Growing up, I lived in a household where arguing was so constant I thought it was normal. I went through a lot of trauma without even knowing it. When I was nine, my parents divorced, which was incredibly hard for me. I had to leave the only home and school I'd ever known to live with my mom, whom I felt was a stranger because I had always been closest to my dad. I was confused and sad, and during this whole divorce process, I had to change schools and homes several times. As the oldest child, I also had to speak with attorneys and Child Protective Services (CPS). It felt like I had to pick a side between my parents, and I carried a heavy sense of guilt, feeling that I was only making things worse.

Throughout elementary and middle school, I struggled to connect with my peers. I was the new kid, dealing with difficult experiences at home, and I was bullied for my looks and my race. I began overthinking so much that I'd physically become sick and later was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Over time with these troubles, I began to dislike myself and tried to mask my struggles by becoming someone I wasn't.

But that didn't change anything; my classmates still disliked me and bullied me. So, my next plan was to make people afraid of me so they'd leave me alone. My first fight was in the sixth grade, and that was only the beginning. I chose all the wrong ways to deal with my poor mental health, bottling up my thoughts and feelings until they came out as anger and sadness. Eventually, my depression symptoms worsened, and I was enrolled in mental health counseling. I didn't think it would help, but it did—at least for a while.

During my first two years of high school, a custody battle broke out between my parents, and I ended up living with my dad. Again I spoke with CPS, attorneys, and a guardian ad litem. Despite my efforts to express my situation, their reports constantly contradicted what I shared. I truly felt unheard, as if my voice didn't even matter. I told them that I felt safest with my mom, but because of their reports, the court decided I had to stay with my dad. Again, I fell back into depression, feeling as if I was losing control of my life.

My experiences inspired me to pursue a career in social work. To help and impact the lives of others so they can feel heard, understood, and empowered. I know what it feels like to feel unheard, so I would listen to them and help them to the best of my ability. I plan to start by earning a degree in social work, which will allow me to build the skills I need to work effectively with people from all walks of life, such as children, older people, and individuals struggling with substance abuse, in order for me to gain a deep understanding of the field. I intend to work as a resource for individuals, helping them find hope and healing. By doing this, I expect to develop into a mindful social worker who can adjust to the unique needs of every person I serve. Looking forward, I am excited to see how my experiences will give others a safe space, determination, and guidance. My goal is to be an advocate for people who feel overlooked or powerless, ensuring that their voices are heard and their struggles acknowledged. My experiences have shaped my desire to help others and given me the empathy, resilience, and determination I need to succeed in this field.

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