Heather Olsen, a Junior at Mountain Crest High School, has had a life of trials but she has learned how to move forward and have a positive outlook on her life. She says,  “Family was definitely a priority in my household.”

She goes on to talk about how her family, even through hard financial situations, their own mental battles, and jobs that take up a lot of time, her family has helped her through a lot with communication and sharing their similar experiences with her. Heather has had her ups and downs throughout her school career.

For example, in elementary school, she was blamed for an incident, and no one would explain what was going on. ” The lady at the front desk was a family friend of ours and knows I wouldn’t do that, but still she wouldn’t believe me.” This incident had a toll on her and changed her perspective on school.

In middle school, Heather admits she wasn’t the kindest. ” I started bullying my friends, just out of the pure anger I felt. They didn’t even do anything wrong.” Heather was struggling so much, she even had to do online school for 8th grade. “…that’s when I got diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.” She has since then started medication and working on her attitude with the experiences she’s had.

Heather has been very resilient throughout her life and she plans to keep moving forward. ” As for a career, there are just so many options.” She says.

” If I did go to college I would major in biology.” She goes on to explain the many different opportunities she could have if she went to college for biology, but how she has other options besides college. She also talks about how she wants a “companion, whether that a best friend, or a spouse, or even a dog.”

So as you can see, Heather Olsen has a very hopeful future, with more trials ahead, but she knows she is strong enough to get through it.