I didn't full realize what I had been through until I shared my story and recognized that it wasn't typical for a teenage girl. Everything changed the summer before my senior year when I received the devastating news that my friend had committed suicide. I was only 17, and since that night, nothing has felt the same. It's hard to say if the world has gotten worse or better, but every day since then, I've wondered what life would be like if my friend was still here. During this time, I developed anxiety and the pandemic cut my senior year short, only making it worse. I couldn't leave my house because my mind was consumed by chaotic thoughts. I honestly thought my life would be like that forever. The idea of going to college seemed impossible. It was one of the darkest times of my life, and the restrictions only made it harder. Eventually, I decided to try therapy, even though I had doubts. Slowly, I started exposure therapy, just taking small steps like going for a walk. A thought kept repeating in my mind: "I am not anxiety, and anxiety is not me." I couldn't let it take over my life. I knew my friend would want me to get better. Some days were good, others were bad, but after a couple of years of therapy, I'm proud of how far I've become. I know anxiety will always exist within me, and deep down, I knew I couldn't fully get rid of it, but I've learned to live with it, and I refuse to let it define me. Today, I'm a sophomore and a first-generation Latina studying pre-medical imaging. I can confidently say I now have the ability to leave my house and do things I once thought were impossible. I've always wanted to help people, especially in the medical field. Mental health is a part of any healthcare setting, whether it's dealing with substance use or mental health disorders. I know that some patients might not have a support system, and I want to be the one to offer them comfort and ease. You never truly know what someone is going through, whether it's at home or mentally, so it's important to be patient with others and those around you. Since my friend's passing, I've learned not to take things personally. When someone is rude or acting out of character, I now try to have sympathy, knowing that we may not understand what they are going through. I want to be there for people, no matter where they are in their health journey. My experiences have opened my eyes to the importance of having patience and empathy, and I hope to encourage others to do the same. Entering a hospital or any healthcare facility can be an anxious experience for some. I realize I might be the only person they interact with all day, so I strive to make that interaction as positive as possible. My goal is to make their day a little easier, showing them that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I am a first-generation Latina student, about to embark on my freshman year at the Oregon Institute of Technology, where I'll be studying Pre-Medical Imaging with the intention of pursuing a career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Growing up, college was never discussed in my family, and it wasn't even on my radar. I only started thinking about it during my senior year of high school, as I wondered, 'What am I going to do after this?' Unfortunately, my senior year turned out to be the hardest year of my life. I lost my best friend to suicide, and then the COVID-19 pandemic cut my senior year short. I developed intense anxiety, which drastically changed my life. The restrictions isolated me, and I felt more alone than ever, with only my mom for support. It was a challenging time for the both of us. However, I decided to turn the isolation into an advantage and sought help for my anxiety from available resources. At first, I couldn't imagine leaving my house without having a panic attack, and the thought of going to college seemed impossible. But I knew I had to get better for my mom and in honor of my best friend's memory. I sought help from a therapist and practiced self-care. Gradually, I began to find solace in being alone, which was a significant shift for me. Though the journey hasn't been easy, I can proudly say that I have made tremendous progress. Now that the COVID restrictions have been lifted, I can fully experience life. Living on my own for the past two years is a monumental achievement that I would never have imagined before. It has prepared me for this new chapter in my life—college. I am more determined than ever to pursue my education. The scholarship money will be invaluable in helping me purchase the necessary supplies for school and be fully prepared. As finances were always an issue in our household, having the privilege of money for higher education is a tremendous opportunity, and I intend to make the most of it. I want to create a better life for myself and work hard to support my mom. This scholarship will undoubtedly be a significant help in achieving those goals. I can't wait to start this new journey, build onto my achievements, and make a positive impact on my future. I want to make those around me proud.