance through her actions long before I ever understood it in words. When I was young, my mom was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. I watched her balance treatment, motherhood, work, and fear all at once. Despite the pain and uncertainty, she showed strength in ways that shaped who I am today. After eleven years of being cancer free, her cancer has returned. Experiencing this twice in my lifetime has been heartbreaking, but it has also given me clarity, purpose, and a deep understanding of how fragile and precious life truly is. It is one of the main reasons education means so much to me, it is how I plan to fight back against the helplessness cancer creates. I am currently an undergraduate psychology student at a community college, preparing to transfer to a four-year university next fall. As a first-generation student, I navigate this journey without the guidance of family members who have experienced higher education before. I often teach myself how to apply for financial aid, choose courses, and plan for graduate school. While this can feel overwhelming, it has also made me independent, determined, and deeply proud of every milestone I reach. My long-term goal is to become a cancer genetic counselor. This dream was shaped by both personal experience and my volunteer work in a cancer infusion center and a cancer genetics counseling clinic, where I currently serve. Through these roles, I see firsthand how deeply cancer affects patients and their families; not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. I also see how powerful it is when patients are given knowledge, support, and someone who truly listens. I want to be that person for others someday. Education is the bridge between where I come from and where I am going. It gives me the tools to turn grief into purpose and fear into service. Every class I take honors the sacrifices my mother continues to make and the battles she continues to fight. I carry her strength with me into every classroom. The legacy I hope to leave is one of resilience, compassion, and possibility. I want to show future generations in my family that being first does not mean being alone, it means becoming a guide for those who come after. I hope to leave a professional legacy rooted in patient advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and trust, especially for families navigating the fear and uncertainty of cancer. Most of all, I hope my life becomes proof that pain does not have to define the future, education does.

As a first-generation college student, I strive to create an impact on my community and become involved in the spread of awareness in how truly important mental health is. I have felt a calling my entire life to be a reliable, trustworthy, and helpful person to others utilizing my empathy and calm demeanor. Since I was a child, I always wanted to be the person who would lend a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on to those around me. I like to think I have successfully achieved that goal but my ambitions have only grown stronger. I want to make a difference not only in my close community but school-wide, nation-wide, and eventually world-wide. In my adolescences, I had experienced tough times which required me to go see therapists and seek out mental health services. Yet I found that all these services were kept discrete and made the process of seeking help even more difficult than it already was. I have realized that as a college student, I now have opportunities and access to go out and start creating a difference in the promotion of these service which all schools have. I often take part in mental health activities on my campus which help promote healthy thinking and ways to get access to our mental health services on campus. I have successfully joined the Student Health Center on my campus and work to promote our services on campus whether at club events or being invited to speak in classes about the services we offer. I am actively trying to create a difference on my college campus and I hope this serves as a stepping stone into the awareness of mental health services available to students. I truly hope that my handing out of our card, speaking to those walking by on campus, and taking the time to speak to classes about where and how they can access our mental health services on campus makes a difference in one singular student's life. As I am just in my first semester of college, I see so much opportunity to do more. I want to start making differences outside of my community. Gaining a mentor, internships, working in clinics and more are all included in my ideas to try and make a positive impact outside of my community and overall broaden my community and make more of an impact. As I discover and acquire new skills in my college life, I hope to do more with my passion and abilities to create an even stronger positive impact on others