Hi! I’m a proud Cuban-American and the first in my family to go to grad school. I’m currently in a Master’s program in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. I’ve always been passionate about mental health, and my ultimate goal is to earn my Psy.D. and become a licensed psychologist to provide inclusive, compassionate care to people from all walks of life. One of my proudest achievements was being a research assistant in a lab that studies and treats kids with selective mutism and anxiety disorders. It’s been such a meaningful experience and has only deepened my commitment to using research-backed therapy practices. I also know American Sign Language, which helps me connect with and support Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients, something I highly value. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and someone moving across the country away from my family to chase this dream, this journey is deeply personal. I’m applying for scholarships to help make grad school possible and to keep working toward a future where mental health care is accessible, affirming, and equitable for everyone.