I’ve been an amateur therapist since elementary school. Whether helping a friend overcome depression or offering relationship advice to classmates, I’m usually the first person my friends turn to for help. This drive to support others didn’t come naturally. Rather, it emerged from my mother’s passing when I was six. My mother’s absence, being diagnosed bipolar, along with countless therapy and grief counseling sessions, enabled me to develop an emotional intelligence beyond my years. I learned to appreciate the severity of other people’s struggles, approaching them with genuine empathy and an intent to offer support. One avenue for my “therapy” is with my cousins, who live in Miami. I act as a mentor with them, providing big-brotherly insights and helping them discover their potential. This summer, my youngest cousin came to me with concerns about entering sixth grade. After we talked for about an hour, he felt more confident about starting this new stage. He recently told me that his year had been amazing so far, thanks to my help. My name is Zachary Emerson Ginebra-Foote and I am proud of my Afro-latino heritage. Growing up in a family that values honesty, discipline, and communication has always driven me to look at my surroundings from a broader point of view. I’ve fully encouraged my Cuban background by directing my path in life–how I approach different types of obstacles, and how well I can relate to others. As someone of Caribbean descent, my educational journey has had its share of challenges. In my family, we believe that when an opportunity presents itself, we take it, and education is seen as the key to all success. However, navigating life as a Caribbean student in an environment that often feels culturally “shallow” has been difficult at times. For a long time, it felt like I couldn’t find anyone who harmonized with my brain chemistry, and I often longed for the familiar energy of home. Instead of letting this isolation hold me back, I viewed it as an opportunity for growth. My family and my culture have always emphasized resilience. I was reminded that strength comes from adversity. My background has become a constant source of motivation and has helped me stay focused on my academic journey. Mental health has also been an important part of my life. Being bipolar, my journey with mental health has helped me shape my views on self-care, self-respect, and discipline. Growing up, mental health was often a sensitive topic, especially in my Cuban community. It was always seen as unimportant, or made up. I strongly believe that mental health is a topic that isn’t being focused on enough, not only in Latin-American communities.. Through my struggles, I’ve learned that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body or bank account. In the future, I hope to work with people in mental health. I want to sympathize with people who are going through similar challenges. I believe by offering support, getting rid of stereotypes around mental health, and promoting heartfelt conversations, I can help others feel stronger and safer in their minds. In conclusion, my Latino background, journey with mental health, and experiences in school have all shaped who I am today. Everything I’ve gone through has given me a deeper sense of belonging and motivation to make an impact in the world. By exploring career opportunities that allow me to help others, I hope to add to the well-being of our community.

When I was six, my mother passed away due to a diabetic seizure. Since then, my father has struggled with addiction and mental illness, and at times I’ve been left to figure it all out alone. Fortunately, for several years, I met with a therapist who encouraged me to learn from Mom’s death and cope with Dad’s issues. She helped me realize that I must face personal responsibilities and overcome challenges on my own. I’ve learned that I am responsible to take care of myself when no one else can, and make good decisions that affect myself and others. While it may not always seem fair, it is a valuable lesson that has defined who I am. Time has passed, but I feel that my background has prepared me for the struggles and successes that life will offer. Overall, I have developed an understanding that I am alone to control my own destiny, which, with hard work and some luck, includes the best college possible. I’ve been an amateur therapist since elementary school. Whether helping a friend overcome depression or offering relationship advice to classmates, I’m usually the first person my friends turn to. This drive to support others didn’t come naturally. Rather, it emerged from my mother’s passing. My mother’s absence, along with countless therapy and grief counseling sessions, enabled me to develop an emotional intelligence beyond my years. I learned to appreciate the severity of other people’s struggles, approaching them with genuine empathy and an intent to offer support.. This is the contribution I want to make as a college student. I want to create a campus group for bipolar students, an organization to open a forum and associate with similar peers. I want to be there for my peers, listening to their stories and empowering their potential.