Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focuses on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. I didn’t understand why we had to clean every Sunday but the reason my mom gave was that a clean house would keep us less stressed throughout the week. As expected at age four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, when my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she doesn’t know any better. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During junior year of high school, my friend passed away over thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I have always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I basically shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had too. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t actually do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our plans for life. This became my motivation to continue on with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. I plan on opening my own non profit organization to advocate for mental health in low income families and ethnic communities. My life’s goal is to implement programs for affordable mental health care and advocate for the improvement of mental health in low income and ethnic communities. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focuses on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. I didn’t understand why we had to clean every Sunday but the reason my mom gave was that a clean house would keep us less stressed throughout the week. As expected at age four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, when my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she doesn’t know any better. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During junior year of high school, my friend passed away over thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I have always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I basically shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had too. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t actually do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our plans for life. This became my motivation to continue on with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. I plan on opening my own non profit organization to advocate for mental health in low income families and ethnic communities. My life’s goal is to implement programs for affordable mental health care and advocate for the improvement of mental health in low income and ethnic communities. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focuses on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. I didn’t understand why we had to clean every Sunday but the reason my mom gave was that a clean house would keep us less stressed throughout the week. As expected at age four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, when my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she doesn’t know any better. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During junior year of high school, my friend passed away over thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I have always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I basically shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had too. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t actually do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our plans for life. This became my motivation to continue on with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. I plan on opening my own non profit organization to advocate for mental health in low income families and ethnic communities. My life’s goal is to implement programs for affordable mental health care and advocate for the improvement of mental health in low income and ethnic communities. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focuses on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. I didn’t understand why we had to clean every Sunday but the reason my mom gave was that a clean house would keep us less stressed throughout the week. As expected at age four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, when my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she doesn’t know any better. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During junior year of high school, my friend passed away over thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I have always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I basically shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had too. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t actually do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our plans for life. This became my motivation to continue on with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. I plan on opening my own non profit organization to advocate for mental health in low income families and ethnic communities. My life’s goal is to implement programs for affordable mental health care and advocate for the improvement of mental health in low income and ethnic communities. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focuses on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. I didn’t understand why we had to clean every Sunday but the reason my mom gave was that a clean house would keep us less stressed throughout the week. As expected at age four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, when my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she doesn’t know any better. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During junior year of high school, my friend passed away over thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I have always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I basically shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had too. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t actually do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our plans for life. This became my motivation to continue on with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. I plan on opening my own non profit organization to advocate for mental health in low income families and ethnic communities. My life’s goal is to implement programs for affordable mental health care and advocate for the improvement of mental health in low income and ethnic communities. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focuses on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. I didn’t understand why we had to clean every Sunday but the reason my mom gave was that a clean house would keep us less stressed throughout the week. As expected at age four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, when my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she doesn’t know any better. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During junior year of high school, my friend passed away over thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I have always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I basically shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had too. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t actually do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our plans for life. This became my motivation to continue on with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. I plan on opening my own non profit organization to advocate for mental health in low income families and ethnic communities. My life’s goal is to implement programs for affordable mental health care and advocate for the improvement of mental health in low income and ethnic communities. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focuses on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. I didn’t understand why we had to clean every Sunday but the reason my mom gave was that a clean house would keep us less stressed throughout the week. As expected at age four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, when my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she doesn’t know any better. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During junior year of high school, my friend passed away over thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I have always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I basically shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had too. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t actually do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our plans for life. This became my motivation to continue on with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. I plan on opening my own non profit organization to advocate for mental health in low income families and ethnic communities. My life’s goal is to implement programs for affordable mental health care and advocate for the improvement of mental health in low income and ethnic communities. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focuses on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. I didn’t understand why we had to clean every Sunday but the reason my mom gave was that a clean house would keep us less stressed throughout the week. As expected at age four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, when my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she doesn’t know any better. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During junior year of high school, my friend passed away over thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I have always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I basically shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had too. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t actually do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our plans for life. This became my motivation to continue on with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. I plan on opening my own non profit organization to advocate for mental health in low income families and ethnic communities. My life’s goal is to implement programs for affordable mental health care and advocate for the improvement of mental health in low income and ethnic communities. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focuses on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. I didn’t understand why we had to clean every Sunday but the reason my mom gave was that a clean house would keep us less stressed throughout the week. As expected at age four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, when my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she doesn’t know any better. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During junior year of high school, my friend passed away over thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I have always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I basically shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had too. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t actually do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our plans for life. This became my motivation to continue on with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. I plan on opening my own non profit organization to advocate for mental health in low income families and ethnic communities. My life’s goal is to implement programs for affordable mental health care and advocate for the improvement of mental health in low income and ethnic communities. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focuses on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. I didn’t understand why we had to clean every Sunday but the reason my mom gave was that a clean house would keep us less stressed throughout the week. As expected at age four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, when my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she doesn’t know any better. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During junior year of high school, my friend passed away over thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I have always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I basically shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had too. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t actually do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our plans for life. This became my motivation to continue on with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed because it isn’t. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. In a lot of low income and ethnic communities, psychological troubles are ignored because a lot of families can’t afford it or refuse to acknowledge that people in their family could be suffering. Although I plan on opening my own non profit organization to advocate for mental health in low income families and ethnic communities.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focuses on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. As expected at ages four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, when my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she didn't know any better and that she was working to improve her behavior. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During my junior year of high school, my friend passed away over Thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I have always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had to. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t actually do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our plans for life. What we were going to do after graduation, how we were going to keep in touch, and how we were going to spend the rest of our lives being friends. That became my motivation to continue on with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed because it isn’t. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I plan to attend Indiana University, Bloomington for a BS in psychology, while also being on a premedical track. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focused on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. I didn’t understand why we had to clean every Sunday but the reason my mom gave was that a clean house would keep us less stressed throughout the week. As expected at ages four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, that my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she didn’t know any better and that she was working to improve her behavior. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During my junior year of high school, my friend passed away over Thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I had always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had to. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our life plans. What we were going to do after graduation, how we were going to keep in touch, and how we were going to spend the rest of our lives being friends. That became my motivation to continue with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed because it isn’t. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I plan to attend Indiana University, Bloomington for a BS in psychology, while also being on a premedical track. I would like to work in the medical field after seeing people like my mom, caring for people and putting love into their jobs. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. In a lot of low-income and ethnic communities, psychological troubles are ignored because a lot of families can’t afford it or refuse to acknowledge that people in their families could be suffering. My life’s goal is to implement programs for affordable mental health care and advocate for the improvement of mental health in low-income and ethnic communities.

Growing up, my little sister and I shared a room. I was the oldest so the condition of the room was assigned to me. It was like every other Sunday in the house. The one day where my family focused on deep cleaning the house and family bonding time. As expected at ages four and eight, the room was an explosion of paint, make-up, dolls, and clothes. That Sunday, I spent all morning cleaning up the mess that me and my sister made. Sweeping, mopping, the whole nine yards. I think it was my best clean yet but before the day was over all my hard work was ruined. At the time, I thought my sister was having a really bad tantrum and choosing to ruin the room. It wasn’t until later, that my mom explained to me that my sister was having a hard time regulating her emotions and that she would help me clean the room again. She told me to forgive my sister because she didn’t know any better and that she was working to improve her behavior. My sister suffers from severe chronic anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I did know that I loved her and I was going to support her through her highs and lows. During my junior year of high school, my friend passed away over Thanksgiving break. Our friendship was a little on the rocks after a huge argument and I was not compromising. I was very frustrated. I knew that I should have just forgiven her but my habit of holding grudges would not let me. The night before Thanksgiving break, she asked if I could give her a ride to school. It was something I had always done before our fight and I was not going to leave my friend to walk in the snow. The day after Thanksgiving break, I called and texted her, expecting to take her to school. When she didn’t answer, I assumed that she found another ride. It wasn’t until later that day, that I found out she passed the night before. For the next 2 weeks, I locked myself in my room every chance I had. I shut down, I wouldn’t leave my bed unless I had to. It was a constant repetition of school and home, but I couldn’t do work. I had no motivation to continue anything. I felt like dying. I was considering quitting school and dropping out because if she didn’t get a chance at life, a chance to succeed, why should I? It was not until I reminded myself of our life plans. What we were going to do after graduation, how we were going to keep in touch, and how we were going to spend the rest of our lives being friends. That became my motivation to continue with my life. Even though I couldn't academically recover from her passing, I rebuilt myself emotionally and socially. She motivated me to achieve my dreams and to live life like it isn’t guaranteed because it isn’t. My career aspiration is to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I plan to attend Indiana University, Bloomington for a BS in psychology, while also being on a premedical track. Caring for people psychologically has become my passion after seeing others in my community suffer and receive little to no help. This made me realize that caring for people, helping improve or just giving them the best care I can provide was my passion.