I'm 17 and a junior at an all girls Catholic school in New Jersey, where I am a passionate advocate for youth mental health in my community, as well as a member of the Varsity lacrosse team.  I have played club lacrosse for the past 5 years and am a member of STEPS Elite NJ.  I am currently studying the fascinating fields of behavioral economics and game theory.  My love of math combined with my passion for psychology has fueled my dream of a future in behavioral economics, exploring how individuals’ self-worth and decision-making processes drive our economy. I'm an enthusiastic and avid learner, and dedicated to constantly improving whether it be as a student, lacrosse player, or as a human being.

My Story
As I planted my foot for my final lacrosse dodge, I heard an audible "pop". The excruciating pain that followed radiated through my left foot. A moment earlier, I'd been happily preparing for my first high school lacrosse season. But in a blink, my plans were abruptly cut short by a torn ligament in my foot.  For months, I was relegated to crutches and forbidden from bearing weight on my foot. Until this moment, I had never realized how much of my identity revolved around lacrosse; without the sport I loved, I felt a deep loss. I kept smiling, maintaining a strong appearance, but deep down, I was not myself.  Keenly aware that my situation was relatively minor in the grand scheme of life (after all, it was just a sports injury), the experience opened my eyes to how quickly one's mental health can change and how one often keeps their personal struggles hidden.

Around this time, news media highlighted the mental health struggles of people like Simone Biles and Michel Phelps. When these professional athletes, my role models, spoke out about their anxiety, I felt inspired to encourage conversations about mental health within my school community. After hours of internet searches researching the subject, speaking to mental health providers, and listening to TED talks, the idea of sharing inspiring resources began to take shape.

To address the stigma surrounding mental health, I created a speaker series for my school community featuring thought leaders in mental health, entitled Chasing Excellence. The goal is to prioritize mental wellness and provide a platform for thought provoking discussions full of strategies that leave participants more equipped for everyday life. Knowing my peers are learning critical coping skills that will help them thrive in the future fills me with hope.