As I approach the final semester of my journey toward earning a bachelor’s degree, my commitment to empowering others and fostering an inclusive pursuit of understanding is stronger than ever. The challenges I’ve faced as a first-generation and elder student have profoundly shaped my beliefs about the importance of accessible education, inclusive spaces, and the power of diverse voices in exploring questions about existence. My path has shown me that the pursuit of knowledge should not be reserved for those who fit traditional molds but should welcome anyone with curiosity and passion, regardless of their background. I believe that our understanding of existence, purpose, and interconnectedness grows richer when we include perspectives from all walks of life. For too long, certain voices have been sidelined or told they do not belong in conversations about fundamental truths, and in my own experience, I have seen the impact of feeling disconnected from academic spaces. In overcoming the barriers I faced as a nontraditional student, I’ve come to understand the transformative power of inclusivity in knowledge-seeking environments. My goal is to advocate for a broader, people-centered approach to these pursuits—one that values lived experience as much as it values formal education. In the study of leadership, I’ve learned that empowering others is not simply about guidance but about creating spaces where people feel their contributions are seen, heard, and valued. To me, this means dismantling hierarchies that dictate who belongs and instead fostering a sense of shared purpose. When we are open to the wisdom and experiences that each person brings, our understanding of ourselves, our communities, and the universe expands. For example, first-generation students, like myself, often bring a tenacity and resourcefulness born from overcoming systemic barriers. These qualities enrich academic and intellectual spaces, and I hope to help create environments that welcome and celebrate such contributions. My commitment to people-centered ideologies has also been influenced by years of guest-facing roles, where I have learned the value of empathy and clear communication. I believe that making complex ideas accessible and relatable is essential for fostering a collective understanding of existence. People are naturally curious, and when we break down barriers to understanding—whether they are social, economic, or intellectual—we allow more people to engage with big questions that impact us all. By prioritizing communication and relatability, I aim to encourage others, especially those who may feel they lack the background or resources, to join in the exploration of purpose and meaning. Moreover, I see a need for support networks that uplift those who are new to academic or intellectual spaces. As someone who returned to education after taking several detours, I know how isolating it can feel to navigate unfamiliar territory. Establishing mentorship and peer support systems for first-generation students and others from marginalized backgrounds can build a sense of community and belonging. This approach not only makes knowledge more accessible but also provides individuals with the encouragement and confidence to pursue their interests without fear of judgment or exclusion. Such systems foster resilience and self-empowerment, allowing people to thrive and contribute in ways that enhance our collective understanding. As I approach the end of my degree, I am filled with a sense of responsibility to make these ideals a reality. To me, the pursuit of understanding—whether of the universe, human existence, or personal purpose—must be inclusive and empowering. By securing resources, facilitating mentorship, and promoting diverse voices, I hope to create spaces where people from all backgrounds are welcomed into conversations about existence. This vision extends beyond education alone; it is about creating a culture that values curiosity, resilience, and empathy as much as it values credentials. Ultimately, I believe that when we embrace a people-centered approach to understanding our existence, we create a world that is more connected, compassionate, and intellectually vibrant. Each person’s voice adds depth to our collective search for meaning, and it is my mission to help build pathways that make this pursuit accessible and inviting to all.

Volunteering in my community has been both a personal commitment and a source of fulfillment, driven by my belief in the transformative power of support and compassion. My journey began with a desire to give back, but it has since evolved into a mission to make meaningful change, particularly within mental health and LGBTQ+ communities. Working with individuals who face challenges that resonate with my own experiences inspires me and strengthens my resolve to show up as an advocate and ally. One of my most impactful volunteer roles has been with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, where I support homeless youth often dealing with complex mental health issues and a lack of family support. My involvement here is rooted in personal experience; I understand the significance of feeling seen, heard, and supported during times of hardship. Many of these young people face stigmatization and discrimination, which can deepen their sense of isolation. Having faced my own mental health challenges, I know how transformative it can be to encounter someone who listens and validates one’s experiences, especially when struggling with issues related to identity and mental well-being. Through my role, I am able to offer these youth the compassion I once longed for, bridging the gap between empathy and real, practical support. My goal is to expand access to mental health services and other resources for those who may otherwise go without support. I believe that raising awareness of the challenges faced by marginalized youth is critical to creating lasting change. These efforts, while sometimes challenging, remind me of the importance of working toward a community where mental health needs and identities are respected and supported. Each interaction and initiative strengthens my commitment to fostering this change. Beyond direct interactions, I work to amplify awareness and support for the mental health needs of marginalized communities. Advocating for more accessible resources and greater understanding, I contribute to a larger movement to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. This work reminds me of the importance of cultivating a community that is both inclusive and supportive, helping individuals from all backgrounds to find the strength to pursue their goals and move forward with confidence. Reflecting on my volunteer work, I am continually inspired by the resilience of those I serve and by the knowledge that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. My experiences have taught me that community involvement is not only about providing resources but also about creating an environment of support and empowerment. This belief continues to inspire my work, and I am dedicated to doing everything I can to make a positive impact, offering hope to those who need it most.

Overcoming mental health challenges has been one of the most defining parts of my journey, deeply influencing my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. For over three decades, I struggled with depression and emotional regulation, navigating a storm of anxiety that often felt insurmountable. These difficulties went undiagnosed for years, until my late diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), and Major Depressive Disorder finally brought some clarity. Reflecting on my journey, I can see the way these mental health battles have shaped who I am today—a person committed to self-awareness, resilience, and advocacy for mental health support for others. For much of my life, depression was a constant shadow, something I was told would limit my potential to achieve anything meaningful. Growing up, I was often led to believe that my intense episodes of sadness, lack of motivation, and difficulty managing emotions were weaknesses that would hold me back from a fulfilling life. This mindset ingrained a profound sense of self-doubt, making it hard to envision a future where I could overcome these obstacles. Each step forward felt like wading through quicksand, and every setback reinforced the belief that I was somehow inherently flawed. My mental health struggles also put immense strain on my relationships, particularly my marriage. For the first ten years of our fifteen-year partnership, my inability to regulate emotions led to misunderstandings, emotional distance, and friction that was hard for my spouse to understand, let alone support. My reactions often swung between extremes, leaving my partner to navigate the instability that came from my emotional volatility. It was only in the last five years, after receiving my diagnosis and beginning years of therapy and medication management, that I started to show up as the partner and husband I always wanted to be. With support, patience, and hard work, I learned tools for emotional regulation and self-reflection that transformed how I interact in my marriage and approach relationships in general. In 2018, I was struck by a devastating loss that sent my depression to depths I had not previously known. My grief was so overwhelming that life itself seemed to lose meaning, and for a time, I wasn’t sure if it was worth continuing. The weight of the pain, compounded by years of mental health struggles, became almost unbearable. It was during this period of crisis that I reached out for help, and it was in these vulnerable moments that I received my working diagnosis of BPD, CPTSD, and Major Depressive Disorder. Understanding my mental health from a clinical perspective was initially overwhelming, but it provided a framework through which I could start making sense of the patterns that had governed my life. Therapy, along with medication management, became lifelines. Over time, and with the support of my therapist and psychiatrist, I learned strategies to manage my symptoms and stay focused on the things that matter most to me, including my personal goals, relationships, and career aspirations. This journey has profoundly influenced my beliefs about mental health and human resilience. I no longer see mental health challenges as weaknesses but rather as aspects of a person’s life that deserve compassion, understanding, and, above all, support. My experience has instilled in me a deep belief in the power of empathy and the importance of providing others with the tools and resources they need to manage their mental health. Where once I saw myself as limited by my struggles, I now view my experiences as sources of strength, ones that allow me to connect with and support others facing similar challenges. Today, I actively volunteer with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, where I work with homeless youth who often face significant mental health issues. My involvement with the center is driven by a desire to give back and support those who, like me, have felt isolated or unsupported due to their mental health struggles. Homeless youth, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ+, often face stigmatization, marginalization, and barriers to accessing mental health resources. Through my volunteer work, I can offer a listening ear, share coping strategies, and connect these young people with resources that might help them navigate their own mental health challenges. This work is incredibly meaningful to me, as it allows me to transform my own struggles into a source of support and encouragement for others. In addition to influencing my volunteer work, my experiences have shaped my career aspirations. After years of working through my mental health challenges and recognizing the transformative impact that support and understanding can have, I am committed to pursuing a career where I can make a difference in the field of mental health advocacy. My goal is to work within organizations that prioritize mental health awareness and provide support for individuals struggling with similar challenges. I want to be part of a movement that destigmatizes mental health, advocates for accessible resources, and champions the importance of mental wellness in every aspect of life. This commitment drives my desire to pursue higher education and further my understanding of mental health solutions, so I can contribute meaningfully to a field that has given me so much. My experience has shown me that there is immense value in turning adversity into advocacy. Through my work with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, my commitment to mental health support, and my career aspirations, I aim to be a source of encouragement and a reminder that it’s never too late to reclaim one’s story.