Write about a time you had to stand up for what you believe.

My 2020 campaign was a five-month exercise in standing up for what I believe in. I centered my message around all aspects of health and wellness, with a focus on mental health, and openly shared my struggles with depression. This was hard and required courage. It was also worth it because, as a counselor and advocate, I know that any single thing that can be done to destigmatize mental health issues can be a lifeline to those suffering in silence. When I lost by just nine votes after pouring everything I had into the campaign and all that my family went through in the process, I could have been crushed, bitter, or disillusioned. I was none of those. Instead, I decided to focus on the positives, including all of the great people that I met over those months, what I learned from their concerns and observations, and the sense that I had built a community of supporters who shared my values and concerns. I also decided to view my loss as a chance to prepare for the next time that I ran for the BOE, something I envisioned happening in the next few years. This has included staying informed about the Board’s ongoing work as well as being asked to serve on the PAC.ED Steering Committee and closely following and supporting the work of All in Coalition. I hadn’t anticipated that I’d be applying for a spot on the BOE almost exactly a year after my campaign fell just nine votes short; however, I’m thankful for this opportunity because, for the second time in a year, I get the chance to stand up for two things that I believe in: our schools and community.