During my undergraduate years, I witnessed a troubling transformation in my brother's behavior. Initial reports about his actions were dismissed by my parents as typical teenage issues, but my older brother, who was living with him, noticed something more alarming. After several distressing interactions with law enforcement and his college, he consulted our family doctor, who diagnosed my brother with schizophrenia. This was our first real encounter with mental illness, and it shook us profoundly. In our Indian community, mental health often remains a taboo subject, and receiving this diagnosis was a heavy blow. We chose to keep it a secret, and despite various treatments, my brother’s condition remained challenging. We lived in a state of constant anxiety, frequently responding to emergencies while he largely kept his struggles to himself. To this day, we remain haunted by the uncertainty of whether we missed early signs or simply chose not to recognize them. This adversity transformed me profoundly. It shifted my perspective on mental health and ignited a passion for understanding and supporting those facing similar struggles. I realized the importance of empathy and the urgent need for mental health awareness. In August 2022, I began volunteering with Crisis Text Line as a counselor. This role has been incredibly fulfilling, reaffirming my belief in the power of compassionate support. Our training emphasizes referring texters to professional therapists, and I view my role as a crucial step in their journey toward recovery. In a world that often feels disconnected, it’s essential to reach out if you notice someone struggling. Ignoring the signs can mean missing an opportunity to offer crucial support. Educating yourself about mental health can help you recognize signs in yourself as well as loved one. If you notice a sudden and drastic change in behavior in someone, you might be tempted to pull back. But they need you now more than ever. If you’re struggling yourself, seeking help is vital. Services like Crisis Text Line aims to create an empathetic world, were no one feels alone. Five years ago, I never envisioned pursuing a Master’s in mental health counseling. Yet, life’s experiences have guided me here, and I am determined to be part of the change I want to see. This scholarship would be instrumental in achieving my goal of making a significant impact on mental health care, particularly within the Asian community where such support is desperately needed.