When I was twelve years old, I came home to my sleeping mother and my little brother choking on a quarter. I immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver which, thank God, I’d learned that day in class. This event was one of my moments of truth. I had saved my brother’s life. This showed me how one simple act can be the difference between life or death. Other personal moments of truth have tested my ability to be an involved bystander. Each time, I’ve helped in some way shape or form and have taught me a little more about myself and my abilities. These experiences have driven my desire to aid. In turn, when given the opportunity to be Red Watch Band trained, I took it. Red Watch Band is a program in which they provide knowledge and skills in order to prevent alcohol related deaths. In the future, I plan to get involved with the Green Dot program as well which involves bystander intervention.

For others, it isn’t as easy to intervene in what could potentially be a dangerous situation because factors such as social rejection, educational circumstances and judicial consequences may occur; however, what’s worse than all of these factors combined is the fact that someone lost their life or hurt themselves and you could’ve done something about it.

In high school, I was heavily involved in Grade Council, Student Council, Step Team, Tri-M Honor Society, Science Honor Society, National Honor Society, Breakfast Club, tutoring, and the basketball team. I was president of Grade Council in the 8th grade then became secretary in the 11th grade. I then became historian of Student Council as well as the treasurer of Step Team. I enjoyed working a part of a team and getting to make the environment better. I found it challenging balancing all of these activities at once. My ideal group looks like my group of friends at Stony Brook and at home. I play many different roles in each friendship I hold: The Caregiver, The Psychologist, The Kid, The Big Sister, The Blunt Friend. The list goes on. I’m a very versatile person and apply myself where needed because I enjoy helping those around me.