As I look at the world around me, people are constantly suffering in silence. No one should suffer because they cannot afford Healthcare. Countless individuals are left without support and left to struggle due to high costs and stereotypes. I am Sophia Santiago and my mission is to change that. ​ As an advocate in my community, I have established a local initiative called Protect Danbury Hearts. I've run fundraisers and volunteered hundreds of hours of my time to support those in need in my community. I want to go into the medical field and have a long-term goal of improving Mental Health Resources, especially for under-served communities. Expanding Affordable Health Care and being compassionate is something I'm most passionate about. Too often, people are constantly seeking help, but don't know where to go. I want to develop programs that will eliminate those barriers and offer low-cost screenings that provide care to the people who need it most. Oftentimes, the people struggling are the backbone of our community. My goal is not just to work in health care but to transform the stigmas within it by also emphasizing the importance of affordability. Mental health care should not be considered a privilege but instead recognized as a right. I want to take this all to the next level and build a world where healing is possible for all. Many people disappear quietly inside themselves. My life mission is to make sure they are found and heard before it is too late.