Hey! I’m Gracie Fred— I’m 18, from Oregon, and just graduated high school in 2025. I’m currently taking a gap year to travel, learn, and give back before heading into my dream career: becoming a child therapist. I’ve always loved working with kids, and I’m super passionate about mental health. Whether it’s through traditional therapy or something like equine-assisted therapy, I want to help kids feel supported, seen, and empowered. In January 2026, I’ll be heading to Split, Croatia to volunteer with children through IVHQ’s Youth Support Program. I’ll be helping with homework, leading activities, teaching English, and just being a positive role model while learning from a new culture. This trip means a lot to me and I'm doing my all do be able to go.—it’s a big step toward the kind of work I want to do in the future, and I’d be so grateful for any support to help me get there. Thanks for reading and supporting me on this journey!