I have been a counselor to students ages 5 to 8 since the age of 14 and I’m currently 31. Im currently studying social work where I plan on opening my own not for profit organization in the future . While working with children I have learned how detrimental it is to not have a good support system. The program I plan on opening will be a safe space for children in the Bronx . I will teach empathy, conflict resolution, the importance of praise and respect. I believe the space I plan on owning will be a space children will not have to worry about bullying because they will have a support system of adults and children who help build their confidence and self worth. I may not be able to stop bullying in the entire world, but I believe I have the potential to create a space where children don’t feel the need to believe because they will learn how to communicate with others in a way that is respectful. I used to work in an agency called Unitas therapeutic community, this organization was completely free and as a child in this program and a young employee, I was able to see the changes this program made for kids with all different types of life experiences, and different forms of trauma due to their environment and society. I want to continue to work with children , also giving them spaces That are safe since we are filled with constant judgment from social media, school, friendships, and just society, stereotypes, and norms. Wow, I was a child in the agency of UNITAS therapeutic community. I saw children from being extremely shy to open and talkative because they were able to communicate with peers their age and the way that was respectful and friendly. In this agency, I saw gang members who were opposite gangs get along. The program even allowed me to have a peer mentor who, even as an adult now still checks on me and is at every milestone of my life. I want to be able to offer that same space for children who do not have access to afterschool programs that are affordable for their families. With my degree and social work I will also be able to offer Resources to my community That they may feel that they didn’t have access to such as Support with applying to college. Support with Building a résumé and having a counselor to support them every step of the way, and having a safe person to speak to if necessary.