My name is Tarrence Sturdivant, and my journey with mental health has profoundly shaped who I am, influencing my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world around me. Navigating the complexities of mental health has not always been easy, but it has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the importance of connection. Growing up in Adamsville, I faced various challenges that tested my mental fortitude. The weight of gun violence, loss, and the pressures of everyday life sometimes felt unbearable. These experiences often led me to a place of introspection, prompting me to confront my emotions and understand that struggling with mental health is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a part of the human experience. This realization has fueled my desire to help others who may be grappling with similar challenges. I want to create spaces where individuals can talk openly about their mental health, free from judgment or stigma. Through this journey, I’ve discovered that my goals extend beyond personal success. I aspire to uplift my community, especially the youth, by advocating for mental health awareness and support. I want to show them that it’s okay to ask for help and that there is strength in vulnerability. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others to embrace their struggles, understanding that they do not have to navigate their journeys alone. My relationships have also been deeply influenced by my mental health journey. I’ve learned the importance of genuine connection and the power of empathy. Understanding my own struggles has made me more compassionate toward others. I’ve developed stronger bonds with friends and family as I’ve opened up about my feelings, allowing them to do the same. These conversations have brought us closer together, creating a support system that we can all lean on in times of need. Moreover, my understanding of the world has expanded significantly. I’ve come to realize that everyone is fighting their own battles, often hidden from view. This awareness has made me more observant and considerate, reminding me that kindness can have a ripple effect. I now strive to approach each interaction with understanding and compassion, recognizing that a simple gesture can brighten someone’s day. Ultimately, my experience with mental health has shaped me into a more resilient and empathetic person. I am determined to make a positive impact on my community, advocating for mental health awareness and creating a culture of support and understanding. I believe that by sharing my story and encouraging others to do the same, we can break down the barriers surrounding mental health and foster a community where everyone feels valued and heard. This journey is ongoing, and I am committed to growing, learning, and lifting others as I rise.

"Ocean Eyes" glimmers like waves under the moon, A haunting melody that makes my heart swoon. It dances with memories of love lost in time, Her voice wraps around me, like a sweet, sad rhyme. Every line reminds me of moments we shared, Those blue, endless depths where we both truly cared. With every soft echo, I’m taken back there, To the warmth of our laughter, the weight of despair. Then comes "Lovely," a tune so serene, With beats that embrace me, a gentle routine. It weaves through my thoughts like a calm, soothing stream, A refuge from chaos, a place where I dream. The fusion of shadows and light intertwine, In its depths, I find solace, a peace so divine. Billie sings of the struggle, the fight to break free, And in her soft cadence, I find strength to just be. Finally, "When the Party's Over" brings a stillness profound, A moment of reflection, where silence is found. Her voice, like a whisper, beckons me close, It resonates deeply, a poignant dose. The imagery lingers, like ghosts in the night, Of moments once vibrant, now fading from sight. It speaks of goodbyes and the weight of the heart, A bittersweet reminder of love torn apart. These songs, they bind me in threads of the past, Each note a reminder that nothing can last. But through the sadness, the beauty still shines, In Billie’s soft melodies, my heart intertwines. So I listen, I feel, I let the music flow, In each haunting refrain, I find the courage to grow.

I’m a huge fan of LeBron James because he’s not only an amazing basketball player, but he’s also someone who gives back to his community. First of all, LeBron is the all-time leading scorer in the NBA! That’s crazy when you think about all the great players who have come before him. He’s scored more points than Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and everyone else who has ever played. And it’s not just scoring. LeBron has won four NBA championships and has been to the Finals ten times. That’s a lot of rings! He also has four MVP awards, which shows he’s been one of the best players in the league for a long time. LeBron’s stats are insane. He has over 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists, making him one of the few players ever to achieve that in NBA history. He’s super versatile—he can play almost any position on the court. He’s had so many clutch moments too, like that block in the 2016 Finals, which helped his team win Cleveland’s first championship. That was legendary! But what I really love about LeBron is that he’s not just a great player—he’s a great person. I look up to him because he cares about people and does a lot for his community. He started the “I PROMISE School” in Akron, Ohio, which helps kids who are struggling with school and gives them a better chance at a good education. That’s so cool because he’s not just thinking about basketball, he’s thinking about the future and helping the next generation succeed. He also gives back through his foundation, helping families, providing scholarships, and giving people opportunities they might not have had otherwise. And then there’s his high school days—he was already a superstar before he even got to the NBA! People called him “The Chosen One” when he was just a teenager. His games at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School were packed, and everyone wanted to see him play because he was just that good. He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated in high school, and that’s when everyone knew he was going to be something special. Watching his highlights from back then is still amazing. He could dunk, pass, and control the game like nobody else at his age. So yeah, I think LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time. He’s done everything—he’s the leading scorer, he has championships, MVPs, and he’s been dominant for so long. Plus, he’s a great role model on and off the court. That’s why I’m such a big fan of LeBron!

My My name is Tarrence Sturdivant, and I am dedicated to creating a positive impact in my community, especially in Adamsville, Fulton County, where I was born and raised. Growing up in Adamsville, I experienced the harsh realities that come with living in a community plagued by poverty and violence. Gun violence, in particular, has left deep scars on me, as I have seen many of my close friends lose their lives to it. The pain of losing people you care about to senseless acts of violence is something that never leaves you. That’s why, once I am financially stable, my goal is to give back to Adamsville, a place that shaped who I am, but also a place in desperate need of support and change. One of my primary missions is to raise awareness about the devastating effects of gun violence. Too many young lives are cut short, and too many families are left to grieve in silence. Gun violence doesn’t just affect the victim—it shatters entire communities, leaving a trail of trauma and loss in its wake. Growing up, it felt like gun violence was just a part of life, something you had to get used to. But I want to change that narrative. I want to show the youth in Adamsville that there’s another path, one that doesn’t involve picking up a gun or turning to violence to solve problems. I plan to work with local organizations, schools, and law enforcement to implement programs that educate young people about the dangers of gun violence and provide them with alternatives to a lifestyle of crime. Beyond addressing violence, I also want to focus on the challenges young people face in high school. High school can be a pivotal time for so many, but for kids in struggling communities like Adamsville, it’s often a period filled with obstacles. Whether it’s the pressure to fit in, the stress of trying to keep up academically, or the overwhelming feeling of not having a clear future, many students feel lost. I’ve been there—I know what it’s like to feel like you’re swimming against the tide with no life raft in sight. That’s why I want to spread awareness about the struggles of high school and offer wisdom and guidance to the youth. Through mentorship, I aim to give young people the tools they need to navigate not only the academic challenges but also the emotional and mental struggles that come with growing up in an environment like Adamsville. I want to show them that while the road may be hard, it’s not impossible to succeed. I plan to offer programs and workshops that provide practical life skills, career guidance, and emotional support, helping students understand that they are not alone in their struggles. Ultimately, I want the youth in Adamsville to know that their circumstances don’t define their future. They can rise above the violence, the poverty, and the hardship with the right mindset and support system. My vision is to build a stronger, safer community where young people can grow, learn, and thrive without fear of violence or failure. By giving back to Adamsville, I hope to create opportunities that allow the next generation to dream bigger, aim higher, and achieve more than they ever thought possible.

My mother, Tasha, is a survivor in every sense of the word. She has faced cancer multiple times and, each time, she fought with incredible strength and resilience. I grew up knowing that her journey was not just a fight against cancer but a testament to her perseverance and will to live. What makes her story even more remarkable is that doctors once told her she wouldn’t be able to have any more children after her battles with cancer. Yet, despite the odds, she miraculously gave birth to me and my twin brother. From a young age, I understood that my very existence was something of a miracle. The story of how my mom survived cancer and went on to have us has always been a central part of who I am. It has shaped my outlook on life in ways that I’m still discovering. Knowing that I was born after doctors had said it was impossible has given me a deep sense of purpose and appreciation for life. I feel as though I was meant to be here, and that sense of destiny drives me to make the most of every opportunity I have. Growing up with a mother who had faced cancer multiple times meant that I learned early on the fragility of life, but also the strength that people can summon in the face of adversity. I watched my mom endure the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatments, the hospital visits, the surgeries, and the endless tests. Yet, through it all, she remained strong not just for herself but for her family. That strength has left a profound mark on me, shaping the way I handle challenges in my own life. When I face difficulties, I often think of what my mom went through and remind myself that if she could survive all of that, then I, too, can overcome whatever obstacles I’m facing. Her journey has also taught me the importance of family and support systems. Cancer is not something anyone should have to face alone, and seeing how our family rallied around my mom during her toughest times has shown me the power of community and love. It made me realize how crucial it is to be there for the people you care about, especially in their darkest moments. This lesson of empathy and support has shaped my relationships, teaching me to always show up for the people I love. Looking toward the future, my mom’s experience has inspired me to live with purpose and to advocate for causes that matter. Whether it’s raising awareness for cancer or supporting research, I feel a deep connection to the cause. Her story reminds me that life is precious and unpredictable, and that we should never take anything for granted. I’m also deeply aware of the importance of health and early detection, and I hope to one day be involved in spreading that message, particularly to young people. My mom’s survival is a miracle, and every day, I carry the weight of that miracle with me. It pushes me to work harder, to care more deeply, and to live more fully

Losing my grandmother to diabetes was one of the most defining moments of my life. She was not just a guiding figure in my family but also a source of wisdom, love, and warmth. As I watched her battle diabetes, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact it had on her life and health. This experience profoundly shaped who I am today and continues to influence how I see my future. Growing up, my grandmother played an integral role in my life. She was the embodiment of strength, resilience, and unconditional love, always making sure that everyone around her was taken care of. But as her diabetes worsened, I began to see a different side of the disease—a relentless condition that gradually took away the woman I admired so much. Watching her go from someone so vibrant to someone who struggled with her health was heartbreaking. Her battle with diabetes was long and difficult. She faced numerous complications, from poor circulation to kidney issues, and eventually, she became dependent on medication and medical interventions. This was a constant reminder of how serious diabetes can be when not managed properly. Despite the treatments and care, the disease progressed, and she passed away after years of fighting. Losing her left a void in our family, but it also sparked something inside me—a desire to better understand this disease and to be more proactive about my own health. My experience with my grandmother’s diabetes has shaped me into someone who is much more conscious of the importance of health and wellness. I’ve learned that diabetes isn’t just a medical condition; it’s a lifestyle disease that can be managed with the right approach. Since her passing, I’ve taken a more active role in understanding how to prevent and manage diabetes, not only for myself but also for the people I love. I’ve changed the way I approach food, exercise, and mental health, all of which are critical in managing diabetes. Her loss also made me more empathetic and patient with others, especially those dealing with chronic illnesses. I understand now that illnesses like diabetes don’t just affect the person diagnosed; they ripple through families and communities, changing relationships and altering lives. This experience has deepened my compassion for others and has motivated me to want to contribute to the field of health in some way, whether through advocacy, education, or direct support for those affected by diabetes. Looking toward the future, I believe this experience will continue to shape my decisions and the path I choose in life. I hope to one day work in a field where I can raise awareness about diabetes, especially in communities that are disproportionately affected by it, like the one my grandmother lived in. I want to be part of the conversation around health equity, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and education they need to manage or prevent this disease. In a way, losing my grandmother has been both a painful and enlightening experience. It has forced me to confront the reality of a disease that affects millions and to consider how I can make a difference moving forward. Though her physical presence is no longer here, the lessons she imparted to me—about resilience, love, and the importance of taking care of myself—remain deeply ingrained in who I am. And for that, I am forever grateful. My grandmother’s struggle with diabetes shaped me into someone who is not only more conscious of my health but also more determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

Hello, my name is Tarrence Sturdivant, and I am 17 years old, currently in my senior year at Charles R. Drew Charter Schools. Community involvement has been a central focus for me, particularly through the establishment of our non-profit organization, Shoe Ethics. Our mission is dedicated to contributing to the community through impactful initiatives. Notably, we successfully sent over 100 pairs of shoes to children in Africa, significantly enhancing their access to footwear. Additionally, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we orchestrated the distribution of more than 500 handmade sandwiches to support homeless individuals in our locality. For updates and further details about our ongoing projects, we actively maintain our Instagram page, "shoethics2023", where we collaborate with partners to achieve these meaningful milestones. Looking ahead, the next pivotal step in my journey is college. Despite the invaluable support from my friends and family, financial constraints necessitate a proactive pursuit of scholarships. Thus, I am fully engaged in meticulously completing applications and crafting compelling essays to secure necessary funding. My goal is to actualize my college aspirations while prudently avoiding excessive financial burden. I have to make my college dreams come true, but with end The safety of children, both in physical and digital environments, remains a paramount concern for me. At my school, I am a part of and actively participate in a peer support group dedicated to addressing various forms of bullying. Within this group, we engage in constructive dialogues encompassing intervention strategies, personal experience sharing, and the cultivation of an inclusive environment where every individual feels validated and safeguarded. This creates a safe place for many to share their ideas and we can possible warn others about things like cyber bullying. Moreover, my dedication to digital safety is underscored by my participation in a computer science course at Charles R. Drew Charter School. This course deepened my understanding of digital safety principles, culminating in a successful project where I educated youth on the importance of digital safety. I am proud to have imparted crucial knowledge that enhances their awareness and safeguards them against cyberbullying and online risks. These educational sessions emphasize the critical importance of identifying and mitigating cyberbullying, empowering adolescents to navigate online challenges with resilience and vigilance. In conclusion, my endeavors are firmly rooted in effecting positive change within my community while diligently preparing for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in higher education and beyond.