If there's one item I could improve in the world, it would be mental health awareness and access to mental health care. Mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and stigmatized aspects of healthcare globally. Improving mental health awareness and access to care would have transformative effects on society in numerous ways. Firstly, destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting awareness would encourage more people to seek help when they need it. Many individuals suffer in silence due to fear of judgment or societal misconceptions about mental illness. By fostering open conversations and educating the public about mental health, we can create a more supportive and accepting environment where people feel comfortable reaching out for support. Moreover, enhancing access to mental health care services would ensure that individuals receive timely and appropriate treatment for their mental health concerns. This would not only alleviate suffering on an individual level but also reduce the societal burden of untreated mental illness, which can manifest in various forms such as decreased productivity, increased healthcare costs, and higher rates of substance abuse and homelessness. Improving mental health care would also have significant implications for public health and safety. Mental health issues are often linked to a higher risk of suicide, self-harm, and interpersonal violence. By providing adequate support and treatment for individuals struggling with mental illness, we can reduce the incidence of these tragic outcomes and create safer communities for everyone. Furthermore, addressing mental health concerns can improve physical health outcomes as well. There is a well-established link between mental and physical health, with conditions like depression and anxiety contributing to increased risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. By addressing mental health issues early on, we can help individuals adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors and improve their overall quality of life. On a broader societal level, investing in mental health care can promote economic prosperity and social cohesion. Mental health problems often lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and unemployment, which can have significant economic ramifications at both the individual and national levels. By providing effective treatment and support services, we can help individuals with mental illness lead fulfilling and productive lives, contributing positively to the workforce and economy. In conclusion, improving mental health awareness and access to care is essential for creating a more compassionate, resilient, and equitable society. By breaking down barriers to mental health treatment and addressing stigma, we can empower individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help when needed. This, in turn, would lead to healthier communities, stronger social connections, and a brighter future for generations to come.

Giving back to my community and others around me is a fundamental part of who I am. Whether it's through teaching, mentoring, volunteering, or simply lending a helping hand, I believe in the power of collective support and nurturing each other's growth. One particular mentor who has profoundly impacted me is my high school math teacher, Mrs. Crouch. Mrs. Crouch wasn't just a teacher who delivered lectures and graded papers; she was a guiding light who instilled in me a deep appreciation for literature, critical thinking, and empathy. Her classes were not merely about dissecting texts; they were about understanding the human condition, exploring different perspectives, and honing our ability to express ourselves eloquently. Beyond the curriculum, Mrs. Crouch created a nurturing environment where every student felt valued and heard. She took the time to understand our individual strengths and challenges, offering support and encouragement every step of the way. What struck me most about Mrs. Crouch was her unwavering belief in her students' potential. Even when I doubted myself, she saw something in me that I couldn't yet see in myself. She pushed me to explore beyond my comfort zone, to tackle challenging literary analyses, and to fearlessly express my thoughts. Through her guidance, I not only grew academically but also developed confidence in my abilities and a passion for lifelong learning. Now, as I embark on my own journey of teaching and mentoring, I aim to pay forward Mrs. Crouch's invaluable lessons. I aspire to create a classroom environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and inclusivity. Just as Mrs. Crouch did for me, I want to recognize the unique strengths of each student and empower them to reach their full potential. I believe in the importance of cultivating not only academic skills but also character traits such as resilience, empathy, and open-mindedness. To impart my love of learning to the next generation, I plan to integrate innovative teaching methods that engage students on a deeper level. Whether through project-based learning, experiential activities, or multimedia resources, I aim to make learning a dynamic and enriching experience. I want my students to see education not as a chore but as a journey of discovery, where every question sparks a new adventure and every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Furthermore, I understand the significance of being a supportive mentor outside the classroom. I will make myself available to listen to my students' concerns, provide guidance through life's obstacles, and celebrate their successes, no matter how big or small. By building trusting relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, I hope to create a safe space where students feel empowered to explore, question, and dream fearlessly. In essence, my goal is to inspire the next generation to become lifelong learners and compassionate leaders who contribute positively to their communities. Just as Mrs. Crouch ignited a spark within me, I aspire to ignite countless sparks that will illuminate the path toward a brighter future for all. Through teaching, mentoring, and leading by example, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and leaving a lasting legacy of love for learning.

"You can't do it," is something I have heard my entire life. "Why not?" is something I have asked myself my entire life. In many situations, people doubted me when I attempted something viewed as hard. For instance, one day during my sophomore year of high school, I bought a Rubik's cube. Immediately, my family began asking me why I had spent money on something I was not going to solve. Then, my sister had told her teacher that I was trying to solve a Rubik's cube. My sister told me her teacher said I was not going to solve it. Even my own friends doubted I would ever solve it. However, I did not allow their words to get to me. After being told I wasn't going to solve the Rubik's cube, I practiced each day and taught myself how to solve it one step at a time. I remember the first time I completed the Rubik's cube. I was sitting in the school cafeteria with my friends. Then there it was, a completed Rubik's cube. The shock on my friend's face was reward enough. I had proven everyone who doubted me wrong. However, I did not stop there. I kept practicing every day until I beat even my sister's teacher's best time. I would like to say that perseverance is my best talent. Even when the times get rough, or when everyone around me doubts what I am capable of, I push through everything until I come out successful in the end. Whenever I start doubting myself, I go on a walk or even play game. While doing so, I have time to reflect on what I can do differently to achieve my goals. Afterwards, I start feeling more confident and continue fighting on.

As a child, speaking or even standing in front of crowds terrified me. I even got so nervous in social situations that I developed a bad stutter. That stutter was always pointed out by my family and friends and made me feel extremely insecure. However, joining my school's Colorguard program helped me feel more comfortable in social situations and even helped me get rid of my stutter slowly. I remember being alone and avoiding social interactions made me feel secure. Despite my friends knowing I did not like going out, one of my friends invited me to one of her Colorguard practices. At the time, I had no idea what Colorguard even was and was wary of going. Not wanting to let her down, I accepted her offer, thinking I was going to sit out to the side and watch. However, I was wrong. I found out my friend had deceived me! Instead of taking me to Colorguard practice, she took me to Colorguard try-outs. After being deceived, I wanted to go back home and stay there for the rest of my life. But, after a lot of convincing, my friend convinced me to stay at least that day. After a while, I noticed how welcoming everyone was. I felt warm and cozy there, something that nowhere had made me feel before. Of course, since I was at Colorguard try-outs, they taught me some neat tricks on a flag, a six-foot pole with a flag attached. I will not lie, I was AWFUL. I struggled to learn the basics while everyone around me excelled. However, they did not give up on me and continued to help me in whatever way they could. Despite saying I would only go that one day, I went back the rest of the week. At the end of the week, I found out that I had made the team! I was super excited about it. However, making the team mean I would be exposed to social interactions daily. It also meant I would have to perform in front of HUGE crowds. I was beginning to regret my decisions. However, I persevered and pushed through my fears. Little by little, I began feeling comfortable being around others. My stutter also began to slowly disappear once I began feeling more comfortable around crowds. As a result, I started feeling more comfortable with myself. My teachers even began complimenting how great I was at giving presentations! That is something the old me would have never thought possible. I decided to stay in Colorguard my entire high school career, where I continued to practice and hone my skills. I continued the legacy of making others feel welcome in our group and helped open the door to success, just like what the older members had helped me achieve. During my senior year of high school, I obtained a leadership position as a lieutenant. I helped the captain make decisions and helped lead the team. After I graduated, the Colorguard director contacted me and asked if I was willing to continue helping the Colorguard. Without hesitation, I said yes. I am now a Colorguard technician and help the Colorguard director lead the team. I oversaw the JV-B team there during the 2021 Winterguard season and helped receive a 3rd place medal among 30 teams. Who knew that being peer pressured into joining something bigger than me would have such a long-lasting impact? Because of the organization, I developed a great pleasure in making everyone feel welcome. The old me would be proud of everything we have accomplished and become.

I was brought into the United States illegally at the age of three by my parents in hopes that I would receive a better life than what they had back in Mexico. The only family I have in the United States, are my parents and my two younger siblings. My parents have had to struggle their whole life to be able to support my siblings and me. Although we are not rich in any shape or form, we have enough to get by. I never received a proper childhood. Ever since the age of eight, I would help my dad work in landscaping, in which he was self-employed. Every Summer since then, I have spent my summer vacation working in the scorching Texas sun. The money I helped my dad obtain helped us pay for our rent, bills, food, and other necessities. However, sometimes it was simply not enough. We were fortunate enough to get help from WIC, because of my sibling’s legal status, which helped feed us. I have also had to struggle with my dad being an alcoholic. I remember days when I practically got on my knees and cried for him to quit drinking. However, my efforts were useless as he continues to drink to this day. My high school years were not a walk in the park either. Although I excelled in all my classes, I could not live as a normal teenager. As you get older, you start wanting to be more independent and want to have your own money. However, because of my legal status, I was never able to apply for a job to receive my own income. It did not help that the Trump administration made it to where DACA applications were not being accepted anymore, days before my birthday. Those are the main struggles I have had to face as an undocumented immigrant living in the United States. However, those are not the only obstacles I have had to overcome. As part of the LGBTQ+ community, being openly gay in a small town is not easy. Everyone thinks differently of me and tries to avoid me like the plague. Coming out to my parents was not easy either. When I first came out, my parents were extremely unsupportive. In fact, my dad told me that as soon as I turned eighteen, he wanted me out of the house. However, my grandma from Mexico scolded my dad for what he had told me. She told him that no matter who or what I was, I was, at the end of the day, his son and that he was responsible, as a parent, to love me no matter what. After that, my dad and I had a heartfelt conversation about the future. My mother, on the other hand, took a while to show support. It took her one entire year to accept me as I am. Despite my struggles, I graduated with honors from Mount Pleasant High School and am currently attending Northeast Texas Community College. My parents do not have the funds necessary to help me with my college expenses; however, as of now, I receive enough financial assistance from scholarships to pay for college. However, it will soon not be enough to cover everything. I am majoring in mathematics and plan to use my degree to help teach at a high school with a high percentage of low-income families and eventually become a college professor. I want to provide a good education to the future generation of students so they themselves can have a successful life.