Revival by Raquel

Revival by Raquel - May 2021 Scholarship Essay

There have been many days where I came home from school to a similar scene:
My sister and my mother arguing with each other so loud I can hear them before I unlock the door; polaroid pictures, papers, sheets, and pillows scattered everywhere inside.
In the second half of my sophomore year, the conflict between my sister’s declining mental health, and my parents grew exponentially worse. Fights ensued daily, and there was never a quiet time. Trying to stay composed took all of my energy, and school no longer became a priority. I couldn’t focus in class, and work soon became overwhelming.
I dragged myself through the rest of the year, doing the minimum. My grades dropped, and I knew I couldn’t keep going like that.
I told myself, going into my junior year, that I needed to find a way to help myself push through another year. So I set out to find other places in my community that I could call home.
I went to Changeist every Saturday at 7 am. Hundreds of other students gathered around in Persian Square to start our next exploration. Changeist became a place I went not only to learn more about the issues in my community but to spend time with a group of people who had a passion in their eyes (who also loved to play mafia and other card games). My group focused on learning about mental health, becoming a space where I felt safe and comfortable to be uncomfortable.
When discussing difficult topics, one look around at my friends told me that we all needed someone to share first. With a shaky breath, I started to open up about my struggles. I watched as others did the same.
I will always remember the importance of compassion, a listening ear, and empathy. I strive to make any space I’m in a safe place for all, and I plan to continue this virtue in any career I pursue. Even if I cannot create the next machine that takes humanity to Mars, I want to change one person's world through kindness.