Embarking on my Leadership in Action (LIA) project, "Empowering Minds, Building Bridges: Mental Health Advocacy and Awareness with Voluntario Global," has been an intensely personal journey intersecting with my own battles against major depressive disorder (MDD) spanning over 15 years. Each day presents a new challenge, where the weight of my own struggles meets the urgency of supporting others in their darkest moments.

Understanding My LIA Project:

"Empowering Minds, Building Bridges" is not just a project title—it encapsulates a mission close to my heart. Partnering with Voluntario Global, my LIA focuses on advocating for and raising awareness about mental health issues among marginalized communities, particularly those experiencing houselessness and the systemic violence that exacerbates their challenges. The project aims to provide not only practical support but also a platform for individuals to reclaim their dignity and voice amidst profound adversity.

From the outside, it might seem daunting—how does one muster the strength to help others when struggling themselves? The truth is there's no playbook for this. It's a daily negotiation between my inner battles and the responsibilities I've committed to. Some days, it feels like summoning the energy to get out of bed is a monumental achievement, yet my workday begins promptly at 8 am.

Books and theories can only take you so far. Stepping into homeless shelters and engaging with those grappling with addiction, severe mental health issues, and the enduring trauma of systemic violence has reshaped my understanding of advocacy and empathy. These are not just stories on paper; they are lived experiences etched with pain, resilience, and a desperate need for compassion. A compassion that must know its place as I am just a new face that will eventually leave. There is empathy in knowing your place.

In my first week alone, I've learned more than I anticipated. It's not just about providing a space for individuals to exist; it's about creating a space where they can reclaim their humanity amidst overwhelming adversity. Not in a new revolutionary groundbreaking way, in a ‘What’s your favorite football team?’ way or listening to music in the same space way. There is humanity in these little things, pieces of them that do not often get shown.

I am also working with children who have witnessed unspeakable violence, often due to gang trades. This work has shown me the heartbreaking normalization of trauma when it’s your everyday routine and the urgent need for emotional support and intervention. Again, this is not done in a revolutionary way but rather navigating through what has happened at their time and pace. 

One of the toughest lessons has been navigating the emotional toll. To be effective, I've had to learn to compartmentalize—to leave my own struggles at the door and respectfully return the burdens of others before reentering my own life. It's a delicate dance of empathy and self-preservation, where every interaction shapes not just their lives but mine as well.

 Through it all, I've discovered the power of vulnerability. It's not about hiding my own battles but using them to forge deeper connections and understanding. My journey through this LIA project is as much about personal growth as it is about advocating for those whose voices are often drowned out by stigma and neglect.

 As I reflect on my first week, I'm struck by the resilience of the human spirit. Amidst the pain and struggle, there's a shared humanity that binds us together—a desire for dignity, understanding, and hope. In this week I have laughed, cried, danced and everything in between with both the children and houseless people. I have reshaped my idea that my LIA project isn't about making a difference; it's about embracing the complexities of mental health, both personally and professionally, and advocating for change with every ounce of compassion I can muster. Whether this makes a difference or not, only time will tell.

How Can I Improve?

 Transparency is key in this journey of advocacy and personal growth. Moving forward, I aim to maintain open communication with my team and supervisors about the challenges I face personally and how they intersect with my role. By being transparent about my own struggles, I hope to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment where personal vulnerabilities are seen as strengths rather than weaknesses. Additionally, I will seek feedback regularly to refine my approach and ensure that my efforts align with the evolving needs of the community I serve.

 In conclusion, my first week in LIA has been a profound awakening—a blend of introspection, empathy, and a renewed commitment to advocate for those whose voices often go unheard. As I continue this journey, I carry with me the lessons learned from both my personal battles and the resilience of those I aim to support. It's not just about the work I do; it's about the impact that might possibly be made by embracing vulnerability and compassion.