The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. I am attending Monmouth University in the fall and I am enrolled in a 5 year social work/mental health masters program.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world. Helping others realize that it gets better and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. I am going to become a therapist. Not just any therapist, but a therapist who ensures her clients know it is okay not to be okay and that things do get better. I am eager to learn the necessary skills to help others. It is my time to help others, not just my friends, become a better version of themselves, just like so many people have helped me. I will achieve this by majoring in Social Work and Psychology at an institute I have not yet committed to.

With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Originally I thought needing extra help like therapy was a weakness, but I soon realized that was not the case. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. She helped me cope with the anxiety I was feeling on a day-to-day basis. I constantly had this pit feeling in my stomach, always worrying that something bad was going to happen whether it was myself or my siblings' health. Experiencing my own mental health struggles and traumatic events, I have relied on therapists to help me. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. Whether a friend receives a poor exam grade or a silly break-up, I am honored to be the friend they call to work through their emotions. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. By pursuing a mental health career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. I am going to become a therapist. Not just any therapist, but a therapist who ensures her clients know it is okay not to be okay and that things do get better. I am eager to learn the necessary skills to help others. It is my time to help others, not just my friends, become a better version of themselves, just like so many people have helped me.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. This scholarship would benefit me because the majority of my parent's time and money goes to medical bills and caring for my sister. This scholarship will help them balance college and medical bills better.

Using my education and experience, I will address the ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a cry baby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. If mental health issues were given more consideration, attention, and awareness, more individuals would be willing to seek help, rather than struggle alone. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Originally I thought needing extra help like therapy was a weakness, but I soon realized that was not the case. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. She helped me cope with the anxiety I was feeling on a day-to-day basis. Experiencing my own mental health struggles and traumatic events, I have relied on therapists to help me. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. I am going to become a therapist. Not just any therapist, but a therapist who ensures her clients know it is okay not to be okay and that things do get better. I am eager to learn the necessary skills to help others. It is my time to help others, not just my friends, become a better version of themselves, just like so many people have helped me.

With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Originally I thought needing extra help like therapy was a weakness, but I soon realized that was not the case. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. She helped me cope with the anxiety I was feeling on a day-to-day basis. I constantly had this pit feeling in my stomach, always worrying that something bad was going to happen whether it was myself or my siblings' health. Experiencing my own mental health struggles and traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, I have relied on therapists to help me. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. Whether a friend receives a poor exam grade or a silly break-up, I am honored to be the friend they call to work through their emotions. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. By pursuing Counseling and Clinical Psychology, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. While I would love to experience being a therapist to teenagers, specifically teenagers who have gone through traumatic events, I would also like to work with kids with disabilities. Kids with special needs have a huge place in my heart as I have spent hours volunteering and working with them. For years I have volunteered at Top Soccer, an organization for kids with disabilities to play soccer and have fun, regardless of their capabilities. I also work at Daisy, an organization for kids with special needs. Daisy has different programs that run throughout the year, as well as camps where kids participate in stimulating activities, make friends, socialize, and learn their worth. Given this and my passion for helping others, I think that being a therapist for kids with special needs will be the perfect addition to my future path as a therapist. I am going to become a therapist. Not just any therapist, but a therapist who ensures her clients know it is okay not to be okay and that things do get better. I am eager to learn the necessary skills to help others. It is my time to help others, not just my friends, become a better version of themselves, just like so many people have helped me.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a cry baby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.