Getting to where I am today has not been easy, and I understand further success will require effort and dedication from my part, but if there is one thing that I’ve learned, it is that successful people are not gifted but rather work hard to pursue that purpose. My mother is the root of that belief, and in all honesty, she truly is my inspiration. There is nothing I wish more than to someday repay her for all the struggles she has faced while raising four kids on her own, and I know that if I continue to push through, that day will be here sooner than later.

My goal is to graduate with a major in Psychology and a minor in Spanish; I plan on obtaining a Ph.D., with Clinical Psychology as my main focus. I am passionate about mental health and believe that this is a field that deserves more awareness. People are not defined by mental illness and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Throughout my life, I have encountered amazing people who have helped me grow as a person, and it would bring me joy to impact others positively and give back to my community in the future.

I am thankful for the battles that I’ve faced because they’ve only made me stronger and augmented my desire for success. So many people and I have worked way too hard for me not to be great; I won’t stop until we are all proud.