Every significant moment in my teen years is memorialized by a food experience. Food also led me to the biggest lessons I learned about my own mental health and my commitment to studying it for the benefit of others. Macaroni and cheese taught me about acceptance, service, and the human desire for unconditional love. My parents divorced when I was nine. My father left. To cope with the loss of our family unit, my mother began making homemade mac and cheese for hungry people in our community. I lent my small hands to stirring, chopping, shredding, and carefully loading warm bubbling pans into the backseat of our trusty old Hyundai. This became our way of sharing love with those who needed it. Deep down, we needed it too. Every week, we drove downtown and traded cheesy bowls of elbow noodles for stories of aimless travel, war tours, self-discovery, and recovery. We didn’t judge people for their journey. They didn’t judge us for ours. Chicharrón taught me about my identity and how resilient I could be. In 2017, my little brother was diagnosed with Leukemia. He had a bone marrow transplant, lots of chemotherapy, and radiation. We traded the home we knew for less comfy hospital rooms and Ronald McDonald Houses for three years. I spent a lot of time alone during my brother’s treatment because he couldn’t have visitors. I had no choice but to become more self-reliant and independent. So, I volunteered at the Ronald McDonald Houses where we lived. I helped staff make the house comfortable for other families and created care packages for mothers of babies in the ICU. I cooked for my mom and rode the hospital shuttle to take her meals. I did our laundry and busied myself with schoolwork. I also spent time at a local ranch caring for rescued horses. My favorite horse, Shiloh, was quiet, friendly, and approachable, like me. The sign on Shiloh’s stable read: “Shiloh will do anything you ask even if she is afraid or in physical or emotional discomfort.” I felt seen. When my brother was well enough to travel, he used his Make-A-Wish to request a food tour of Los Angeles. Most memorable was our visit to a fusion restaurant where we tried Chicharrón. This was the first time, in a very long time, that we ate together. He was smiling, playing, and doing something we both loved--eating. A few days of food and fun erased what felt like a lifetime of anxiety and uncertainty. Those moments gave me hope. Blood Orange Pound Cake taught me to explore new hobbies and care for my mental health. In my junior year of high school, Covid hit. Isolation wasn’t new to me, but quarantine took a toll. I needed to feel less confined, so I started baking. I loved the feeling of creating something and felt rewarded when my cakes came out like I wanted. Having some control, even if only over baking, helped ease my mind. Food experiences gave me a taste of the importance of community and self-care, but I saw that my story was one of coping and not healing. This inspired me to study psychology, travel and learn how people around the globe cope and heal. I’ve joined the brilliant minds around the world who study mental health and find solutions that help people live quality lives. I learned that processing and healing from life’s traumas are the only ways to truly enjoy this life. I want to help lead others to the same realization.

Every significant moment in my journey has taught me about resilience, service, and the value of human connection. At eighteen, I began learning that compassion often takes the form of service and support for others. Now, as a psychology student and mental health worker, I see how these early lessons have continued to deepen through time, experience, and self-discovery. When my family made and delivered mac and cheese to those in need, I learned that love often shows up in simple, tangible acts of kindness. Comfort food became our bridge to the community, a way to bring warmth and understanding when life was difficult for others—and sometimes for us, too. These early experiences taught me to see people’s invisible struggles. Today, in my role at a mental health organization, I encounter this daily as I work with patient charts and treatment plans. The data only tells part of a person’s story, and I’ve learned that people’s lives don’t—and shouldn’t—revolve solely around their mental health. Instead, people live fully beyond their diagnoses, finding resilience in their routines and a drive to embrace life. This resilience inspires my path in psychology. One of my most memorable food experiences came later when I shared a plate of chicharrón with my little brother during his Make-A-Wish trip. After years of leukemia treatment, this simple meal marked a rare moment of joy and peace—a reminder of the strength we both gained from our shared challenges. Meeting psychology professionals and hearing about their career flexibility allowed me to envision my own path with newfound clarity. While my passion for helping others remains central to my goals, I am now drawn specifically to trauma, sex, and behavioral psychology. Pursuing a PsyD feels like a natural next step, where I can impact lives directly and lay a foundation for future goals. One day, I hope to open my own practice, providing affordable mental health care in underserved communities, beginning with my own. In high school, baking blood orange pound cake became my personal form of self-care. I learned to rely on myself and find satisfaction in creating something from scratch. This baking ritual symbolized my first real attempt at prioritizing mental health, a lesson that now informs my approach to others. Working in mental health, I’ve experienced the profound lesson that compassion requires humility. I’ve learned that therapy isn’t only for those struggling with mental health diagnoses but also for anyone who needs a trusted person to talk to during times of loneliness or change. As much as we work to support our patients, I’ve learned not to assume I understand another’s inner life. Everyone’s journey is unique, and the most effective support begins with truly listening. As I look toward my future in psychology, I feel grateful for the opportunity to build on these lessons, to serve, and to grow as a provider rooted in compassion. My goal is to become a psychologist who understands each person within their cultural and social context, working alongside them to build the lives they envision. My early experiences with food taught me the power of shared compassion, while my current work and studies illuminate a future that blends this compassion with professional purpose and resilience.

As a child, observing my mother's enduring struggle with mental health, an abusive mother, an emotionally absent husband, and the responsibility of raising two children, made me acutely aware of the toll it took on our family dynamics and my mental well-being. However, the pivotal moment came when my younger brother was diagnosed with bi-phenotypic leukemia, altering everything. Throughout the three intense years that followed, my mother dedicated all her time and energy to caring for my brother, leaving me to sacrifice my own needs to provide her with emotional support. Amidst this, I grappled with my battles against depression, anxiety, and the challenges of OCD and stress, always feeling inadequate. Despite the relentless adversity, my family remained resolute and firmly committed to overcoming each obstacle we encountered. It was during this period that I discovered my fervent passion for psychology, recognizing its potential to assist those facing similar adversities. My mother's mental health journey has been an integral part of my life. Observing her struggle with depression and abuse highlighted the disparities within the mental healthcare system, particularly its impact on families. Financial hurdles have been a consistent presence in our lives, particularly due to the substantial costs of my brother's medical treatments. Nevertheless, we persevered, ensuring that both my brother and I finished middle school, a kind of reward for my mother's enduring sacrifices. My brother's illness was emotionally taxing, particularly for my mother, prompting me to steadfastly support her every step of the way. Confronting my own depression and anxiety has been overwhelming, yet inconsequential compared to the challenges faced by my family. I willingly placed my needs on hold to provide unwavering support to my mother and brother. It was during this phase that my passion for psychology ignited, as I recognized my ability to empathize with those enduring similar struggles. I aspire to aid others facing comparable challenges to mine, and I recognized psychology as the conduit to realizing this aspiration. My personal experiences have emphasized the significance of empathy and compassion in pursuing a career in psychology. My passion lies in effecting positive change in the lives of those confronted with similar hardships, providing them with a secure and dependable space to articulate their struggles. My determination propelled me through my studies and enabled me to persevere through seemingly insurmountable obstacles. My ultimate goal is to evolve into a proficient and compassionate psychologist, making a meaningful contribution to those in need. I have actively engaged in advocacy events and volunteered with community organizations that share my dedication to mental health and financial disparity. These organizations offer invaluable insights to individuals who lack access to professional assistance. I am dedicated to maintaining my involvement in mental health advocacy, aspiring to diminish the disparities in mental health through collaborative interdisciplinary efforts. Throughout the adversity I have experienced, my journey is a testament to my resilience and grit. My experiences have inspired me to not only build my foundation in psychology with compassion but also to facilitate others in overcoming their struggles. This journey leaves me feeling compelled to further hone my skills. Looking ahead, I aim to inspire others with my story, serving as an invaluable resource to those in need, and as a symbol representing countless individuals combatting emotional and financial adversities.

As the sibling of a cancer survivor, my family's journey has greatly impacted my life choices. Witnessing my sibling undergo treatment and struggle with the physical and emotional toll made me realize the importance of taking care of one's mental health, not just in the treatment and healing process, but in everyday life as well. Inspired by this experience, I aim to open a psychiatric hospital for teens and break down the barriers surrounding mental health care. My belief in the significance of mental health and the need for more resources and support stems from the challenges that my sibling faced. I firmly believe that everyone deserves equal access to quality mental health care, especially younger people who may not have the resources or support to manage their mental health. My education in psychology will allow me to create a comprehensive care network and partner with other medical and psychology experts to provide the best possible care for my patients. My long-term career goal is to establish a psychiatric hospital for teens. The stigma surrounding children/teens' mental health is a significant barrier to those who need help. I plan to create a more open and accepting space where people can seek the care they need without fear of judgment or shame. I am excited to reach a point where I can offer a safe and supportive environment for children and teenagers struggling with mental health challenges, where they can learn how to manage their mental health in their daily lives. In addition to my education, my personal experiences and passion for helping others will be instrumental in achieving my career goals. I am committed to working with organizations focused on mental health and contributing my time and skills to organizations that work with teens and offer mental health services and support. My family's experience with cancer has influenced my relationships, both with my family and with others. It has taught me the importance of empathy and understanding, and how important it is to be there for those who are struggling. It has also made me more determined to make a positive impact on the world and to help others in need. My experience as a sibling of a cancer survivor has taught me that self-care and stress management are just as important. I aim to provide the best care possible to my patients. This includes reinforcing that seeking out support when needed, practicing self-compassion, and making time for activities that bring joy and relaxation are essential to maintaining a healthy state of mind. My experience with cancer has had a profound impact on my life, shaping my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. I am committed to using my education and passion to make a positive impact on the world and to help those in need, particularly young people struggling with mental health challenges. By breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and providing quality care, we can create a more compassionate and accepting world for all.

As a psychology major and someone who has struggled with depression, I am intimately familiar with the effects of mental illness. My own experience with depression has taught me a great deal about the importance of mental health and the need for better support and resources for those who are struggling. I grew up in a family where mental illness was not discussed openly or honestly until my mom began to create that kind of environment for us. There was a lot of shame and stigma surrounding mental health, which made it difficult for me to talk about my own struggles. It wasn't until I showed interest in psychology that I began to understand the impact that mental illness had on my life and the lives of those around me. My own struggles with depression began in high school after my brother's cancer treatment. I tried seeing a therapist in middle school, but I didn't have the vocabulary to describe what I was feeling or the tools to cope with my emotions. I felt like I was alone and that nobody could understand what I was going through. My experience with depression has taught me a great deal about the importance of self-care and seeking out help when needed. I've learned that it's okay to ask for help and that taking care of myself is the most important thing I can do for my mental health. I've also learned that it's important to take the time to do things that I enjoy and that bring me happiness, even if they seem small or insignificant. One of my long-term career goals is to use my education and background in psychology to open my own psychiatric hospital for teens (one for adults later on). Social media is overrun with many stories from teenagers sharing their experiences of being admitted to psychiatric programs. An overwhelming amount of these vocal teens have encountered doctors unwilling to listen to their unique situations and needs, and most disturbing— abuse. Struggling with mental health challenges in an environment where care is not optimal, conditions patients to better hide their symptoms in order to get out faster. I recognize that this is a big project where success is reliant on the community, medical, and subject matter expert partnerships required to create a comprehensive care network and will take a while to complete. But my dream is to provide teens a safe place to heal, receive excellent care, work through their mental health challenges, and learn how to manage their mental health in their daily lives.