Mental illness has affected my life drastically. Unfortunately, many people in my family suffer from a variety of mental health conditions-including myself. In 2003 my younger brother committed suicide at the age of 12 years old. He was in and out of mental facilities for years due to his diagnosis of severe depression and bipolar disorder, with the possibility of having had other undiagnosed illnesses as well. Shortly after my brother's death, I began to experience my own struggles with mental health as I was diagnosed with PTSD, major depression, and anxiety with panic attacks. I admit that my mental health disorders caused many disruptions to my daily life and activities, but I continued to push through and refused to allow my conditions to prevent me from giving back to my community or helping others around me. These major life events that have happened in the past are some of the biggest reasons that I chose business administration as my course of study in college. Now, I can finally put my entrepreneurial skills to the test and learn so many more tools that I need to thrive in my profession. I am willing to work hard and put forth a strong effort to achieve my goals, which is why I am currently in the top 10% of students on my campus. When I receive my associate degree in business administration, I hope to make a positive impact by opening a non-profit organization that is geared towards helping low-income families that struggle with mental health conditions in my community. I would like to help these families with resources such as food, clothing, utility assistance, mental health resources, substance abuse resources, and so much more. Helping others has always been my passion. I want to use my career and education for a good cause and give back to those who are less fortunate or may be seeking professional guidance. A little help can go a long way so I am extremely dedicated to this wonderful journey, and I know that I will succeed in achieving all of my goals. I want to teach my child the true value of education and the meaning of hard work. Not only do I want to teach my son the true importance of education, but I want to show others in my community that we are more than our mental health diagnosis, and that we are strong survivors with a purpose in life.

As a freshman in college maintaining a 3.83 GPA, I have learned a few amazing study techniques that have been significant to my success as a student. The first important thing I have learned is that reading the course syllabus to get an overview of my classes and finding out what my deadlines for assignments are has been essential to helping me gain an understanding of all assignment expectations ahead of time. When completing assignments I make sure to take plenty of notes, writing down the most important facts using different colors or highlighters to separate main points and examples when appropriate. Additionally, I work ahead on most assignments, allowing myself plenty of time to reach out for help from an instructor or a tutor if necessary. Lastly, I study in quiet work environments that is study friendly for students and allow myself to take appropriate study breaks so that I don't get burnt out from working so hard, being sure to reward myself when I complete study tasks to keep my study sessions fun and interesting. I would like to acknowledge that every one has different learning styles so it is important to learn your specific study habits and find out what works best for you. All in all, I hope that I can inspire another student to use one of my great study strategies to succeed in their academic studies and become more successful as a student and individual.

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." -Harriet Tubman Every time I read this quote it gives me the motivation I need to feel confident that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to. I get an understanding that my dreams can always become a reality someday as long as I am persistent, strong, and determined to keep moving forward no matter what. At the same time, it almost feels as if an ancestor is speaking to me and trying to guide me on a fascinating journey towards my purpose, reminding me to remain passionate about my goals and my future. Furthermore, this quote reminds me not only to become a better person for myself but, for future generations to come, helping me recognize that I have the power to change the world and that I am responsible for making my dreams come true. In conclusion, this quote reinforces that nothing can stand in my way as long as I am focused and driven to reach my highest potential. The sky doesn't have to be the limit because there is no limit to the goals that I can achieve.

My greatest achievement to date is receiving my high school diploma. I am 32 years old and it took me 13 years to go back to school and continue my education. I was inspired by my cousin to enroll in a program that allows you to get your high school diploma at your own pace. I was surprised at how easily I was able to adjust to the school environment and I really enjoyed being back in the classroom. I excelled in my classes rather quickly by being self-disciplined and practicing good time management skills. I learned so much about myself during this time. I was much more patient than I thought I was. I was able to balance my life as a single parent, work a part-time job, and go to school all at the same time and I was so proud of myself. It was a major accomplishment for me to complete these goals because of all the tragedies and health issues that I have faced while trying to accomplish them. All my hard work and grit was really starting to pay off for me. I remained focused on my goals so that I could ultimately enroll in college like I always dreamed of doing. In the fall of 2020 I enrolled in college courses even though we were in the middle of a pandemic because I didn't want to let opportunities pass me by ever again. I wanted to make sure that I secured my future and followed all of my dreams. I want to become a business owner one day so I realized that I had to take my future into my own hands. I am majoring in Business Administration and I have completed two semesters so far. I am a straight A student and I am very excited about what my future may hold. In the next 5 years I plan to own my own business and ultimately pursue my bachelor's degree in Business Management. I believe that opening a business would be a great addition to my local community and help me grow as an individual. All of my hard work and dedication will open up new doors and opportunities for me. I have always wanted to help my community and I believe that I am heading in the right direction to accomplish this goal. I am extremely proud of myself and I know that my future is bright.

My favorite role model, hands down, would have to be my mom. There is no one in this world that I look up to more than her. She is the strongest person that I know and has taught me the true meaning of hard work. I have watched her struggle time and time again and no matter what obstacles she has faced she always overcomes them. She found herself pregnant with me at the tender age of 15 years old. Two years later she had my brother and later a sister. My mom went through 11 years of domestic violence at the hands of my father. She was stabbed and beaten by him and I witnessed most of this as a child. To make matters worse my little brother, who was 12 years old at the time, committed suicide. I can't imagine how numb and hurt she must have felt after such a tragedy. This was extremely devastating to our family. To see my mother experience such a heartache was painful to watch. She was sad and depressed for a very long time. She tried to stay strong for her remaining children. My mother ended up going to grief counseling and instead of letting life get her down she decided to take stay focused. She went to college to receive her Child Development Associates Degree and graduated, After graduation my mother opened her own successful home childcare. Setback after setback my mother continues to be a positive role model. She is like a mother to everyone's children and she gives the best advice. She is strong, resilient, and beautiful. My mother would take care of her sick father, watch my child for me while I worked, and held down a full-time job owning her own business all at the same time. Sometime I wouldn't know she did it. My mother never complains and she always keeps a positive attitude. I admire her strength and dedication. Sometime I fill like I have some pretty big shoes to fill because she is such a hard worker and I want to be just like her. My son adores his grandmother and she does her role with ease. She has been through even more grief recently after losing her father to lung cancer. Though she is going through so much she is still overcoming obstacles because she is restarting her business in another state and accomplishing goals that she has set for herself. My mother teaches me the importance of never giving up and making sure you accomplish your dreams no matter what. No one has taught me the valuable lessons that I need to know for my future like she has. I go through many struggles in my life but I always remember the things that she has told me or the things that I have seen her go through and that helps to keep me motivated. My mother is a wonderful and spectacular woman who is someone who I love and look up to. Inspired by my mother's dedication I am now a college student and I am very excited to make all of my dreams come true. I am a freshman majoring in Business Administration and I have aspirations to own a Non-Profit Organization someday. I plan to help low-income families and communities who are affected disproportionately because of their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other disparities. I really want to make a positive impact on the lives of others because I personally know what it is like to struggle. I would really love to have the opportunity to help those less fortunate. Today, I volunteer with The Reading Partners Organization by tutoring elementary students who are reading below grade level and I also advocate for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Getting involved in my community and addressing important issues is a characteristic that I have learned from my courageous mother. She is my true role model and I am so thankful for every lesson she has taught me.