As a transfer student from Texas to Boston University I've faced many challenges from adapting to a new environment and trying to maintain my mental health. The switch from being at home where I was most comfortable to the bustling city life in Boston has been overwhelming. With my friends and family being so far away I struggled to cope with my depression and anxiety, especially during lonely moments where I was eating lunch or walking back to my dorm at night from a late class. The weight of these emotions often felt suffocating, especially in such a vibrant city where I constantly felt like I was out of my element. I realized that to succeed in college, I was going to have to find ways to cope with my mental health. I knew that I needed to be involved in more group-centered activities so that I wouldn't feel alone in such a big city. My first step was joining a Pilates/Yoga class offered by the University. Not only was I able to practice techniques on how to relax my mind and focus on healing my body, but they also gave me a space to connect with others who were also struggling. Knowing that I wasn't alone with my mental health issues made me feel less alienated. The class provided a calm and accepting environment where I could destress, and felt comfortable voicing my struggles among others who shared similar experiences. In addition to yoga, I pushed myself to attend club meetings focused on my interests, such as art and LGBTQ+ rights. The first time I attended an art club meeting, I was nervous, but everyone there was welcoming and I found someone who I'm now close friends with. Drawing allows me to focus on a singular task that I enjoy while giving my mind a much-needed break from the harsh workload at BU. The LGBTQ+ Activism club allowed me to give back to the community and gave me a sense of purpose. Being in these clubs has given me a creative outlet and made connecting with others easier. As I move forward I plan to take more steps to improve my depression and anxiety, such as going for runs around campus, exploring the city with friends, and speaking to a professional for help when needed. Life can be challenging and I’ve learned it's important to treat myself with grace and compassion when my depression gets bad. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to receive this education and I’m excited to grow as a person.

I believe art is essential to the human spirit. Everyone has the desire to create something in this world whether it's expressed through painting, music, politics, or science. I want to create films and books about LGBTQ+ stories without the taboo surrounding the narrative. Songs like "I Kissed a Girl" reinforced the idea that kissing a girl was wrong and something to be enjoyed but not taken seriously. This is exactly what I did when I was younger and for a long time I identified as straight despite my conflicting emotions. One reason behind this was because of my religious family and even now I still struggle with accepting who I am. However, anytime I feel down I think of the first time I heard Chappell's song "Good Luck Babe". I was scrolling through TikTok when I came across an edit of two characters from Nana. The anime depicts two girls who are incredibly close to one another to the point where one character, Hachi, calls their relationship "a happy first love." Fitting to the theme of the song, neither character acknowledges their feelings for the other and the lyrics "make a new excuse, another stupid reason" sing out. The lyrics reminded me of moments in the past when I would dismiss or downplay my attraction towards women. I kept making stupid excuses for my feelings, the stupidest one being that if men could watch girls kissing girls and still be considered straight then so could I. Needless to say, I was in denial as well as confused. Living in a conservative southern state, I didn't have any guidance toward my queerness. Now, I'm more open with my feelings, and after seeing someone like Chappell Roan expresses herself in a way that, though may disturb some people, is true to who she is. I feel less afraid of writing stories that are true to who I am. Her music inspires me to work hard towards my goals. I'm not joking when I say I cleaned my mom's entire apartment at 3 a.m. while listening to 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess' on repeat. This isn't to say that I support her simply because she helped me clean, but to say that she truly lifts people in a way that makes them feel important. She gives a highlight to local drag queens wherever she gives her tour so that her spotlight can help shine on those who also deserve the light. Art can be expressed in different modes such as singer or drag queen. Differences in art can spark inspiration for some and hope in those who thought no one else was like them. I am proud to call myself a Chappell Roan fan and I hope to one day see her in concert so I can show my support and sing my heart out with the rest of the fans.