I am a first generation college student currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Psychology after earning my associate’s degree in Applied Psychology. Coming from a Hispanic background, my journey through higher education has been both meaningful and challenging. I did not grow up with a clear understanding of how college worked, and there was no roadmap laid out for me. Everything from applying to schools, understanding financial aid, and navigating classes felt unfamiliar. Despite that, I chose to continue because I knew that education could create opportunities not just for me, but for my future. My mom, as a single mother of four, did the best she could to support me, even when it came to things she had no experience with. She encouraged me, showed up for me, and pushed me to keep going, even when neither of us had all the answers. Watching her do everything she could with what she had taught me resilience and determination. It also showed me that support does not always come from having all the knowledge, but from showing up and believing in someone. Being a first generation student has taught me independence and perseverance. I have had to figure things out on my own, ask questions even when I felt unsure, and push myself through moments of doubt. There were times when I questioned whether I truly belonged in college, but those moments only strengthened my determination to keep going. Each step I have taken, from earning my associate’s degree to continuing toward my bachelor’s, has been a reminder that I am capable of achieving more than I once believed. My experiences have also shaped my desire to inspire and support other first generation students. I know how overwhelming the process can feel, especially when you do not have someone guiding you through it. Because of this, I try to be open about my journey and honest about both the struggles and the successes. I believe that representation matters. When students see someone with a similar background pursuing higher education, it can make their own goals feel more possible. In the future, I plan to continue this impact through both my career and my personal actions. As a psychology student, I intend to work in the mental health field, supporting youth and individuals from marginalized communities. Many first generation students face not only academic challenges but also emotional and mental stress. I want to be someone who understands those pressures and can provide guidance and support. In addition, I hope to pursue a PhD and become a professor, where I can mentor students who may feel out of place or unsure of their path, just as I once did. Beyond my career, I plan to continue encouraging others by sharing my experiences and offering support whenever I can. Whether it is helping someone understand the application process, talking about the realities of college life, or simply reminding them that they are capable, I want to be a source of motivation. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing someone else succeed to believe that you can too. Being a first generation college student is not easy, but it is something I take pride in. It represents growth, determination, and the willingness to step into the unknown. My goal is to use my journey to inspire others to pursue higher education, reminding them that even without a clear path, success is still possible.

I am currently an undergraduate psychology student working toward my bachelor’s degree after earning my associate’s degree in Applied Psychology. As a first generation college student from a Hispanic background, my journey has been shaped by both personal experiences and the experiences of those around me. These experiences have not only influenced my understanding of mental health, but have also guided my commitment to making a meaningful impact within marginalized communities. I have struggled with my own mental health, and it is something I continue to work through. Growing up, mental health was not always openly discussed, which made it difficult to fully understand what I was experiencing or how to seek support. This silence is something I have seen reflected in my community, where stigma and lack of access often prevent people from getting the help they need. In addition to my own experiences, I have had close family members who struggled with their mental health and were unable to receive proper care. Watching this happen was both difficult and eye opening. It showed me how deeply systemic barriers, cultural stigma, and limited resources can impact individuals and families. These experiences have shaped my belief that mental health care should be accessible, inclusive, and culturally aware. Everyone deserves to feel seen, understood, and supported, regardless of their background. This belief has also influenced my desire to be an advocate for change, whether that is through open conversations, education, or direct support. I want to contribute to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in communities where these conversations are often avoided. My career aspirations are rooted in these values. I plan to work in the mental health field, with a focus on supporting youth and, in the future, LGBTQIA plus individuals within marginalized communities. These populations often face unique challenges, including discrimination, identity struggles, and limited access to affirming care. I want to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves and seeking help without fear of judgment. My goal is to provide care that is not only effective, but also compassionate and affirming. Beyond direct care, I also hope to make an impact through education. I plan to pursue a master’s degree and eventually a PhD, with the goal of becoming a professor. Through teaching, I want to help shape future mental health professionals who are informed, empathetic, and prepared to work with diverse populations. I believe that education is a powerful tool in addressing systemic issues and creating long term change within the mental health field. My experiences with mental health have given me a strong sense of purpose. They have taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of advocating for both myself and others. I am committed to using my education and career to support marginalized communities and to help create a more open, accessible, and understanding approach to mental health care. Through my work, I hope to make a lasting impact by ensuring that more people feel heard, supported, and empowered in their journey.

My decision to pursue a degree in mental health comes from both personal experience and what I have witnessed in the lives of those around me. I have struggled with my own mental health, and it is something I continue to work through. There were times when I did not fully understand what I was feeling or how to ask for help. Mental health was not always openly discussed, and that made it easier to internalize my struggles rather than express them. Those experiences were difficult, but they also became the foundation for my desire to better understand mental health and to support others who may feel the same way. In addition to my own journey, I have had close family members who struggled with their mental health and were unable to receive the proper help and support they needed. Watching people I care about go through that was incredibly impactful. It showed me that even when someone needs help, there are still barriers that prevent them from getting it. Whether it is lack of access, lack of understanding, or stigma, these obstacles can have real and lasting effects. Seeing this firsthand made me realize that mental health care is not just important, it is necessary, and there is still so much work to be done. These experiences are what ultimately drove me to pursue a degree in Psychology. I wanted to understand the complexities of the human mind, but more importantly, I wanted to be able to make a difference. I am currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in Psychology after earning my associate’s degree in Applied Psychology. My goal is to work in the mental health field, with a focus on supporting youth and, in the future, LGBTQ plus individuals. I want to help create spaces where people feel safe, understood, and supported, especially those who may feel overlooked or misunderstood. What motivates me most is the idea of being the kind of support that I once needed. I understand how isolating mental health struggles can feel, and I want to help others feel less alone in their experiences. I want to be someone who listens without judgment and provides guidance in a way that is compassionate and meaningful. Mental health care is not just about treatment, it is about connection, understanding, and giving people the tools to navigate their lives. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree and eventually a PhD. I hope to not only work directly with individuals but also contribute to the field through education by becoming a professor. I believe that teaching future students about mental health is just as important as practicing in the field, because it helps shape a more informed and compassionate generation of professionals. Pursuing a degree in mental health is more than just a career choice for me. It is something deeply personal. My experiences have given me empathy, perspective, and a strong sense of purpose. They have shown me the importance of mental health care and the impact it can have on individuals and families. That is what continues to drive me, and it is why I am committed to building a future where more people have access to the support they need.

My experience with mental health has shaped the way I understand myself, my relationships, and the world around me. I have struggled with my mental health, and it is something I continue to work through. Growing up, I faced personal challenges that I did not always have the language or support to fully process. Mental health was not something openly talked about in my environment, which made it easy to internalize struggles rather than express them. For a long time, I believed that dealing with things on my own was the only option. Looking back, I realize how much that silence impacted me, but it also became the starting point for my growth. In addition to my own experiences, I have had close family members who struggled with their mental health and were unable to receive the proper help and support they needed. Watching people I care about go through that was difficult and, at times, heartbreaking. It opened my eyes to the gaps that exist in mental health care and the reality that not everyone has access to the resources they deserve. That experience deepened my understanding of how important it is to advocate for better support systems and more open conversations around mental health. Over time, I began to understand that mental health is not something to hide or be ashamed of. It is a fundamental part of being human. This shift in perspective changed how I view the world. I became more aware of how many people are silently struggling and how important it is to create spaces where those struggles can be acknowledged without judgment. I now believe that open conversations about mental health are essential to building a more compassionate and understanding society. When we bring those experiences into the light, they become less isolating and more manageable. My journey has also deeply influenced my relationships. Because I know what it feels like to carry things alone, I try to show up for others in a different way. I value honesty, emotional openness, and genuine connection. I make an effort to listen without judgment and to create an environment where people feel safe expressing themselves. At the same time, I have learned that supporting others also requires taking care of myself. Setting boundaries and recognizing my own needs has been an important part of building healthier and more balanced relationships. These experiences have played a major role in shaping my goals for the future. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Psychology after earning my associate’s degree in Applied Psychology, and I plan to build a career in the mental health field. I am especially interested in working with youth and, in the future, LGBTQ plus individuals. I want to help people who may feel misunderstood or unsupported, just as I once did and as I have seen in my own family. My goal is to be someone who not only provides guidance but also helps normalize conversations around mental health so that others do not feel alone in their experiences. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree and eventually a PhD, with the goal of becoming a professor. I want to contribute not only through direct support in the mental health field but also through education, helping future students better understand the importance of mental health and the impact it has on individuals and communities. I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we have in reducing stigma and creating meaningful change. My journey with mental health is ongoing, but it has given me clarity, empathy, and purpose. It has shaped how I connect with others, how I view the world, and the path I am choosing for my future. Most importantly, it has taught me that struggles do not define a person, but how we grow from them can shape who we become. I hope to use my experiences to help others feel seen, heard, and supported, and to be part of a larger movement that brings mental health out of the shadows and into open conversation.

My experiences with mental health have shaped nearly every part of who I am, from my beliefs to my relationships and the path I am choosing for my future. Growing up, I faced personal hardships that I did not always have the resources or support to fully understand at the time. Because of that, I learned early on what it feels like to struggle silently and to wish for guidance that was not always accessible. Those experiences did not define me, but they did shape the way I see the world and the kind of person I strive to be. One of the most important beliefs I have developed is that mental health deserves to be treated with the same seriousness and compassion as physical health. I have come to understand that struggling does not make someone weak. It makes them human. This perspective has made me more empathetic and open minded, not only toward others but also toward myself. I have learned the importance of self awareness, reflection, and giving myself the same patience that I would offer to someone else. These beliefs continue to guide how I approach challenges and how I support those around me. My experiences have also deeply influenced my relationships. I have become someone who values emotional honesty and meaningful connection. Because I know how isolating mental health struggles can feel, I try to be a safe and supportive presence for others. I listen more intentionally, I offer understanding rather than judgment, and I make an effort to create spaces where people feel comfortable being themselves. At the same time, I have learned the importance of boundaries and recognizing that I cannot carry everything on my own. This balance has allowed me to build stronger, healthier relationships with the people in my life. Most importantly, my mental health journey has shaped my career aspirations. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Psychology after earning my associate’s degree in Applied Psychology, and I plan to work in the mental health field. My goal is to work with youth, and eventually LGBTQ plus individuals, helping them navigate challenges and feel seen and supported. I want to be the kind of person I once needed, someone who can offer guidance, understanding, and a sense of hope. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and eventually a PhD so that I can not only practice in the field but also teach and contribute to the next generation of students and professionals. Being a first generation college student adds another layer to this journey. Continuing my education despite the challenges I have faced is something I take great pride in. It represents growth, resilience, and a commitment to building a future that once felt uncertain. My experiences with mental health have not held me back. Instead, they have given me purpose. They have taught me empathy, strengthened my relationships, and guided me toward a career where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I have been a fan of Sabrina Carpenter for years, and watching her grow throughout her career has been genuinely inspiring. Even in her early career, I admired her dedication and strong work ethic. It was clear that she was committed to her craft, and seeing that consistency over time has made me respect her even more as both an artist and a person. Seeing Sabrina Carpenter become a successful woman in her career has been especially motivating for me. She has created a space for herself through hard work, confidence, and resilience, and that is something I truly admire. I love listening to her music because it makes me feel empowered. Songs like Espresso and Please Please Please are not only enjoyable, but they reflect confidence and self assurance in a way that reminds me to embrace who I am. Her music has become something I turn to when I need a boost of confidence or a reminder of my own strength. As a psychology student pursuing a career in mental health, I am especially drawn to the way Sabrina expresses real emotions and personal growth through her work. Her journey reminds me that vulnerability is not weakness. It is a form of strength. This perspective aligns closely with my goal of working with youth, and eventually LGBTQ plus individuals, helping them feel seen, supported, and understood. Growing up, I often wished I had more accessible support, and that experience has shaped my desire to be that support system for others. What impacts me most about Sabrina Carpenter is not just her talent, but her willingness to evolve and stay true to herself. She represents ambition and perseverance in a way that feels real and attainable. As I continue my education and work toward my bachelor’s degree, with plans to pursue a master’s and eventually a PhD to become a professor, I carry that same mindset with me. Her journey reminds me that growth takes time, and success comes from staying dedicated and believing in yourself. Being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter goes beyond simply enjoying her work. It has been about witnessing a journey that inspires me to be confident, resilient, and true to myself. That impact is something I will carry with me as I work toward making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.