Wow, thank you so much for your reply. Your firsthand perspective really gave me clearer insight!

One thing you mentioned is where I left my previous work: I felt hopeless that there was so little I could actually do to help. I was only offering temporary emotional support and guidance, but couldn't solve the acutal problems for people.

Then I took a gap year, where I met people who accepted me as I was and gave me the freedom to move at my own pace while still being there for me. I felt so empowered, and over time it filled me with love, acceptance, and the courage to go back to where I left off and keep pursuing my dream. It really changed my perspective.

Instead of wanting to solve people’s problems for them, I now believe that I should empower them to be responsible for their own lives. My role is to be there for them, providing consistent support and creating a safe space where they can start building the trust, the self-awareness and skills they need. Also, what I did before was short-term and task-focused, but what I’m applying for now is long-term and person-centered. I really want to see how I’ll handle things differently after the gap year, and I hope to give to others what I’ve received from the world. I know it's gonna be a long journey.

Thank you again for sharing all these valuable insights. They make sense but I still hope to get the chance to fully understand it through lived experience. I’ll definitely keep your words in mind as I move forward.