Kindness has always been a core value in my life, and I’ve made it a priority to extend that to everyone around me. As a mother, daughter, and community member, I take pride in going above and beyond to help others, whether it’s through small, everyday acts of kindness or more significant gestures of support. This pattern of kindness has not only strengthened my relationships but has also had a positive impact on the lives of those I’ve helped, creating a ripple effect of compassion and care. One instance that stands out is my involvement in volunteering. I have volunteered with various organizations, including Neighborhood House, the local library, and an animal shelter. In each of these roles, I’ve always strived to offer more than what is expected. At the library, for example, I noticed that many of the children attending storytime sessions were from immigrant families and often struggled with English. I took it upon myself to stay after the sessions to help the children with their reading and language skills, even though it wasn’t part of my volunteering duties. This extra effort allowed these children to feel more comfortable and confident in their learning, and I could see how their parents appreciated the support. Over time, I built relationships with the families, and they knew they could rely on me to help in any way I could. It was incredibly rewarding to witness the children's progress, knowing that my kindness played a part in their development. Another pattern of kindness in my life is the way I support my friends and family. Whenever someone I care about is going through a difficult time, I don’t just offer words of comfort—I actively seek ways to make their lives easier. Whether it's cooking meals for them, offering to babysit, or lending a listening ear, I always try to be there in the ways they need most. Recently, a close friend of mine was going through a tough divorce, and I could see how overwhelmed she was by the emotional toll of the situation. Without hesitation, I stepped in to help take care of her children, giving her much-needed time to process her emotions and focus on healing. My actions didn’t just help her manage her daily life; they also gave her a sense of comfort and reassurance that she wasn’t alone during such a challenging time. What I’ve learned from these experiences is that kindness doesn’t have to be grand or showy—it’s often the consistent, small acts that leave the most lasting impact. By going above and beyond for others, I’ve been able to build strong, meaningful relationships that are based on trust and care. The people I help know that they can count on me, not just when it’s convenient but whenever they need me. This consistency has also inspired others in my community to step up and be kinder in their own ways. I’ve noticed that my friends, family, and even the children I’ve helped have started showing more empathy and support to those around them, creating a cycle of kindness that continues to spread. In conclusion, kindness is not just something I practice occasionally—it’s a way of life for me. By always going above and beyond for others, I’ve had the privilege of positively impacting the lives of many people. Whether through volunteer work or supporting friends and family, my acts of kindness have helped foster a sense of community, trust, and care, proving that even the smallest actions can have far-reaching effects.

As a mother of three, a first-generation immigrant, and someone passionate about pursuing a career in mental health, managing my mental well-being while attending school has been both challenging and essential. My mental health impacts both my academic performance and personal life, especially as I juggle the responsibilities of being a student, parent, and someone committed to personal growth. However, I’ve learned that prioritizing my mental health is key to maintaining balance and achieving my goals. One of the biggest ways my mental health affects my academic performance is through stress management. Balancing school assignments, exams, and parenting duties can be overwhelming, and this sometimes leads to feelings of anxiety or burnout. When stress builds up, it can become difficult to concentrate on my studies or stay motivated. There are times when self-doubt creeps in, making me question whether I’m capable of succeeding academically while also fulfilling my responsibilities at home. In my personal life, the impact of my mental health can be felt in how I engage with my family. When I’m struggling mentally, I find it harder to be fully present for my children or to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can create tension and emotional fatigue, which in turn affects my ability to manage my time effectively between school and home life. To ensure that my mental health remains a priority, I take several proactive steps. First, I make time for regular self-care, whether it’s through daily mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, or taking breaks when I feel overwhelmed. These practices help me stay grounded and calm, especially during stressful periods in school. I’ve also found that maintaining a consistent routine, including setting aside time for studying and family, helps reduce anxiety and keeps me organized. Seeking support is another critical part of maintaining my mental health. I’m not afraid to ask for help when needed, whether it’s from my professors, peers, or family. Open communication ensures that I don’t carry the weight of stress alone, and it also provides a sense of community and understanding. Additionally, I am a strong advocate for therapy and counseling, which has been crucial in managing stress and gaining perspective on how to balance my mental health with school and family life. In conclusion, my mental health plays a significant role in both my academic and personal life, but by taking active steps to prioritize it, I am able to stay on track with my goals and maintain a sense of balance.

My name is Zainab, and I’m a 32-year-old first-generation Somali immigrant, a mother of three, and someone deeply passionate about mental health care. Mental illness has touched my life in profound ways—both personally and within my family. Coming from a conservative Muslim household, mental health issues were not openly discussed or fully understood. Growing up, I witnessed the effects of untreated emotional and psychological trauma in my own family, though it was often ignored or brushed aside as something we just had to "get over." These experiences shaped my early understanding of mental health and motivated me to want to do better for myself and others. After leaving home at 18, I faced many struggles as I tried to navigate the world without the safety net of my family. Feeling isolated from my community, I dealt with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and confusion. For a long time, I didn’t have the tools or the language to understand what I was experiencing. As a Muslim woman, I also faced discrimination and Islamophobia, which only compounded these feelings of alienation. Trying to balance my religious identity in an often-hostile environment was mentally exhausting, and I didn’t know where to turn for support. It wasn’t until I began my own healing journey that I started to truly understand the importance of mental health care. Therapy became an essential part of my recovery as I worked through my past traumas, childhood experiences, and the emotional toll of isolation. The process of healing was difficult, but it was also liberating. It allowed me to unpack the generational trauma within my family and confront the cultural stigma surrounding mental illness in my community. I began to understand that mental health is just as important as physical health and that ignoring emotional pain can have long-lasting consequences. Within my family, mental illness has been a silent force. My mother, who immigrated to the United States to provide a better life for us, worked incredibly hard to support our family, but she struggled with her own emotional well-being. Although she eventually became a nurse, her path was filled with obstacles, including the pressure of raising a family in a new country while dealing with the emotional scars of displacement and cultural disconnection. While she didn’t seek professional help for her struggles, her journey inspired me to want to enter the field of mental health nursing. I want to help others, like her, who might not have the resources or knowledge to address their mental health challenges. Through my own experience and what I’ve seen in my family, I’ve learned how vital it is to destigmatize mental health within immigrant and Muslim communities. Often, there is shame associated with admitting to mental health issues, and people are left to struggle in silence. I am committed to changing that narrative. I want to be part of a movement that normalizes seeking help and ensures that mental health care is accessible and culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse communities. Today, mental health remains a central part of my life and my goals. I’m determined to become a mental health nurse, working within communities that often go underserved. I believe that my personal experiences with mental illness, trauma, and the barriers my family and I have faced uniquely position me to make a difference in this field. I want to provide the compassionate care and support that I needed during my hardest moments and help break the cycle of silence that so often surrounds mental illness in communities of color.

As a first-generation immigrant and someone who has faced barriers in accessing support, my unique contribution to mental health care would be grounded in cultural understanding and compassion. I aim to make mental health care more affordable and accessible by advocating for culturally sensitive care, especially for immigrant and marginalized communities. Too often, these communities face systemic barriers, so ensuring mental health professionals are trained to understand diverse backgrounds is crucial. One way I hope to contribute is by supporting initiatives that provide free or low-cost mental health services. This could include expanding telehealth services, creating community outreach programs, and forming partnerships with local organizations to bring care directly to those in need. I also believe in integrating mental health check-ups into primary care settings, making it easier for individuals to access support without the stigma or financial burden associated with specialized care. In addition, I am committed to advocating for policy changes that increase funding for mental health services and push for insurance reforms. Offering sliding-scale fees based on income will help ensure that no one is left without the care they need simply because they cannot afford it. Through these efforts, I believe I can help create a more inclusive, affordable, and accessible mental health care system—one that ensures everyone, regardless of background or financial situation, can access the support they deserve.

As a first-generation Somali immigrant, my journey has been marked by both cultural pride and significant challenges. Growing up in a conservative Muslim household, my identity has always been a source of strength, but it has also subjected me to adversity, particularly in the form of Islamophobia. Throughout my life, I’ve faced challenges that tested my resolve and threatened to derail my dreams. However, these experiences have shaped me, strengthened my commitment to my goals, and deepened my desire to help others, especially in the field of mental health nursing. One of the most significant challenges I faced was the struggle to reconcile my cultural and religious identity with the expectations placed on me by society. As a Muslim woman, I wear my hijab proudly, but it has often made me a target of discrimination. I have faced Islamophobia in many forms—whether through subtle microaggressions or outright hostility. For example, while pursuing job opportunities or interacting in public spaces, I’ve been met with questions and comments that undermined my abilities simply because of my appearance and faith. This constant battle against prejudice made me question my place in society, and for a time, it felt as though my dreams of building a career and making a difference were slipping away. However, I refused to let these challenges define me. I found strength in my family, particularly in my mother, who immigrated to the U.S. with dreams of providing a better life for us. She became a nurse, and her determination to succeed in the face of adversity was a source of inspiration for me. Watching her balance the demands of her job while raising our family showed me what resilience looks like. Her example taught me that no matter how difficult the path, it is possible to rise above the challenges and achieve one’s goals. To overcome the obstacles I faced, I employed strategies that allowed me to both confront the external challenges and heal internally. Therapy played a key role in helping me navigate the trauma of discrimination and gave me the tools to build resilience. Additionally, I began to advocate for myself, ensuring that I was seen for my abilities and not for the stereotypes others projected onto me. I also immersed myself in supportive communities that understood and valued my identity as a Muslim woman, which helped me regain my confidence. Through these experiences, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about perseverance, self-advocacy, and empathy. These lessons continue to influence my life today, as they have inspired me to pursue a career in mental health nursing. Having faced adversity firsthand, I am deeply committed to helping others who struggle with mental health, especially within marginalized communities. I want to be the compassionate and understanding professional that people can turn to during their most vulnerable moments. The adversity I’ve faced as a first-generation Somali immigrant and Muslim woman has only strengthened my resolve to achieve my goals. It has shaped my identity, fueled my passion for mental health, and reinforced my belief in the power of resilience. Today, I am more determined than ever to turn my challenges into opportunities for growth and to use my experiences to uplift others in their journeys toward healing.

Going to college at this point in my life represents a new beginning, a chance to reclaim opportunities that I had to put on hold. At 32, I’ve lived through many challenges that have shaped who I am today. After a rough upbringing, I was married right after high school and had three children. While raising them has been the most rewarding part of my life, it also meant that I had to put my own educational and career aspirations on hold. Now that my kids are at an age where I can dedicate more time to my goals, going back to school means everything to me. For me, this journey to return to college is not just about pursuing a degree; it’s about building a future where I can better support my family and set an example for my children. I want them to see that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, no matter how long you’ve had to wait or what life has thrown at you. Education will give me the tools I need to provide a stable life for my children and open doors to career opportunities that were once out of reach. It’s about giving them a life where they can thrive, and in turn, finding my own sense of accomplishment and purpose. My Goals and Aspirations I have always been passionate about mental health, largely because of my own journey. After dealing with the challenges from my upbringing and overcoming personal struggles, I developed a deep desire to help others. Returning to school to become a mental health nurse is a way for me to turn that passion into a career. I know firsthand how crucial mental health support can be, especially for those who feel alone in their struggles, and I want to be the person who helps them find their way through it. Becoming a mental health nurse would allow me to combine my life experience with professional training to make a real difference in the lives of others. I want to provide compassionate care and advocate for people who may not have the resources or understanding they need to heal. I believe that mental health care is not just about treatment—it’s about understanding people, their stories, and how to support them through difficult times. For me, becoming a mental health nurse is a calling, and college is the first step to fulfilling that calling. Ultimately, going back to college is about building a career that aligns with my passion and purpose. It’s a chance to give my children a stable and secure life while also showing them that perseverance and hard work can open doors at any stage in life. College will equip me with the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in the healthcare field, and becoming a mental health nurse will allow me to give back to my community in a meaningful way. It’s more than a degree—it’s the key to a future that I have dreamed of for myself and my children.

Growing up in a conservative Muslim household, I always felt that my true self was at odds with the environment in which I was raised. The strict rules, the rigid expectations, and the lack of space for questioning or self-exploration made me feel confined, unable to express my individuality. By the time I turned 18, I made the difficult decision to leave that environment, knowing that staying would only continue to stifle my growth. It was a bold choice, one that would lead me down a path of both spiritual awakening and deep emotional challenges. This choice marked the beginning of my journey towards understanding mental health and ultimately healing. At first, leaving home didn’t bring the sense of freedom I had imagined. Instead, I was overwhelmed by feelings of isolation and loneliness. Having grown up in a close-knit yet emotionally unavailable household, I found myself disconnected from the people I had once considered family. My friends, many of whom came from similar backgrounds, didn’t understand my decision, which deepened my sense of isolation. This period of my life felt like I had severed my ties to the only support system I had ever known, even though that system was far from nurturing. This experience of separation threw me into a period of intense introspection. I found myself asking questions about who I was, what I believed in, and why I felt so alienated not only from my family but from myself. The confusion was unsettling; I struggled to reconcile my upbringing with the person I was becoming. It felt like I had to rebuild my identity from the ground up, without the guidance of those I once leaned on. In that space, I realized how much trauma I had been carrying from my childhood—trauma that stemmed from a lack of emotional support, understanding, and acceptance. This self-awareness didn't come easily. At first, I tried to ignore the emotional weight I was carrying, thinking that moving forward without looking back would solve everything. However, the more I pushed down those feelings, the more they surfaced in unexpected ways. I found myself anxious, lost in negative thoughts, and unable to connect with others on a deeper level. It became clear that without addressing the trauma from my past, I couldn’t fully heal or understand myself. Recognizing this, I began to explore different paths to healing. Therapy became an essential tool for me during this time. Through therapy, I started to unpack the layers of emotional pain that had built up over the years. I began to see how the expectations placed on me as a child had shaped my worldview and how I related to others. The process of unraveling those internalized beliefs was painful, but it was also freeing. It allowed me to release much of the shame and guilt I had been carrying for not fitting into the mold that my family and community had expected. Another crucial element of my healing was discovering spirituality on my own terms. While I had been raised in a religious environment, the way faith was practiced in my household felt more like a set of rules than a source of comfort. As I ventured into my spiritual awakening, I began to redefine what spirituality meant for me. This journey allowed me to find peace and clarity in areas where I once felt lost. Instead of seeing faith as something imposed upon me, I began to view it as a source of personal growth and healing. Throughout this journey, my beliefs about mental health began to evolve. I came to understand that healing is not a linear process. There are ups and downs, moments of clarity, and times of confusion. This realization made me more compassionate toward myself and others who were going through similar struggles. I realized that mental health, particularly within communities of color, is often stigmatized or ignored, and many people suffer in silence because they don’t have the language or the tools to articulate their pain. This insight sparked a deep desire within me to help others who, like me, had struggled with feelings of isolation and trauma but didn’t know where to turn. As I moved through my own healing process, I noticed a shift in how I approached relationships. Growing up, I had been conditioned to prioritize the needs and expectations of others above my own. This often led to relationships that were one-sided, where I gave more than I received. However, as I started to heal, I began to set boundaries, both with my family and friends. These boundaries were not just about protecting myself from further hurt; they were about creating space for healthier, more balanced relationships. I realized that I had the right to surround myself with people who respected my journey and supported my growth. This shift in relationships was not easy. It meant distancing myself from people who had been central to my life, including family members who couldn’t accept the changes I was making. But it also opened up the possibility for new connections—relationships built on mutual respect, understanding, and emotional support. I found myself forming deeper bonds with people who, like me, had experienced their own struggles and were committed to healing. As my mental health improved and my relationships became more balanced, I began to think about how my journey could inform my career. The passion I developed for mental health, particularly in relation to trauma healing, became a guiding force in shaping my aspirations. I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others navigate their mental health challenges, just as I had navigated mine. I became particularly interested in working with marginalized communities, especially people of color, who often face unique barriers to accessing mental health resources. The stigma around mental health in many cultures, including my own, can prevent people from seeking help, and I wanted to be part of the change that breaks down those barriers. In terms of my career aspirations, I am now pursuing opportunities that allow me to support others on their mental health journeys. Whether it’s through direct work in mental health services or in a related field, my goal is to create safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and validated. I want to empower others to heal from their trauma and take control of their mental health, just as I have done. My experience has taught me that healing is possible, even when it feels out of reach, and that no one should have to go through it alone.