Gene Denton 14

I don’t think I’ll ever try alcohol. Even when I’m well into whatever midlife crisis I might be having, I can’t imagine knowing how any form of the substance might taste. A lot of people would guess my reasoning for this is the fact that I’m Muslim. While it is true that some of my thought processes can be attributed to that, it is mainly because I’ve seen how an addiction to it can ruin relationships and burn bridges firsthand. Addiction runs in my family and community, and I am determined not to continue the cycle. I’ve tried to bottle up every kind of emotion caused by this my entire life. The screaming matches between various members of the family, the slammed doors, and the silent tears have been enough to scare me from even thinking of trying alcohol. In my home, especially when I was little, I tended to act like a peacekeeper.

Always on speaking terms with everyone in the house and constantly relaying messages back and forth like a strange game of telephone. So I threw myself into school and tried to be the best. I figured that if my parents were so proud of me, they wouldn’t remember what they had been arguing about. Technically it’s helped my academic achievement, but the thing is, my parents never stopped arguing either. Apparently, you can argue with your spouse and be proud of your child at the same time. Although they’ve never said it flat out all on their own. I’ve always hoped that if I met their high expectations, I could finally get them to notice all the work I’ve put in to make them proud of me. This is a topic I don’t often talk about with people. I tend to feel as though it might make people think poorly of my family and me. So, I’ve tried to bottle up every kind of emotion caused by this my entire life. As I’ve seen it, addiction turns people into different versions of themselves that I tend not to like as much as the originals. 

This problem, however, doesn’t only exist in my household. It is apparent all throughout the community I call home. Addiction is a disease, but it is rarely treated as such. People are always judging addicts and expecting nothing from them. I understand where they’re coming from because I’ve had that mindset where I’ve blamed addicts for their addictions. But I’ve come to realize that when people expect nothing from you, it’s a lot easier to expect nothing from yourself. Often, the only people who receive help battling their additions are rich or white. There are next to no resources for low-income minorities who are fighting the disease that is addiction. 

I plan to study psychology at a four-year university in the fall and get my doctorate. It is my hope that I can impact the lives of people struggling with addiction as well as their families. I want to provide free resources to those battling addiction who are low-income and living in the Greater Kansas City area, specifically those in &&&&& &&&&&. As a psychologist, I would be able to help people understand that they don’t actually need to turn to their addiction for the comfort that they feel it provides. I want to set up resources around the community to help others instead of just acting as if they will. People in my community deserve to come forward with their issues and be met with care every step of the way, regardless of their yearly income. I hope to provide the care that they deserve.