<p>I’m being considered for NHS, but they had me write two paragraphs on two questions that I was hoping someone could look over. </p>
<p>The questions are 1. Describe a personal experience which exemplifies the attributes you will bring to NHS and 2. What new projects would you recommend the NHS undertake and what role would you play in bringing it to fruition?</p>
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<li><p>Ever since I was very young, my mom’s philosophy was hands-off parenting when it came to education. She had always felt that what is fought for is cherished more, so she thinks that pushing a child is not the way to motivate them, because they need to be motivated by themselves. Throughout my high school career thus far, she’s given me silent support as I have pursued my own passions, dreams, and goals, encouraged myself to get numerous summer jobs, scheduled my own campus visits to colleges I had been considering, and as I have taken the bull by the horns in terms of my education. This style of parenting may seem lackluster or neglectful, seeing as she doesn’t necessarily do anything to motivate me, but what it does is teach skills that no student can learn simply by reading a textbook or hopping on a computer. It teaches self-determination, striving toward success, and thinking that one can always be better if one puts in the effort to be better. And I carry these principles around with me day in and day out.</p></li>
<li><p>Speaking as a person who has battled with cyclical depression for most of their adolescent life, I find it surprising that mental illness does not get more attention than it does at CHS (aside from National Suicide Prevention Week). I feel that it is important to raise awareness about mental illness and how it is not something to be feared or stigmatized, but it is also important to make those with mental illness feel comfortable and feel that they are not alone. This is why I would like to begin a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) group that would meet to discuss and battle feelings of depression, loneliness, anxiety, and unworthiness. Many depressed people think that they are alone in their battles and it’s important to show them otherwise. I would like to lead this group through its sessions because I feel that I have experience that is crucial in being able to understand and be sympathetic toward others with mental illness. In addition to a therapy group, I would also like to begin an awareness group somewhat akin to the GSA to promote awareness of mental illness and to urge those who either know someone who is fighting mental illness and those who are fighting it themselves to reach out.</p></li>
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<p>Thanks!</p>