Although it's a skill of great value, we are not born with accountability. This skill comes with a great deal of experience, determination, and hard work. There comes a point where the accountability we are faced with does not come from the management of others but from ourselves. In middle school and early high school, my self-esteem was very low, I had many trust issues due to bad experiences I had with others, but it took me a long time to realize that the biggest issue was the trust issues I had with myself. So many unfinished projects and unpursued dreams were left scattered all around me becoming reminders of the things I never accomplished and I thought I never would. I had to prove to myself that my dreams and talents were no less than anyone else's and that the only person who would be able to get me out of this rot was myself. I took out a notebook and pen and filled the pages with ideas, plans, prayers, aspirations, and promises I was not going to break. My accountability starts with me untangling my thoughts in pieces of paper as I pray over them and come up with small goals that will allow me to achieve the big ones. However, what good are plans that stay on paper? As I embark on the progress of achieving my goals I make sure to always have a very small group of trustworthy people that can not only support me but also help if I am ever stuck on the journey. I used to not want to tell anyone my plans and keep everything private fearing the embarrassment of people knowing my failures, but that wasn't working, I needed people to know so that I could truly verbalize my ideas and make my plans 3D. The right people will ask you “How’s it going?” and to not let them down you will make sure that some progress has been made. When I published my first music single it was scary, I didn't know what I was doing or what would come out of it, but I tried to learn and enjoy each step of the process. I told my group of people that I had written a song, I showed them the song, I paid the producer, and had a photoshoot, I took the steps to put my plans in motion to make it harder for me to back out which kept me accountable on the days where doubt was louder. As a woman in theology a field dominated by men, I know that I must keep myself accountable before anyone else does, I must be one step ahead at all times. I can't rely on motivation, I can’t blame others for my failures, so I must start and end each project with accountability which is simply the determination to keep moving. Not giving myself too much freedom or feeling too comfortable in being stagnant has allowed me to see the fruits of my labor, and has improved my self-imposed accountability because of the trust I have in myself and the standards I have built. The way we hold ourselves accountable can look very different for everyone, but one fact is true for all, accountability is a valuable skill that we must be willing to work hard to create in ourselves. I would like to leave you with a quote by Catherine Pulsifer “At the end of the day we are accountable to ourselves - our success is a result of what we do.”

Warm fuzzy socks, oversized sweaters, the “just right” temperatures, and the beautiful warm colors falling from the trees foreshadowing the snowflakes that are to come in the winter and the showers in spring, welcome to autumn. I love autumn not just because of the wonderful scenery but because of the coziness in the air. Study sessions in the morning and “Gilmore Girls” marathons at night are essential, but both of these routines are not complete without a Starbucks in hand. In the morning as we open our laptops and work on crossing each item on our to-do list, a cold drink fits the productive vibe, this way we won't have to worry about it getting cold and can keep on working. So, in the morning, we start with an iced chai latte with cinnamon and pumpkin spice cold foam, the pure definition of autumn in a bottle! But as dawn begins to break after a long day of productivity we desperately look for comfort while watching or reading our favorite classics, the cozy vibes aren't complete without our hot chai latte with pumpkin spice foam. An autumn drink that tastes amazing any way you drink it and anyway you're feeling deserves a 10 out of 10 in my book. Once the school season starts, tests are approaching, and weeks are filled with decisions and responsibilities, one drink for two moods makes life so much easier. Fall can sometimes be a little hard on our mental health due to climate changes and daylight hours, my way of coping is by making myself the main character of my own fall aesthetic sitcom. School can get hard, so having a pick-me-up is very important, a pumpkin spice chai is my pick-me-up. This drink serves as a way to comfort my stomach and connect with my family. As I study out of state, I get to share a special drink with my mom through Facetime and feel a little closer to home, as we talk and laugh we get to taste and feel the same thing thousands of miles from each other. Who knew that a simple drink could help with so much? This is why I am convinced this is not just a drink, it’s motivation, comfort, productivity, home, and memories we get to share no matter where we are as long as it’s Fall. I don’t know what this autumn season has in store for me but I do know what my order will be when my stomach needs a sip.

“Lights, camera, action!” is not complete without some drama, mystery, and passion. Because spectacular shows are not made often, it is hard to find just the right one to binge on a rainy Sunday when all we want is to sit on the couch with a coffee in hand and a warm blanket wrapped around us tighter than a tortilla. All you are looking to do is escape reality and dive into a world without responsibilities. To make it easier to enjoy a lazy Sunday and to support the “couch potato” lifestyle, my recommendation would have to be “Jane the Virgin” Don’t let the name fool you, this is not some cheesy rom-com or another religious documentary, but a crossover of cultural television. “Jane the Virgin” starts and finishes in the same structure as the novellas that have become staple background noise as Latin households finish their chores. Hispanics understand that to be able to finish such boring tasks, you must have some nonboring show on at all times. Be prepared to cry, scream at the TV, kick your feet, and laugh all in the span of a 45-minute episode. A show consisting of more plot twists than one can count, talking about real and difficult topics, while also exaggerating the most normal scenarios of life. Jane is a normal college student with every aspect of her life planned and organized, she has everything together. Living with her mom and Abuela, studying to be a teacher, having a handsome and supportive boyfriend, and being firm in her religious beliefs, especially in waiting for marriage. Jane could have never imagined that just one simple doctor's visit would flip everything upside down and make her question what truly matters, Jane becomes pregnant, but how? Is she still a virgin? Who’s the father? This was not on Jane’s vision board! Jane and her family must now come together to face many challenges and obstacles in all areas of their lives. However, we quickly learn that big challenges require more than a one-man army, it requires a family. The show mimics Telenovelas' dramatic special effects and great taste in music yet still has its Western charm. A show that makes you feel satisfied and content with what is around you, making you appreciate even the small moments of life. Drama, mystery, passion, but most importantly familia! Be prepared to press play and quickly forget how fast time can fly.

When it comes to why I'm pursuing a degree that is related to mental health, it all boils down to my deep desire to make a difference in people's lives. Witnessing the challenges faced by those close to me has fueled my determination to make a difference. As I have seen the impact that mental health challenges can have on individuals and their loved ones, I want to be part of the solution. By gaining knowledge and skills in this field, I hope to provide support, understanding, and guidance to those who need it most just like the people in this field who have helped me with my own mental health challenges. I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and I want to contribute to creating a society where mental health is prioritized. Many people are scared to ask for help with their mental health because they fear being judged and dismissed, and fear burdening others with their problems. These fears can prevent individuals from seeking the support they need, which can worsen their mental health struggles. To address this common problem, I want to work towards expanding and creating a more supportive and understanding environment by not only raising awareness about mental health but also helping more people feel educated about this topic. I also strive to provide easily accessible and affordable mental health resources, especially for students and immigrants. It's important for individuals to know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I want to actively support and encourage those around me to prioritize their mental well-being, I want to help create a society where asking for help is seen as a normal and essential part of self-care. Through my own journey and encounters with various mental health issues, I have come to appreciate the importance of accessible and compassionate care. I firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and mentally healthy life. By obtaining a degree related to mental health, I hope to play a role in breaking down stigmas, promoting mental wellness, and fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society. The need for dedicated professionals in this field is evident, and I am eager to be part of the solution. I am committed to dedicating my time, energy, and skill to contribute to the betterment of mental health for individuals and communities alike.

She is a strong and inspirational woman, who does not back down from a challenge and is always ready to help others in any way she can.

Patience is understanding. Understanding is Kindness. Kindness is respect. Why are all of these important to me? These are some of the key characteristics that make a decent human. What’s a decent human? It is one who doesn’t stand there feeling sorry for someone instead takes action. A person who understands that we are all human and should treat each other as humans. Patience is not an easy thing to practice at times, but with everything that is going on in the world around us patience is what we need the most. I believe showing patience to someone is the kindest act, since it has become rare to receive it. Imagine having an impatient nurse, teacher, or even bus driver, IT WOULD BE CHAOTIC! Just as I mentioned in the beginning patience is not only staying still and calm, it is also from where kindness, understanding and respect grow from. It is like a tree with many roots. I am the oldest of 3 children. Both of my younger brothers are autistic and my father has adhd. To me they are just like anyone else, but they do have a different way of thinking and need more time to understand and analyze a situation. To become the sister my brothers need, I have to practice patience. It is not easy. It takes time and dedication to become a patient person, but it is the strongest super power you can have. Therefore patience is what I strive to achieve everyday.