Two years ago I wrote to the admissions department at Wisconsin Lutheran College. I told them that the two outcomes I wished to receive from my education were increasing my knowledge of the medical field and using that knowledge to serve others. To this day, my mindset has not changed. I hold myself to a high standard while I push myself to be the best student, teammate, and coworker I can be. Furthermore, I want to fulfill my goals through a career in the medical field as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Recently, sonography has become one of the more competitive programs in the medical field, and I am interested in it because of its connection to women’s health. Women’s health and sonography first became an interest to me when I was informed that my mom became pregnant with me through in vitro fertilization. She explained how the process works and how she had to receive ultrasounds throughout the pregnancy. While completing a job shadow at Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, I observed a variety of sonograms in their women’s clinic. Specifically, I shadowed a growth exam and an umbilical artery doppler. During these exams, I witnessed how sonography can be an important diagnostic tool, essential for a healthy pregnancy. Besides the job description, I have observed that a successful sonographer needs to possess certain qualities. One of these qualities is patient care experience. I am currently gaining patient care experience while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Aurora Baycare Medical Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I have been employed for nearly two years and have over eight hundred and eighty hours of experience. While working as a CNA, I have learned how to communicate with patients, patients’ family members, doctors, nurses, and other teammates, such as sonographers and x-ray technicians. One of my favorite tasks while working as a CNA has been performing bladder scans. Regularly practicing bladder scans at work has given me a small insight into the world of sonography. An additional task that I enjoy is sitting in on different echocardiograms and nuclear medicine exams. I often have the opportunity to observe them when it is a weekend and the team members need an extra set of eyes. This is another time I get to grow my communication and teamwork skills. Commitment is another quality that a sonographer needs to have while in school and in the workforce. I have demonstrated commitment and dedication throughout high school by participating in several clubs and being a two-sport athlete. Now, I have continued my work ethic by keeping my standards high in college. For the past year and a half, I have been dedicated to the women’s volleyball team at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Being a student-athlete has put extra pressure on me to perform well in the classroom as volleyball consumed a lot of my schedule. Having a busy schedule has taught me how to manage my time while never giving up on my team commitments and maintaining my academic standards. I believe that I possess the strong qualities of a successful sonographer; my communication, teamwork, and dedication have grown with my experience as a certified nursing assistant and as a college student-athlete. Additionally, my passion for sonography and how it relates to women's health will motivate me to expand my knowledge in the medical field. Ultimately, this knowledge will allow me to serve others while working as a diagnostic medical sonographer.

Two years ago I wrote to the admissions department at Wisconsin Lutheran College. I told them that the two outcomes I wished to receive from my education were increasing my knowledge of the medical field and using that knowledge to serve others. To this day, my mindset has not changed. I hold myself to a high standard while I push myself to be the best student, teammate, and coworker I can be. Furthermore, I want to fulfill my goals through a career in the medical field as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Recently, sonography has become one of the more competitive programs in the medical field, and I am interested in it because of its connection to women’s health. Women’s health and sonography first became an interest to me when I was informed that my mom became pregnant with me through in vitro fertilization. She explained how the process works and how she had to receive ultrasounds throughout the pregnancy. While completing a job shadow at Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, I observed a variety of sonograms in their women’s clinic. Specifically, I shadowed a growth exam and an umbilical artery doppler. During these exams, I witnessed how sonography can be an important diagnostic tool, essential for a healthy pregnancy. Besides the job description, I have observed that a successful sonographer needs to possess certain qualities. One of these qualities is patient care experience. I am currently gaining patient care experience while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Aurora Baycare Medical Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I have been employed for nearly two years and have over eight hundred and eighty hours of experience. While working as a CNA, I have learned how to communicate with patients, patients’ family members, doctors, nurses, and other teammates, such as sonographers and x-ray technicians. One of my favorite tasks while working as a CNA has been performing bladder scans. Regularly practicing bladder scans at work has given me a small insight into the world of sonography. An additional task that I enjoy is sitting in on different echocardiograms and nuclear medicine exams. I often have the opportunity to observe them when it is a weekend and the team members need an extra set of eyes. This is another time I get to grow my communication and teamwork skills. Commitment is another quality that a sonographer needs to have while in school and in the workforce. I have demonstrated commitment and dedication throughout high school by participating in several clubs and being a two-sport athlete. Now, I have continued my work ethic by keeping my standards high in college. For the past year and a half, I have been dedicated to the women’s volleyball team at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Being a student-athlete has put extra pressure on me to perform well in the classroom as volleyball consumed a lot of my schedule. Having a busy schedule has taught me how to manage my time while never giving up on my team commitments and maintaining my academic standards. I believe that I possess the strong qualities of a successful sonographer; my communication, teamwork, and dedication have grown with my experience as a certified nursing assistant and as a college student-athlete. Additionally, my passion for sonography and how it relates to women's health will motivate me to expand my knowledge in the medical field. Ultimately, this knowledge will allow me to serve others while working as a diagnostic medical sonographer.

Two years ago I wrote to the admissions department at Wisconsin Lutheran College. I told them that the two outcomes I wished to receive from my education were increasing my knowledge of the medical field and using that knowledge to serve others. To this day, my mindset has not changed. I hold myself to a high standard while I push myself to be the best student, teammate, and coworker I can be. Furthermore, I want to fulfill my goals through a career in the medical field as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Recently, sonography has become one of the more competitive programs in the medical field, and I am interested in it because of its connection to women’s health. Women’s health and sonography first became an interest to me when I was informed that my mom became pregnant with me through in vitro fertilization. She explained how the process works and how she had to receive ultrasounds throughout the pregnancy. While completing a job shadow at Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, I observed a variety of sonograms in their women’s clinic. Specifically, I shadowed a growth exam and an umbilical artery doppler. During these exams, I witnessed how sonography can be an important diagnostic tool, essential for a healthy pregnancy. Besides the job description, I have observed that a successful sonographer needs to possess certain qualities. One of these qualities is patient care experience. I am currently gaining patient care experience while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Aurora Baycare Medical Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I have been employed for nearly two years and have over eight hundred and eighty hours of experience. While working as a CNA, I have learned how to communicate with patients, patients’ family members, doctors, nurses, and other teammates, such as sonographers and x-ray technicians. One of my favorite tasks while working as a CNA has been performing bladder scans. Regularly practicing bladder scans at work has given me a small insight into the world of sonography. An additional task that I enjoy is sitting in on different echocardiograms and nuclear medicine exams. I often have the opportunity to observe them when it is a weekend and the team members need an extra set of eyes. This is another time I get to grow my communication and teamwork skills. Commitment is another quality that a sonographer needs to have while in school and in the workforce. I have demonstrated commitment and dedication throughout high school by participating in several clubs and being a two-sport athlete. Now, I have continued my work ethic by keeping my standards high in college. For the past year and a half, I have been dedicated to the women’s volleyball team at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Being a student-athlete has put extra pressure on me to perform well in the classroom as volleyball consumed a lot of my schedule. Having a busy schedule has taught me how to manage my time while never giving up on my team commitments and maintaining my academic standards. I believe that I possess the strong qualities of a successful sonographer; my communication, teamwork, and dedication have grown with my experience as a certified nursing assistant and as a college student-athlete. Additionally, my passion for sonography and how it relates to women's health will motivate me to expand my knowledge in the medical field. Ultimately, this knowledge will allow me to serve others while working as a diagnostic medical sonographer.

Two years ago I wrote to the admissions department at Wisconsin Lutheran College. I told them that the two outcomes I wished to receive from my education were increasing my knowledge of the medical field and using that knowledge to serve others. To this day, my mindset has not changed. I hold myself to a high standard while I push myself to be the best student, teammate, and coworker I can be. Furthermore, I want to fulfill my goals through a career in the medical field as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Recently, sonography has become one of the more competitive programs in the medical field, and I am interested in it because of its connection to women’s health. Women’s health and sonography first became an interest to me when I was informed that my mom became pregnant with me through in vitro fertilization. She explained how the process works and how she had to receive ultrasounds throughout the pregnancy. While completing a job shadow at Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, I observed a variety of sonograms in their women’s clinic. Specifically, I shadowed a growth exam and an umbilical artery doppler. During these exams, I witnessed how sonography can be an important diagnostic tool, essential for a healthy pregnancy. Besides the job description, I have observed that a successful sonographer needs to possess certain qualities. One of these qualities is patient care experience. I am currently gaining patient care experience while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Aurora Baycare Medical Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I have been employed for nearly two years and have over eight hundred and eighty hours of experience. While working as a CNA, I have learned how to communicate with patients, patients’ family members, doctors, nurses, and other teammates, such as sonographers and x-ray technicians. One of my favorite tasks while working as a CNA has been performing bladder scans. Regularly practicing bladder scans at work has given me a small insight into the world of sonography. An additional task that I enjoy is sitting in on different echocardiograms and nuclear medicine exams. I often have the opportunity to observe them when it is a weekend and the team members need an extra set of eyes. This is another time I get to grow my communication and teamwork skills. Commitment is another quality that a sonographer needs to have while in school and in the workforce. I have demonstrated commitment and dedication throughout high school by participating in several clubs and being a two-sport athlete. Now, I have continued my work ethic by keeping my standards high in college. For the past year and a half, I have been dedicated to the women’s volleyball team at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Being a student-athlete has put extra pressure on me to perform well in the classroom as volleyball consumed a lot of my schedule. Having a busy schedule has taught me how to manage my time while never giving up on my team commitments and maintaining my academic standards. I believe that I possess the strong qualities of a successful sonographer; my communication, teamwork, and dedication have grown with my experience as a certified nursing assistant and as a college student-athlete. Additionally, my passion for sonography and how it relates to women's health will motivate me to expand my knowledge in the medical field. Ultimately, this knowledge will allow me to serve others while working as a diagnostic medical sonographer.

@_sageaugust

To obtain knowledge and to be of service to others, these two goals have sculpted who I am today and what I want my future career as a diagnostic medical sonographer to resemble. Ever since my mom informed me that she became pregnant through in vitro fertilization, I have developed an interest in the science behind women's health. With my past experiences and my future education, I plan to achieve excellence and meet my career goals. Trying to decide on a future career as a freshman in high school was extremely overwhelming. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, but there were so many options. In my sophomore year of high school, I could not decide between a career as a sonographer, a pediatrician, a nurse, or a paramedic. I determined in my junior year of high school that I wanted to major in sonography. What ultimately led me to choose sonography was the continuous learning of new technology, social interaction in the work setting, and the benefits of supporting myself financially in the future. Throughout my senior year, I completed numerous tasks to prepare myself for a college education. For example, I took a nursing assistant course through Lakeshore Technical College in December of 2022. The rigorous coursework taught me to manage my time efficiently and work in a team. This healthcare experience also allowed me to spend time learning patient care through hands-on tasks with residents. In the long run, this involvement will let me be more competitive while applying for hospital internships in college. After planning to attend Wisconsin Lutheran College or UW-La Crosse in the Fall of 2023 for their advanced Diagnostic Medical Sonographer majors, I recognize that I need financial support. The academic programs offered by Wisconsin Lutheran College and UW-La Crosse grant me the opportunities to learn the course content in advanced programs and attend a clinical internship with a partnering hospital. While this opportunity will put me in a position to obtain knowledge and be of service to others, it is costly. The funds from this scholarship will help me afford my yearly tuition costs so that I can continue to study without the stress of student loans. When I graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, I will be competitive while applying for a full-time position. My dream sonography job is to work 1st shift in a hospital so that I will be able to support my family in the future. Besides my family, working as a full-time sonographer will allow me to continue to serve others in a large community and further my knowledge of women's health.

The past few years have not only been a physical whirlwind but also a mental one. The pain and sorrow I felt when my cousin, Max, abruptly took his own life is something nobody should experience. Keeping this in mind, I have made it my mission to offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Max was an outgoing and social individual who always put everyone else’s needs before his own. Despite the fact that Max seemed alright on the outside, others often needed to help him through life. This began when he dropped out of high school and was seen as a troubled youth. Looking back at it now, there was a gap of time when Max was not present at family gatherings or church. By the time Max came back around it was a challenge for me to get comfortable seeing him, and I regret that I didn’t make more of an effort to get to know him again. This regret came the day my mom pulled me aside after I had gotten home from school. She sat me down on the couch, and I immediately knew something was wrong, but nothing could have prepared me for what came next. My mom then explained how mental health is a serious concern and that she would always be there for me. After attending Max’s funeral, I told myself that I would be there for others like my mom is there for me. It has now been almost two years since Max passed, and I feel that I have lived up to my goal. Through Kiel High School, I have joined various organizations, such as the Mission Club, Student Council, National Honors Society, Math Club, and Spanish Club. These different groups have allowed me to get closer to more of my classmates and community members; precisely, with Student Council, I have planned ice-breaker activities for the student body to do in class every week. Furthermore, as a Student Council member, I get to be a part of Challenge Day, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build empathy and compassion. Both of these projects have recognized mental health as an issue in school, and I believe that through community building and awareness, the number of suicides in teens and young adults will decrease. Although I have made an effort to increase mental health awareness in high school, I will maintain my goal of being there for others in my college education by meeting new people in classes and organizations. In addition, the relationships I have gained and will continue to gain allow me to be close to others so that I too will always have someone to talk to. A helping hand is a powerful tool when people are in need and even if Max didn’t feel like he had that, I will always continue to make sure others feel that they do.

To obtain knowledge and to be of service to others, these two goals have sculpted who I am today and what I want my future career as a diagnostic medical sonographer to resemble. Ever since my mom informed me that she became pregnant through in vitro fertilization, I have developed an interest in the science behind women's health. With my past experiences and my future education, I plan to achieve excellence and meet my career goals. Trying to decide on a future career as a freshman in high school was extremely overwhelming. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, but there were so many options. In my sophomore year of high school, I could not decide between a career as a sonographer, a pediatrician, a nurse, or a paramedic. I determined in my junior year of high school that I wanted to major in sonography. What ultimately led me to choose sonography was the continuous learning of new technology, social interaction in the work setting, and the benefits of supporting myself financially in the future. Throughout my senior year, I completed numerous tasks to prepare myself for a college education. For example, I took a nursing assistant course through Lakeshore Technical College in December of 2022. The rigorous coursework taught me to manage my time efficiently and work in a team. This healthcare experience also allowed me to spend time learning patient care through hands-on tasks with residents. In the long run, this involvement will let me be more competitive while applying for hospital internships in college. After planning to attend Wisconsin Lutheran College or UW-La Crosse in the Fall of 2023 for their advanced Diagnostic Medical Sonographer majors, I recognize that I need financial support. The academic programs offered by Wisconsin Lutheran College and UW-La Crosse grant me the opportunities to learn the course content in advanced programs and attend a clinical internship with a partnering hospital. While this opportunity will put me in a position to obtain knowledge and be of service to others, it is costly. The funds from this scholarship will help me afford my yearly tuition costs so that I can continue to study without the stress of student loans. When I graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, I will be competitive while applying for a full-time position. My dream sonography job is to work 1st shift in a hospital so that I will be able to support my family in the future. Besides my family, working as a full-time sonographer will allow me to continue to serve others in a large community and further my knowledge of women's health.

The past few years have not only been a physical whirlwind but also a mental one. The pain and sorrow I felt when my cousin, Max, abruptly took his own life is something nobody should experience. Keeping this in mind, I have made it my mission to offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Max was an outgoing and social individual who always put everyone else’s needs before his own. Despite the fact that Max seemed alright on the outside, others often needed to help him through life. This began when he dropped out of high school and was seen as a troubled youth. Looking back at it now, there was a gap of time when Max was not present at family gatherings or church. By the time Max came back around it was a challenge for me to get comfortable seeing him, and I regret that I didn’t make more of an effort to get to know him again. This regret came the day my mom pulled me aside after I had gotten home from school. She sat me down on the couch, and I immediately knew something was wrong, but nothing could have prepared me for what came next. My mom then explained how mental health is a serious concern and that she would always be there for me. After attending Max’s funeral, I told myself that I would be there for others like my mom is there for me. It has now been almost two years since Max passed, and I feel that I have lived up to my goal. Through Kiel High School, I have joined various organizations, such as the Mission Club, Student Council, National Honors Society, Math Club, and Spanish Club. These different groups have allowed me to get closer to more of my classmates and community members; precisely, with Student Council, I have planned ice-breaker activities for the student body to do in class every week. Furthermore, as a Student Council member, I get to be a part of Challenge Day, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build empathy and compassion. Both of these projects have recognized mental health as an issue in school, and I believe that through community building and awareness, the number of suicides in teens and young adults will decrease. Although I have made an effort to increase mental health awareness in high school, I will maintain my goal of being there for others in my college education by meeting new people in classes and organizations. In addition, the relationships I have gained and will continue to gain allow me to be close to others so that I too will always have someone to talk to. A helping hand is a powerful tool when people are in need and even if Max didn’t feel like he had that, I will always continue to make sure others feel that they do.

The past few years have not only been a physical whirlwind but also a mental one. The pain and sorrow I felt when my cousin, Max, abruptly took his own life is something nobody should experience. Keeping this in mind, I have made it my mission to offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Max was an outgoing and social individual who always put everyone else’s needs before his own. Despite the fact that Max seemed alright on the outside, others often needed to help him through life. This began when he dropped out of high school and was seen as a troubled youth. Looking back at it now, there was a gap of time when Max was not present at family gatherings or church. By the time Max came back around it was a challenge for me to get comfortable seeing him, and I regret that I didn’t make more of an effort to get to know him again. This regret came the day my mom pulled me aside after I had gotten home from school. She sat me down on the couch, and I immediately knew something was wrong, but nothing could have prepared me for what came next. My mom then explained how mental health is a serious concern and that she would always be there for me. After attending Max’s funeral, I told myself that I would be there for others like my mom is there for me. It has now been almost two years since Max passed, and I feel that I have lived up to my goal. Through Kiel High School, I have joined various organizations, such as the Mission Club, Student Council, National Honors Society, Math Club, and Spanish Club. These different groups have allowed me to get closer to more of my classmates and community members; precisely, with Student Council, I have planned ice-breaker activities for the student body to do in class every week. Furthermore, as a Student Council member, I get to be a part of Challenge Day, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build empathy and compassion. Both of these projects have recognized mental health as an issue in school, and I believe that through community building and awareness, the number of suicides in teens and young adults will decrease. Although I have made an effort to increase mental health awareness in high school, I will maintain my goal of being there for others in my college education by meeting new people in classes and organizations. In addition, the relationships I have gained and will continue to gain allow me to be close to others so that I too will always have someone to talk to. A helping hand is a powerful tool when people are in need and even if Max didn’t feel like he had that, I will always continue to make sure others feel that they do.

The past few years have not only been a physical whirlwind but also a mental one. The pain and sorrow I felt when my cousin, Max, abruptly took his own life is something nobody should experience. Keeping this in mind, I have made it my mission to offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Max was an outgoing and social individual who always put everyone else’s needs before his own. Despite the fact that Max seemed alright on the outside, others often needed to help him through life. This began when he dropped out of high school and was seen as a troubled youth. Looking back at it now, there was a gap of time when Max was not present at family gatherings or church. By the time Max came back around it was a challenge for me to get comfortable seeing him, and I regret that I didn’t make more of an effort to get to know him again. This regret came the day my mom pulled me aside after I had gotten home from school. She sat me down on the couch, and I immediately knew something was wrong, but nothing could have prepared me for what came next. My mom then explained how mental health is a serious concern and that she would always be there for me. After attending Max’s funeral, I told myself that I would be there for others like my mom is there for me. It has now been almost two years since Max passed, and I feel that I have lived up to my goal. Through Kiel High School, I have joined various organizations, such as the Mission Club, Student Council, National Honors Society, Math Club, and Spanish Club. These different groups have allowed me to get closer to more of my classmates and community members; precisely, with Student Council, I have planned ice-breaker activities for the student body to do in class every week. Furthermore, as a Student Council member, I get to be a part of Challenge Day, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build empathy and compassion. Both of these projects have recognized mental health as an issue in school, and I believe that through community building and awareness, the number of suicides in teens and young adults will decrease. Although I have made an effort to increase mental health awareness in high school, I will maintain my goal of being there for others in my college education by meeting new people in classes and organizations. In addition, the relationships I have gained and will continue to gain allow me to be close to others so that I too will always have someone to talk to. A helping hand is a powerful tool when people are in need and even if Max didn’t feel like he had that, I will always continue to make sure others feel that they do.

The past few years have not only been a physical whirlwind but also a mental one. The pain and sorrow I felt when my cousin, Max, abruptly took his own life is something nobody should experience. Keeping this in mind, I have made it my mission to offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Max was an outgoing and social individual who always put everyone else’s needs before his own. Despite the fact that Max seemed alright on the outside, others often needed to help him through life. This began when he dropped out of high school and was seen as a troubled youth. Looking back at it now, there was a gap of time when Max was not present at family gatherings or church. By the time Max came back around it was a challenge for me to get comfortable seeing him, and I regret that I didn’t make more of an effort to get to know him again. This regret came the day my mom pulled me aside after I had gotten home from school. She sat me down on the couch, and I immediately knew something was wrong, but nothing could have prepared me for what came next. My mom then explained how mental health is a serious concern and that she would always be there for me. After attending Max’s funeral, I told myself that I would be there for others like my mom is there for me. It has now been almost two years since Max passed, and I feel that I have lived up to my goal. Through Kiel High School, I have joined various organizations, such as the Mission Club, Student Council, National Honors Society, Math Club, and Spanish Club. These different groups have allowed me to get closer to more of my classmates and community members; precisely, with Student Council, I have planned ice-breaker activities for the student body to do in class every week. Furthermore, as a Student Council member, I get to be a part of Challenge Day, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build empathy and compassion. Both of these projects have recognized mental health as an issue in school, and I believe that through community building and awareness, the number of suicides in teens and young adults will decrease. Although I have made an effort to increase mental health awareness in high school, I will maintain my goal of being there for others in my college education as well by meeting new people in classes and organizations. In addition, the relationships I have gained and will continue to gain allow me to be close with others so that I too will always have someone to talk to. A helping hand is a powerful tool when people are in need and even if Max didn’t feel like he had that, I will always continue to make sure others feel that they do.

The past few years have not only been a physical whirlwind but also a mental one. Mental health concerns are seen throughout the dragging school days while kids walk through the halls with their hanging heads or when a stress-filled tear drips onto a textbook. Although these situations have come about throughout my life, I still managed to overlook mental illness until it hit too close to home. The pain and sorrow I felt when my cousin, Max, abruptly took his own life is something nobody should experience. Keeping this in mind, I have made it my mission to offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Max was an outgoing and social individual who always put everyone else’s needs before his own. Being just six years younger than Max, I saw him as a role model as he made his way through education and religion. Despite the fact that Max seemed alright on the outside, others often needed to help him through life. This began when he dropped out of high school and was seen as a troubled youth. By the time Max was eighteen, he had been arrested by the police and spent time in juvenile detention. At the time, I did not fully understand his decisions as they were seen as disappointments, and most of the family did not discuss them. Looking back at it now, there was a gap of time when Max was not present at family gatherings or church. By the time Max came back around it was a challenge for me to get comfortable seeing him, and I regret that I didn’t make more of an effort to get to know him again. This regret came the day my mom pulled me aside after I had gotten home from school. She sat me down on the couch, and I immediately knew something was wrong, but nothing could have prepared me for what came next. My mom then explained how mental health is a serious concern and that she would always be there for me. After attending Max’s funeral, I told myself that I needed to start making an effort to recognize signs of mental illness and look out for the people close to me. In short, I was going to be there for others, like my mom is there for me. It has now been almost two years since Max passed, and I feel that I have lived up to my goal. Through Kiel High School, I have joined various organizations, such as the Mission Club, Student Council, National Honors Society, and Spanish Club. These different groups have allowed me to get closer to more of my classmates and community members; precisely, with Student Council, I have planned ice-breaker activities for the student body to do in class every week. Furthermore, as a Student Council member, I get to be a part of Challenge Day, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build empathy and compassion. Both of these projects have recognized mental health as an issue in school, and I believe that through community building and awareness, the number of suicides in teens and young adults will decrease. Although I have made an effort to increase mental health awareness in high school, I intend to maintain my goal of being there for others in my college education as well. I will do this by meeting new people in classes and organizations. In addition to being there for everyone else, the relationships I have gained and will continue to gain allow me to be close with others so that I too will always have someone to talk to. A helping hand that is compassion and support is a powerful tool when people are in need and even if Max didn’t feel like he had that, I will always continue to make sure others feel that they do.

The past few years have not only been a physical whirlwind but also a mental one. The pain and sorrow I felt when my cousin, Max, abruptly took his own life is something nobody should experience. Keeping this in mind, I have made it my mission to offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Max was an outgoing and social individual who always put everyone else’s needs before his own. Despite the fact that Max seemed alright on the outside, others often needed to help him through life. This began when he dropped out of high school and was seen as a troubled youth. Looking back at it now, there was a gap of time when Max was not present at family gatherings or church. By the time Max came back around it was a challenge for me to get comfortable seeing him, and I regret that I didn’t make more of an effort to get to know him again. This regret came the day my mom pulled me aside after I had gotten home from school. She sat me down on the couch, and I immediately knew something was wrong, but nothing could have prepared me for what came next. My mom then explained how mental health is a serious concern and that she would always be there for me. After attending Max’s funeral, I told myself that I would be there for others like my mom is there for me. It has now been almost two years since Max passed, and I feel that I have lived up to my goal. Through Kiel High School, I have joined various organizations, such as the Mission Club, Student Council, National Honors Society, Math Club, and Spanish Club. These different groups have allowed me to get closer to more of my classmates and community members; precisely, with Student Council, I have planned ice-breaker activities for the student body to do in class every week. Furthermore, as a Student Council member, I get to be a part of Challenge Day, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build empathy and compassion. Both of these projects have recognized mental health as an issue in school, and I believe that through community building and awareness, the number of suicides in teens and young adults will decrease. Although I have made an effort to increase mental health awareness in high school, I will maintain my goal of being there for others in my college education as well by meeting new people in classes and organizations. In addition, the relationships I have gained and will continue to gain allow me to be close with others so that I too will always have someone to talk to. A helping hand is a powerful tool when people are in need and even if Max didn’t feel like he had that, I will always continue to make sure others feel that they do.