I believe people have been treating the brain and body as separate systems for far too long. They are literally connected, after all! The brain has always fascinated me because it is the key to understanding how we perceive and interact with the world around us. One way I interact with the world is through social justice work. I hope that improving systems and helping communities through policy change and mutual aid will minimize the harm and trauma people go through.As a neuroscientist with a background in research, I am very interested in the relationship between trauma and the brain and body. Different traumatic events and experiences can change the manifestation of trauma. Trauma is a compelling and complex public health issue I hope to help solve through my passions for social justice and neuroscience. I strive to encourage, fund, and participate in research that will lead the way to implement better treatment options including medications and various forms of therapy. As I navigate my early 20s during a global pandemic, I am refocusing on what I can do to reduce harm and trauma in the world. My experiences at UVM have deepened my connection to my values of integrity, compassion, and perseverance. Like many others during this time, I have been inspired to pivot from my original plans of doing neuroscience research. I am now looking to pursue something that allows me to help people more directly, such as counseling. Before going to graduate school, I am looking for opportunities to build upon my skills and connect with others interested in systemically healing their communities.