I heard about YAC through a few different sources. I have heard of it through school, and my church crossroads in Marshall where I volunteer for food pantry when I can, and also volunteer to work with the kids on Sundays at church. I have also heard of YAC through my grandma Ann Miller who works at the community foundation.

Community service has always been a big thing to me even when I was pretty young. I love helping others, and trying to make a difference all around when I can. Even when I'm struggling in my own ways it has always helped me to help others who are struggling, and seeing the smiles and joy from the people I help.

If I were to address the issue of mental health I would start by more resources open and talked about in schools. For example if students were struggling with something but were too nervous to speak about it we could have an anonymous tip box in the counselors office, and at the end of every week or month we could have a video sent out in an email discussing the topics and giving suggestions to what people put in the tip box. This would allow for any students who for any reason can't or don't want to ask for help in person to receive the help that they need, and maybe even encourage them to seek further help in person if needed. We could also have a trained service animal specifically a dog that either comes into school every day or every week, and allow students who need to come spend some time with the emotional support dog while they speak to counselors. I feel as though having the dog there would allow for students feel more comfortable and open about what they are feeling when they decide to come speak to the counselors in school. Outside of schools I also feel as though we should have more advertised and open therapy available to anyone in the community. Therapy should be available at any day or time for free to anyone who needs it.

In the fall I am on the high school swim team, and I am apart of FFA, but other than those two things I am very available and open outside of during the week in swim season, and if I was accepted to YAC I would make sure to have my schedule open at all times when there are commitments to YAC.

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