My name is Carlos Fierro, and I am a proud first-generation, queer college student who has turned adversity into purpose. I am currently completing my associate degree at San Joaquin Delta College with a 3.79 GPA and have been accepted to the California Institute of Integral Studies, where I will pursue a degree in Psychedelics with a concentration in Clinical Counseling. My goal is to become a licensed therapist serving underrepresented communities—especially those affected by trauma, poverty, and generational oppression. I come from a background marked by hardship. I grew up in a household affected by addiction, instability, and silence. There were times we didn’t have running water, electricity, or food. During high school, I experienced homelessness—sleeping in a car and showering at the gym before going to class. Despite these challenges, I held onto a deep belief that education could be my way out—not just for myself, but for others like me who have had to fight to survive. What makes me a strong candidate for this scholarship is not only my academic drive, but my deep commitment to service and healing. I’ve dedicated the past few years to giving back in the ways I once needed most. I currently serve as a Peer Advisor for the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) department at Delta College, where I support first-generation and low-income students by helping them navigate the educational system and access critical resources. I also mentor youth through Improve Your Tomorrow, a nonprofit focused on uplifting young men of color and preparing them for success in college and beyond. My work is rooted in empathy and lived experience. I understand what it means to feel unseen, unsupported, and underestimated. I also know the power of one person believing in you—and I try to be that person for someone else every single day. I chose the path of mental health and counseling because I believe healing is one of the most powerful forms of resistance. Through culturally grounded therapy, community education, and trauma-informed care, I want to create spaces where people—especially LGBTQ+ youth, foster care survivors, and low-income families—can feel safe, valued, and empowered to heal. I also believe in innovation. I plan to integrate psychedelic-assisted therapy with traditional counseling models to support survivors of trauma, depression, and anxiety in ways that are both evidence-based and spiritually inclusive. These tools, when used ethically and responsibly, can be transformative—especially for communities that have been historically denied access to mental health care. Receiving the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship would help ease the financial burden of transferring to a four-year university and allow me to continue my education without sacrificing my commitment to community service. More than anything, it would be a reminder that who I am, and the work I aspire to do, matters. Mark Green’s legacy of perseverance, service, and educational excellence deeply inspires me. Like him, I believe in the power of education to transform lives—not just for the individual, but for generations to come. I am committed to building a legacy of healing, leadership, and advocacy that will ripple far beyond my own story. Thank you for considering my application. I carry my past with pride, and I move forward with purpose—ready to make a difference.

To create a positive environmental impact, we must first understand that "environment" extends beyond nature—it includes the social, emotional, and physical spaces where people live, work, and try to heal. As someone who grew up experiencing poverty, addiction in the home, and homelessness, I’ve lived in environments that felt anything but nurturing. But these same environments taught me resilience, compassion, and the urgent need to create safe, restorative spaces for others. In the next five years, I plan to create a powerful impact through wellness and mental health access in underserved communities—locally and, eventually, globally. I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychedelics with a concentration in Clinical Counseling, and my goal is to become a licensed therapist with a focus on trauma-informed, culturally grounded care. I want to reimagine wellness as something holistic, inclusive, and accessible—especially for Black and Brown communities who have long been left out of conversations around healing. True environmental wellness includes the emotional climate we create in our homes, schools, and institutions. I want to contribute by helping people reclaim their mental health through healing practices that integrate science, tradition, and innovation. In the short term, I will continue mentoring students through Improve Your Tomorrow and working with Delta College’s EOPS program, where I provide peer advising to first-generation, low-income students navigating systemic barriers. In both spaces, I see how stress, trauma, and exclusion can shape lives. I plan to bring trauma-sensitive approaches into these environments—helping individuals access resources while shifting the emotional culture of the community. Long term, I hope to open a community-based wellness center that centers BIPOC healing practices, plant-based nutrition, and accessible mental health care. I envision a space where therapy is not stigmatized, where food is healing, and where cultural traditions are honored as part of the wellness journey. I believe food, psychology, and spiritual practice are all part of the same healing continuum. In communities like mine, where wellness has often felt like a luxury, I want to make it a right. Additionally, I am committed to sustainable mental health innovation. As technology evolves, I see immense potential in using digital tools and AI-assisted platforms to deliver mental health care to underserved regions, rural communities, and youth who feel more comfortable engaging virtually. While working in the Imperial Valley, I helped connect Spanish-speaking patients with mental health services. This work taught me that innovation isn’t always about invention—it’s about accessibility. I will continue working to close gaps in care by combining cultural fluency with technological equity. This scholarship would help remove the economic burden that threatens to limit my educational journey. I’ve maintained a 3.79 GPA despite financial challenges, housing insecurity, and balancing multiple jobs. What I lack in financial resources, I make up for in clarity of purpose: to transform the spaces I once had to survive in, and to ensure that others no longer have to choose between survival and self-care. Wellness should not be exclusive. It should be embedded in our schools, our hospitality practices, our community kitchens, and our public policies. With the support of FLIK Hospitality Group, I will continue building spaces where healing is shared, joy is prioritized, and every person has access to a life of dignity and health.

I chose to pursue a career in mental health because I know what it’s like to suffer in silence. I know what it feels like to wake up and wonder how you’ll make it through the day—not because you’re lazy or unmotivated, but because your world feels too heavy to carry. For a long time, I thought I was alone in that pain. I now realize that millions of people—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—are silently navigating similar battles. My academic focus is in Psychedelics with a concentration in Clinical Counseling, and my ultimate goal is to become a licensed trauma-informed therapist. I want to serve LGBTQ+ youth, foster care survivors, and low-income communities who often face barriers to care, and who rarely see mental health professionals who look like them or understand their lived experiences. My degree will allow me to combine traditional therapeutic models with cutting-edge approaches such as psychedelic-assisted therapy, somatic healing, and culturally grounded care. I’m interested not only in reducing symptoms—but in supporting people through deep, lasting transformation. This path is personal. I grew up in a home marked by addiction, instability, and trauma. There were times we didn’t have food, running water, or electricity. In high school, I experienced homelessness, sleeping in a car and showering at the gym before class. I was often surrounded by chaos, yet expected to function like everything was fine. But everything wasn’t fine. I had undiagnosed depression, anxiety, and a lingering sense of emptiness that I didn’t have words for. Therapy wasn’t an option in my household—it was stigmatized, misunderstood, or flat-out ignored. I didn’t meet my first counselor until I entered college. That moment changed everything. I finally felt seen, validated, and understood. It was in that room, across from someone who held space without judgment, that I realized I wanted to offer that same space for others. I wanted to become the therapist I never had growing up. I began volunteering and working in peer support roles, including as a Peer Advisor for the EOPS program at Delta College, where I help low-income and first-generation students access academic and mental health resources. I also serve as a mentor with Improve Your Tomorrow, supporting young men of color who are navigating trauma, school, and systemic oppression. In both roles, I witness firsthand how mental health can shape—and often limit—a student’s sense of possibility. But I also see the power of support, representation, and compassion. Being a first-generation college student, I carry the weight of breaking generational cycles while building something entirely new. I do not have a financial safety net, and the emotional labor of healing while pursuing higher education has not been easy. Yet I’ve maintained a 3.79 GPA, balancing school, work, and community service, all while continuing my personal healing journey. This scholarship would be more than financial support—it would be an acknowledgment that my pain has a purpose, and that my dream of becoming a healer matters. I am committed to carrying Ethan To’s legacy forward by uplifting others, raising awareness, and working tirelessly to destigmatize mental health in underserved communities. Healing is possible. I am living proof. And now, I want to help others believe that too.

Surviving intimate partner violence (IPV) changes a person at every level—emotionally, physically, spiritually. For a long time, I carried the invisible wounds of that experience, struggling to understand how love could coexist with control, manipulation, and fear. But over time, I discovered that healing is possible—and that education can be both a lifeline and a weapon against the silence that allows IPV to persist. I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychedelics with a concentration in Clinical Counseling, and my goal is to become a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. My dream is to create healing spaces for survivors of IPV—particularly those from marginalized communities, who are often silenced not only by their abusers, but by the systems meant to protect them. Education can help reduce intimate partner violence in two powerful ways: by empowering individuals to recognize abuse and access support, and by training professionals to respond with compassion and cultural competence. Many survivors, like myself, didn’t have the words or resources to understand what we were going through. I want to change that. I want to use my education to help survivors reclaim their stories, rebuild their sense of self, and access therapeutic tools that support long-term recovery. Through my work as a Peer Advisor for the EOPS program and a mentor with Improve Your Tomorrow, I’ve already supported students navigating trauma, poverty, and systemic barriers. I’ve led workshops on emotional resilience, offered one-on-one guidance, and simply been a voice of affirmation for those who often feel invisible. These experiences have shown me the transformative power of being heard—and the urgent need for healing-centered spaces led by people who truly understand. I also believe that the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy can play a revolutionary role in supporting survivors of complex trauma. When used ethically and in safe, supervised environments, these therapies have shown promising results in helping individuals process deep emotional wounds, reconnect with their bodies, and find meaning in their healing. My vision is to combine these emerging modalities with traditional talk therapy, somatic healing, and cultural wisdom, offering holistic support for survivors ready to reclaim their lives. As a queer, first-generation college student who has overcome homelessness, intergenerational trauma, and IPV, I bring not just clinical interest—but lived experience. I understand how hard it is to break free from an abusive relationship when you have nowhere to go, no money to your name, and no one who truly believes you. I understand the shame, the guilt, the silence. But I also understand the power of one person who listens, one space that feels safe, and one moment where survival turns into hope. This scholarship would support more than my education—it would support my mission. It would allow me to continue training, learning, and serving without the weight of financial insecurity. It would affirm that survivors are not just statistics—we are leaders, healers, and changemakers. I plan to use my degree to advocate, educate, and build community-centered healing models that address not just the symptoms of IPV, but the roots. Through therapy, storytelling, and restorative practice, I want to help others not just survive—but rise.

I chose to major in Psychedelics with a concentration in Clinical Counseling because I know firsthand how vital mental health care is—and how inaccessible it can be for those who need it most. My life has been shaped by trauma, instability, and the silence that often surrounds emotional pain. I grew up in a household where addiction was present and support was scarce. At one point in high school, I was homeless—sleeping in a car and showering at the gym just to get through the day. But through those challenges, I discovered an inner strength and a desire to transform pain into purpose. My decision to pursue clinical counseling emerged from both personal healing and community service. While working as a Peer Advisor in the EOPS program at Delta College, I supported students navigating poverty, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers. I also mentored young men of color through Improve Your Tomorrow, helping them find the confidence and tools to succeed. These roles confirmed my calling: to become a therapist who holds space for those who often feel invisible. I want to offer trauma-informed, culturally rooted, and spiritually inclusive care—especially for LGBTQ+ youth, foster care survivors, and historically marginalized communities. Though my major is unconventional, it is deeply rooted in science and service. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is an emerging field grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and ancient healing traditions. It represents a powerful frontier for transforming mental health—especially when integrated with modern tools like artificial intelligence (AI). AI has growing potential in the field of clinical counseling. For example, AI can be used to detect early signs of mental distress through speech analysis, behavioral patterns, or journaling data. It can help therapists monitor patient progress, recommend personalized treatment plans, and even provide access to virtual mental health support for individuals in remote or underserved areas. AI may also aid in research, offering faster data analysis to improve therapeutic outcomes across diverse populations. However, AI is not a replacement for human connection. One of the greatest risks of AI in mental health care is the dehumanization of therapy—the loss of nuance, emotion, and the sacred relationship between client and therapist. Mental health support must always be rooted in empathy, presence, and trust. While AI can enhance accessibility and data-informed treatment, it must be used ethically, ensuring that privacy is protected and cultural sensitivity is maintained. In my future practice, I plan to use AI as a complementary tool, not a central one. I envision building hybrid systems where AI supports logistics and diagnostics, while the core of healing remains deeply human and heart-centered. I also hope to participate in developing ethical guidelines around AI use in therapeutic spaces, ensuring that technology empowers rather than replaces connection. I may not come from a traditional background, but like Jorge A. Quizhpi, I’ve built my path by seeking knowledge and pushing forward despite the odds. I am determined to use my education not only to uplift myself but to serve others who deserve the same opportunity to heal and thrive. Receiving this scholarship would not only honor Jorge A. Quizhpi’s legacy—it would allow me to carry it forward through the transformational work of mental health care.

My journey into healthcare did not begin in a hospital or clinic—it began in survival. Growing up in Stockton, I faced homelessness, food insecurity, and the effects of generational addiction. There were nights when I slept in a car, mornings when I showered at the gym just to make it to high school. From a young age, I witnessed the devastating impact that untreated trauma and mental illness can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. It planted a question in me: what would our world look like if healing were truly accessible? That question led me to where I am today—pursuing a degree in Psychedelics with a concentration in Clinical Counseling, with the long-term goal of becoming a licensed therapist specializing in trauma-informed and culturally rooted care. Along the way, I found a path through healthcare that honored both the science of treatment and the humanity of healing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked at a community-based health center in the Imperial Valley, helping coordinate outreach and mental health support services for underserved populations. I assisted patients with scheduling telehealth appointments, facilitated intake assessments, and connected Spanish-speaking families with bilingual counseling resources. What stood out to me most was the silence people carried—the anxiety, depression, grief, and isolation that often went unspoken. Many of our patients had lost loved ones, jobs, or their sense of stability, yet they continued showing up—just as we did. My role was not clinical, but it was deeply human. I learned to listen, to comfort, and to hold space for fear and uncertainty. I saw firsthand the barriers that still exist in mental health care, especially in communities of color, rural areas, and immigrant populations. It affirmed my purpose: to become a mental health professional who doesn’t just offer services, but builds trust, cultural understanding, and long-term support systems. What inspired me to get involved in healthcare was not just my own trauma—it was the desire to ensure others don’t have to go through it alone. I believe that healing is a right, not a privilege, and I’m committed to working in the spaces where that promise is still out of reach. My goal is to serve communities like the Imperial Valley, where healthcare professionals are often stretched thin but remain deeply devoted to their people. I want to be part of that commitment—returning not just as a therapist, but as someone who understands the lived experiences of the people I serve. I also hope to integrate psychedelic-assisted therapy into my future practice, using evidence-based methods alongside spiritual and cultural traditions to support individuals navigating PTSD, depression, and substance use recovery. I believe that the future of healthcare must include innovation, inclusivity, and a return to compassion. These values guide every step I take. Receiving this scholarship would provide vital support as I continue my education while working and giving back. More than that, it would be an affirmation of the path I’ve chosen—to serve with heart, to heal with purpose, and to never forget the community that inspired it all.

What makes me unique is not just where I come from—but how I’ve chosen to rise from it, and how I now use my story to light the way for others. I am a queer, first-generation college student from Stockton, California. I grew up in a household shaped by instability, addiction, and silence. There were times when we had no running water, no electricity, and no food. By high school, I was homeless—sleeping in a car, showering at the gym, and still showing up to class, driven by a quiet determination to survive and succeed. I learned how to navigate the world on my own long before I was ready. But even in those dark moments, I believed that education could be my path to something better. What sets me apart is not just the adversity I’ve faced, but my refusal to let it define me. I’ve carried the weight of my past not as a burden, but as a responsibility to uplift others walking a similar path. I’ve maintained a 3.79 GPA while balancing multiple jobs and leadership roles. At Delta College, I serve as a Peer Advisor through the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), guiding students who, like me, come from underserved backgrounds. I also mentor youth through Improve Your Tomorrow, where I support young men of color in building confidence, accessing higher education, and believing in their worth. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’ve had to navigate a world that doesn’t always make space for people like me. I know what it means to feel invisible, to question whether you’re welcome in the room. But instead of shrinking, I’ve chosen to stand tall. I lead with empathy, authenticity, and purpose. I share my truth—not just for healing, but to open doors for others who may still be searching for theirs. I am currently majoring in Psychedelics with a concentration in Clinical Counseling, and I plan to become a trauma-informed, culturally humble therapist. My goal is to create healing spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, foster care survivors, and individuals who’ve experienced generational trauma. I believe in the power of integrative mental health care—approaches that weave together science, spirituality, and community wisdom. My vision is to return to communities like the one I came from and offer therapy rooted not just in clinical tools, but in deep listening, cultural respect, and spiritual presence. Receiving the Adam Montes Memorial Scholarship would mean more than financial support—it would be an affirmation of everything I’ve fought for. Adam Montes’ legacy as an LGBTQ+ educator and community leader inspires me deeply. Like him, I am committed to building a life in service of education, liberation, and healing. This scholarship would not only honor his memory, it would help carry his vision forward—through my journey, my service, and the lives I hope to touch along the way.

As a mentor and psychologist, my guiding belief is that human potential is limitless, but for many, that potential is stifled by trauma, hardship, and a lack of support. I know this because I’ve lived it. Growing up in extreme poverty in Mexico, surrounded by addiction, abuse, and violence, I experienced firsthand how life’s circumstances can limit our sense of possibility. Yet, through education and the guidance of those who believed in me, I was able to break free from those cycles. Now, as I pursue a degree in psychology, my mission is to provide that same opportunity for others—especially for those who face barriers similar to the ones I overcame. At the heart of my philosophy as a mentor and psychologist is the belief that healing and growth are possible for everyone, regardless of their past or current struggles. I believe that people are resilient and that, with the right support, they can overcome even the most significant challenges. Trauma does not have to define a person’s future. My own experiences with adversity have shaped this belief. This personal journey has taught me that a core part of my work is to instill hope, to help individuals see that their pain is not a permanent barrier to success, but a source of strength from which they can grow. My background also influences my approach to working with culturally diverse individuals. Having lived in both Mexico and the United States, I understand the struggles of navigating different cultural expectations, linguistic barriers, and feelings of not belonging. I believe that every person’s cultural and linguistic background should be honored and integrated into their healing process. My role as a mentor and psychologist is to help individuals embrace their identities and see their uniqueness as a source of strength rather than a challenge to overcome. Through my journey, I have found that some of the most effective strategies in mentorship and psychology are those that center on empathy, active listening, and culturally relevant support. I recall the transformative power of the mentors and counselors who took the time to truly understand my background, not just as a set of obstacles but as part of the fabric of my identity. They didn’t just help me survive; they helped me thrive by connecting what I was learning to my lived experiences, making the healing process deeply personal and meaningful. In my role as a mentor and psychologist, I strive to create a similar approach. Drawing from my studies in psychology, I will employ trauma-informed practices to ensure that my clients feel safe, supported, and understood. I believe that healing begins when individuals feel seen and validated, which is why I will use culturally relevant approaches, incorporating an understanding of the person’s background, language, and community into our conversations. My goal is to help individuals not only process and heal from their trauma but also to discover the strengths they may not yet see in themselves. Many of the individuals I will work with, particularly those from underserved communities, face significant personal and social barriers that affect their mental health and outlook on life. Academically and socially, I want my clients to feel empowered to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they have faced. Having experienced homelessness, familial addiction, and violence, I understand the feeling of hopelessness. But I also know the power of hope when paired with guidance and the right support systems. My clients should leave our sessions knowing that they are capable of achieving their goals, and that their past struggles do not have to dictate their future success.

For me, success is about much more than just personal achievements or academic accolades—it’s about overcoming the generational cycles of trauma and hardship that have defined so much of my life. Growing up in extreme poverty in Mexico, surrounded by addiction, abuse, and violence, I learned early that survival wasn’t a guarantee. I witnessed firsthand how addiction can tear families apart and how trauma can seep into every aspect of life. I lost my cousin to suicide, a moment that shattered my family and left a permanent mark on my heart. These experiences have shaped my understanding of success as something much deeper than simply reaching goals; it’s about healing from the past, building resilience, and helping others find hope where there once was none. When I think of success, I imagine myself not only earning my PhD in psychology as a first-generation student but using that degree to create real, lasting change in the lives of those who are often overlooked. I see success as breaking free from the cycles of trauma that affected me, my family, and my community—and helping others do the same. I want to work with young people, especially those who come from backgrounds like mine, to show them that their future doesn’t have to be defined by their past. I want to be the mentor and advocate that I once needed, guiding them through the challenges of mental health, addiction, and trauma, and showing them that there is always a way forward, no matter how dark things may seem. This scholarship opportunity would mean so much more than just financial support for my education—it would be an investment in my mission to help others. Growing up, financial instability was a constant, and even now, as I pursue higher education, the weight of financial stress is something I carry. This scholarship would allow me to focus fully on my studies and my community work without the overwhelming pressure of debt. It would free me to immerse myself in my psychology studies and gain the knowledge I need to create real solutions for those who are struggling with the same challenges I’ve faced—trauma, mental health crises, addiction, and poverty. Earning my degree is not just about advancing my own life; it’s about lifting up others who feel trapped by their circumstances. I think back to my time in high school, where I faced homelessness and uncertainty, and the one constant was my drive to break free from the cycles of hardship. I know what it feels like to have no safety net, to wonder if the future could ever hold something different. This scholarship would help me become the person who can offer that lifeline to others, showing them that they can rise above the adversity they face, just as I have. In my current work with Improve Your Tomorrow, I mentor high school students who are navigating some of the same challenges I once did. Many of them are dealing with poverty, family instability, and feelings of hopelessness, just as I did when I was their age. I see myself in them, and I know the importance of having someone who believes in you, someone who helps you see that your circumstances do not define your worth or your future. This scholarship would allow me to continue this work on a larger scale, reaching even more young people and giving them the tools they need to heal, grow, and achieve their dreams. Success for me isn’t just about overcoming my own struggles—it’s about using my experiences to help others overcome theirs. This scholarship would be a vital step in allowing me to finish my PhD and continue on my path toward becoming a mental health advocate and psychologist, dedicated to breaking cycles of trauma and creating opportunities for healing in underserved communities. It would be a means of turning my own pain into purpose and helping others find the strength to do the same. Ultimately, success for me is rooted in resilience, empathy, and transformation. It’s about taking the hardest moments of my life—growing up in poverty, losing loved ones, facing homelessness—and using them as fuel to make a difference in the lives of others. This scholarship will help me fulfill my purpose, ensuring that I can provide hope and healing to those who need it most, just as I once needed it.

Reflecting on my journey as a suicide loss survivor is a deeply personal and painful process, yet it has also been one of profound growth, understanding, and resilience. Losing my cousin to suicide, after years of struggling with addiction, shook my world in ways I could never have imagined. It was a moment that felt like all the unresolved pain, trauma, and heartbreak in my family had culminated in this devastating loss. He had been battling meth addiction for years, and when my grandparents found him hung outside my grandfather’s mechanic shop in Mexico, it was a moment that left me shattered. One of the greatest challenges in surviving this loss was grappling with the overwhelming feelings of guilt and helplessness. I kept asking myself: Could we have done more? Were there signs we missed? Why wasn’t I there for him in the way he needed? Suicide loss is a different kind of grief—it’s not just about losing someone you love, but about coming to terms with the feelings of failure and unanswered questions that haunt you. Another challenge was navigating the cultural stigma around mental health and suicide, particularly in my community. In many Mexican families, mental health struggles are often brushed aside or hidden, seen as something shameful or weak. Addiction and suicide are rarely spoken about openly, and this silence only made the grief harder to bear. I felt like I was carrying not only my own pain but also the weight of my family’s unspoken grief and unresolved trauma. Despite these challenges, I have learned some powerful lessons along the way. First, I’ve come to understand that addiction and mental health struggles are not personal failures but complex, multifaceted issues that need compassionate care and attention. My cousin’s death taught me that untreated trauma and mental health issues can have devastating consequences, and it deepened my resolve to address these issues in myself and in others. I’ve also learned the importance of seeking support, both personally and for those around me. For a long time, I tried to handle my grief alone, thinking that being strong meant not showing my pain. But I realized that healing requires vulnerability and the courage to ask for help. Through therapy and support groups, I found a space to express my grief, to talk about my cousin’s life and struggles, and to process the complex emotions that come with being a suicide loss survivor. Pursuing a degree in psychology has played a crucial role in that journey. It has allowed me to not only understand my own trauma and grief but also to see beyond it—to recognize that pain, while heavy, doesn’t have to define the rest of my life. Studying psychology has opened my eyes to the ways in which trauma can be transformed, and how mental health can be nurtured and restored. This knowledge has helped me rebuild my sense of hope. Working with high school students through Improve Your Tomorrow has been another source of healing and resilience. I’ve found purpose in sharing my story with young people who may feel like they are alone in their struggles, reminding them that they are not defined by their darkest moments. My goal is to help them see that there is always a way forward, even when life feels overwhelming. While I will always carry the pain of losing my cousin, I have found hope in the belief that his death is not the end of the story. Through my work, I strive to honor his memory by helping others who are battling their own mental health struggles.

What inspires me to get involved in my community is the deep connection I have to the struggles I’ve lived through and the realization that my story can be a source of strength for others. Growing up in poverty in Mexico, surrounded by addiction, abuse, and violence, I know firsthand the heavy burden of trauma and how it can make you feel powerless. My journey—from enduring the chaos of my early years, to leaving Mexico at fifteen, facing homelessness in high school, and ultimately pursuing education in the U.S.—has shaped not only my will to survive but also my desire to help others find their way out of similar darkness. Pursuing a degree in psychology has been transformative in my life. It has allowed me to see my trauma through a different lens. I’ve learned that trauma, though painful, doesn’t have to be the end of our story. Instead, it can be the beginning of healing. My studies have helped me understand how deeply our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives—our relationships, our self-worth, and our ability to succeed. Understanding these dynamics has not only been healing for me personally but has also given me the tools to help others through their struggles. I’ve come to realize that my trauma, while once a source of deep pain, can now be a source of compassion and strength for those I work with. This newfound perspective on trauma and mental health is what drives me to give back to my community. I see the importance of showing others—especially young people—that their pain does not define their future. This is why I’m committed to working with high school students through *Improve Your Tomorrow*, a non-profit dedicated to helping young men of color overcome obstacles and realize their potential. These students often face immense challenges: poverty, broken homes, feelings of isolation, and lack of support. I see myself in them, and I know how difficult it can be to believe in yourself when the odds feel insurmountable. I work to influence change by mentoring these students, sharing both my personal experiences and what I’ve learned through my psychology studies. My goal is to help them understand that their circumstances—no matter how tough—are not permanent, and that they have the power to transform their lives. By offering guidance, support, and a listening ear, I strive to show them that education and mental health are intertwined, and that self-awareness and healing can be the key to unlocking their potential. Through workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and community outreach, I’m actively breaking down the barriers that keep these young men from realizing their potential. I help them navigate their own traumas and challenges, showing them that their struggles can be a source of resilience, not defeat. I want them to see that just as I have broken the cycle of hardship, they too can rise above their circumstances and create a future filled with hope and opportunity. In the end, my inspiration comes from both my personal experiences and the transformative power of psychology. I’ve learned that trauma can either break us or shape us into something stronger. Through my work in the community, I aim to help others discover that same strength within themselves and give them the tools to not only survive but thrive.

My experiences with mental health have deeply shaped who I am, influencing my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Growing up in an environment filled with addiction, abuse, and violence, I came to understand the silent suffering that so often accompanies mental health struggles. I saw how the weight of untreated trauma can tear people and families apart, and that realization shaped my belief that mental health is not just important—it's essential for survival and healing. This personal history has given me a profound sense of empathy. I believe that everyone carries unseen battles, and that compassion, not judgment, is what the world needs more of. My own journey has taught me that while pain and trauma can shape our past, they don’t have to define our future. It’s possible to break free from the cycles of hardship, and I’ve learned that healing is a process that requires patience, self-love, and the courage to seek help. My relationships have been transformed by this understanding. I now approach others with a deep sense of empathy, recognizing that many people are carrying burdens that are invisible to the outside world. I strive to create safe spaces for those I care about, where they feel understood, accepted, and supported. At the same time, I’ve learned the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. Taking care of my own mental health allows me to be there for others without losing myself in the process. My journey with trauma began in the earliest years of my life, in a household where addiction and violence were constants. My parents, caught in the painful grip of substance abuse, were often lost to the haze of their own struggles. I was a child growing up in the shadow of their battles, navigating a world where safety and stability were nonexistent. The chaos in our home, the yelling, the unpredictable swings from love to rage, created an environment where fear became my constant companion. Physical abuse was a part of my daily life, but the emotional scars often ran deeper. The unpredictability of my parents’ behavior left me in a constant state of alert, trying to gauge the mood of the house, trying to stay out of the way to avoid the next explosion. This environment made me feel invisible and powerless, as though my needs, my voice, and my very existence didn’t matter. The emotional neglect and abandonment I felt weighed heavily on me, creating deep wounds that followed me well into my teenage years. There was also the trauma of witnessing domestic violence. Watching someone you love become the victim of abuse is a pain that’s hard to describe. The helplessness of those moments stayed with me, as did the confusion of how love could exist alongside so much hurt. I often felt caught between conflicting loyalties, torn between wanting to protect those I loved and needing to escape for my own survival. Foster care was meant to be a refuge, but instead, it amplified my sense of isolation. Being separated from my family, despite all the dysfunction, made me feel discarded—like I was just another problem to be passed off. In foster care, I experienced another layer of trauma: the trauma of being unwanted. While the physical danger may have subsided, the emotional scars deepened. I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere, that I had no real home. I had learned to build walls around myself because vulnerability had always meant getting hurt. For years, I carried the weight of my past without realizing how deeply it was affecting me. I thought that if I could just survive, that would be enough. But trauma doesn’t just disappear with time—it lingers, shapes you, and leaves lasting marks. As I began my high school journey; It was a different kind of instability, but it echoed the chaos of my earlier years. Once again, I felt like I was living on the edge, without a safety net, without a place to truly rest due to homelessness. The trauma I endured deeply influenced my understanding of mental health. I realized that my own pain, left unaddressed for so long, had shaped how I saw myself and the world. There were times when I felt broken, like I wasn’t worthy of anything better. It took time, support, and the willingness to face my own wounds to start the process of healing. But that journey to healing wasn’t just about repairing the damage—it was about transforming my trauma into something meaningful. This transformation has become the driving force behind my career aspirations. Pursuing a PhD in psychology isn’t just an academic long term goal for me; it’s a deeply personal mission. I want to help others who, like me, have been shaped by trauma. I understand that pain isn’t something you just “get over”—it’s something you learn to live with, something you grow through. My work with high school students through Improve Your Tomorrow is part of that mission. I want to show them that their past, no matter how painful, does not have to define their future. Trauma may leave its mark, but it doesn’t have to dictate the rest of their lives. My own trauma has taught me to approach others with deep empathy. I see the unspoken struggles in those around me, and I feel a responsibility to be a source of support, to be the person I needed when I was younger. Trauma has given me the ability to connect with others on a profound level, to understand pain without needing it to be explained. It has shaped not only my beliefs about mental health but also my desire to be a force for healing in the lives of others. In many ways, my trauma is still with me. It doesn’t disappear, but it no longer controls me. My goal is not only for myself, it's also to help others embark on their own journeys of healing, resilience, and transformation.