I was born and raised in Calgary, and my story is rooted in my Indian heritage. My parents came here to build a better life for their new family, believing in the Canadian dream. My parents experienced systematic challenges that many newcomers face. Through their perseverance, they were able to open their own business and run a very successful Indian restaurant that is still open today. Like many second-generation children of immigrants, my brother and I were instilled with an unwavering work ethic. Both of us went to post-secondary to pursue our dreams in healthcare. Over the years, I became aware that the value of hard work is most applicable to a balanced lifestyle. I completed my Bachelor's and Master's degrees with the support of many; I learned the value of self-care while being motivated and determined.  I believe that I have learned the most in my life when accepting support. While this may seem counterproductive initially, I realized that life can be easier if I treat it as a lifelong lesson. I learned from my family and peers as they started their career journey alongside me. They have been instrumental as I value diverse and unique perspectives. With the support of my husband, I was able to challenge my growing edges and create boundaries that positively impacted my mental health. My bicultural identity as a Canadian-born Indian led me to push and pull from my collectivist Indian roots and individualistic dominant values. Today, I work in a profession still considered slightly controversial in some South Asian communities. However, it is deemed a necessity by many Canadian standards. My goal is to break down oppressive barriers and stigma around mental health in differing communities. I model my life around this by pursuing this impactful career, all while living in an intergenerational household and upholding the traditional values of a family unit. I believe in taking the best of both worlds to live an authentic version of myself.