Hi, my name is Tamea Heard. I am currently a senior in high school. I would say that mental health counseling is a big need in our community. Every day people are facing challenging things that negatively affect them. It’s a lot of stress on students’ shoulders thinking about graduating, life after school, and trying to keep up in classes. Many people stay quiet about anxiety and depression but I feel that High Schools should offer mental health support. One of the reasons that this is so critical is because it puts pressure on students. With so much to do, it makes students overwhelmed. Examples of this are tests, school work, college applications, and deadlines. Furthermore, the desire to fulfill expectations by your peers, family, or society can lead to you feeling burnt out. Sometimes all of the pressure can lead to depression, thoughts of self-harm, or anxiety. In these situations, students may not know who to speak to when in need of help. Interactions within groups, between groups, and their changes over time also contribute to mental health struggles. Your teenage years are a time of self-discovery but also a time of peer pressure, bullying, and identity struggles. Insecurity and isolation are some of the biggest things that happen at this age. Social media only makes it worse. It can lead to comparison anxiety, body concerns, and low self-esteem. High schools lack support for students facing these challenges so there’s no way for them to have the tools to manage these feelings healthily. Many students hesitate to reach out because they are worried about being judged. Schools should prioritize mental health as much as they do for physical health. We should offer counseling and train people who work in educational places to notice signs of distress. In conclusion, the need for mental health support is very important. As students are facing all of this pressure academically and socially, schools must focus on students’ mental well-being. We can make sure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well.

In the future, I plan on majoring in nursing. Right now I’m currently taking a cna class to get my medical career started. I’m planning on going to UMKC after graduating to get my bachelor’s in nursing and in the future to become an RN in the mother and baby unit, and I’ll hopefully start traveling soon after. With this career, I can help take care of people who need it. I also can make sure that they always feel comfortable in the environment that they are in. One of the best ways nurses help the community is by providing care for needy people. It can be through hospitals, clinics, or home health services. Nurses are usually the first contact for patients requiring medical attention. Nurses also offer primary care services and ensure that patients receive the necessary medical treatment in communities with limited access to healthcare. Nurses play a huge role in the healthcare system, not only in clinical settings but within the broader community. Their compassion and dedication extended way beyond patient care in medical settings. Nurses contribute exclusively to community well-being in a bunch of  ways, from providing direct care to promoting health education and advocating for vulnerable populations. By working both in and outside of healthcare facilities, nurses have a profound impact on the health and quality of life in communities across the globe. In conclusion, nurses are vital to the health and well-being of communities. Through their direct care, education, advocacy, and involvement in public health initiatives, nurses help individuals live healthier lives and contribute to the overall welfare of society. Their ability to connect with patients on a personal level, educate the public on health issues, and advocate for equitable healthcare policies makes them essential in building stronger, healthier communities. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, nurses will remain at the forefront of efforts to ensure a healthier future for all.