What inspires me to get involved in my community is the belief that small actions can lead to meaningful change. Growing up, I saw how communities could come together to support each other in times of need, and I realized that everyone has the potential to make a positive impact, no matter their background or resources. Whether it’s through volunteering, organizing events, or simply offering a helping hand, I believe that being actively involved in my community not only helps others but also brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment to my own life. I’ve always felt strongly about giving back and making a difference where I can. As someone who is involved in several clubs and leadership roles, I’ve found that being active in my community allows me to use my skills and experiences to create change, especially when it comes to supporting those who may not have the same opportunities. For instance, in my involvement with FCCLA and SADD, I’ve been able to advocate for mental health awareness and drive initiatives that promote well-being. Mental health is something I feel strongly about, particularly because of the personal experiences I’ve had, and I’ve worked to raise awareness through school events, community forums, and peer support groups. Additionally, as a leader in both sports and my local FFA chapter, I’ve had opportunities to encourage my peers to give back and contribute to community service projects. I’ve organized food drives, participated in environmental clean-ups, and helped raise funds for local charities. These experiences have reinforced my belief that community involvement doesn’t have to be grand or formal to make an impact; sometimes the smallest gestures—whether it’s a conversation, a shared resource, or a volunteer effort—can spark change and inspire others to get involved. I’ve also made it a priority to influence change by focusing on issues I care deeply about, such as education, mental health, and youth development. By using my leadership roles and platforms in clubs like FBLA and FCCLA, I’ve had the chance to speak out about these issues, raising awareness in my school and local community. I’ve also worked on initiatives aimed at making our community more inclusive and supportive, especially for young people navigating mental health challenges or struggling with school and personal issues. Ultimately, what inspires me to stay involved is the idea that change doesn’t happen in isolation. Communities thrive when individuals come together to make a collective impact, and I want to be part of that process. Whether it’s through organizing projects, advocating for causes I believe in, or simply being there for those who need support, I believe that working together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community.

I’ve chosen to pursue higher education because I see it as an invaluable opportunity to transform my life and open doors to a future that wasn’t necessarily available to me growing up. As a first-generation college student, I know how crucial education is for breaking cycles and creating lasting change, not only for myself but for future generations. College represents the chance to expand my knowledge, build a strong foundation for my career, and set a positive example for my family and community. It’s about proving that it’s possible to achieve dreams despite any obstacles or limitations, and that education is a powerful tool for growth and progress. Growing up in a family where neither of my parents attended college, I didn’t have the same understanding of the college process that many others might have had. This lack of familiarity with higher education has meant that I’ve had to figure things out largely on my own, but it’s also made me more determined to succeed. I’ve had to take the time to research what it takes to get into and succeed in college, learning about scholarships, financial aid, application processes, and what resources are available to help me along the way. Through these efforts, I’ve realized that preparing for college requires more than just academic readiness; it’s about understanding the systems in place and knowing how to navigate them. In terms of preparation, I’ve worked hard to build the skills and habits necessary for college life. Time management has been a big focus for me, as I understand that balancing academics with work and other responsibilities can be challenging. I’ve also made it a point to seek out mentors, teachers, and peers who can offer guidance and support. Building a network of people who understand the unique challenges of being a first-generation student has been essential. Additionally, I’ve taken part in extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and leadership roles to develop skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and communication, which will be crucial in both college and in my future career. I’ve also become more comfortable with advocating for myself. As a first-generation student, I know there may be times when I don’t know the answer to something or feel uncertain about a situation, so I’ve worked on being proactive about seeking help when needed. I’ve learned to ask questions, reach out to professors or campus resources, and to not be afraid to seek clarification on things that others might take for granted. I know that college is a big adjustment, and I want to make sure that I’m prepared to ask for help when needed. In the end, pursuing higher education is not just a personal goal, but a way to honor my family and prove that despite our challenges, it’s possible to create new paths for success. I’m determined to work hard, push through the obstacles, and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. Being a first-generation college student has its challenges, but it has also made me more resilient, more self-driven, and more committed to achieving my goals. This journey is one that I take on not just for myself, but for the future of my family and others who are walking a similar path.

I lost my sister after she struggled with bipolar personality disorder. Her battle with mental illness was something that consumed her for many years, and as a family, we watched her go through heartbreaking highs and devastating lows. At times, she was full of life and energy, but at others, she was withdrawn, filled with overwhelming despair. There were moments when it felt like we were losing her little by little, but we never imagined it would end the way it did. Her suicide hit me harder than anything I’ve ever experienced. It wasn’t just the loss of my sister, but the weight of knowing that she felt so alone and in such pain that she saw no way out. I was left to carry the grief, the guilt, and the unanswered questions. Did she try to reach out and I missed it? Could I have done something differently? Could I have helped her see that she wasn’t alone, that there was still hope? These questions have haunted me every day since her death. The trauma of losing her has shaped me in ways I can’t fully explain. It shook me to my core, forcing me to confront the darkness of mental illness and its ability to tear lives apart. It made me realize how fragile life is, and how, no matter how much we love someone, we can’t always protect them from their own internal battles. I was forced to confront my own feelings of helplessness, anger, and sadness, and it took time to accept that sometimes, no matter how much we want to help, we can’t save someone from themselves. This loss has deeply affected my view of mental health. I’ve become passionate about breaking the stigma that surrounds it, because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful mental illness can be, and how it can make someone feel invisible, as if their pain is something to be ashamed of. It’s made me more empathetic and driven to raise awareness, to make sure others don’t feel as alone as my sister did. Losing her has instilled a deep desire in me to advocate for those who suffer in silence and to remind others that it’s okay to reach out for help. But at the same time, the trauma of her death still lingers. There are moments when the grief is overwhelming, when the sadness feels like it might drown me. I have to remind myself to keep going, to honor her memory, and to make a difference where I can. The experience of losing her has shaped who I am today—it has made me stronger, more aware, and more determined to support those struggling with mental health, but it’s also a pain I will carry with me for the rest of my life.