The Impact of Mental Health on My Beliefs, Relationships, and Career Goals Mental health is deeply connected to how we think, how we perceive ourselves, and how we manage our emotions. This connection has become increasingly apparent in my life. In the Bible, it says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7, KJV), which speaks to the profound impact our thoughts and mindset can have on our overall well-being. It is clear to me that mental health is not only about our thoughts but also how our body responds to those thoughts. When we nurture our minds and spirits, we enable our bodies to be healthier as well. In my own life, I have experienced firsthand the importance of understanding and managing mental health. I struggled for years with stress, not realizing I had a spine injury and other health issues, such as hormonal imbalances and autoimmune problems. Despite playing collegiate water polo and pursuing pre-med studies, I ignored the signs of my body’s distress. It wasn’t until I shifted my focus to psychology and began working on healing from the inside out that I began to understand the true connection between mind and body. By working with a nutritionist and learning how to reduce stress, I’ve been able to heal and find balance. I now know that I must listen to my body and be mindful of my mental health to fully recover and live well. Additionally, observing the struggles of my grandparents has further solidified my commitment to understanding mental health’s role in overall well-being. My grandpa, who has battled shame and addiction, experiences how mental stress worsens his health. When he is mentally and emotionally well, his health improves. Similarly, my grandma has faced clinical depression, which has deeply affected her relationships and self-care. Seeing their struggles has inspired me to become a physician who not only addresses physical ailments but also helps individuals understand the importance of mental health in healing. I firmly believe that mental health care is essential to any treatment plan, and through my future career, I hope to help others make that connection. I also believe that understanding the mind’s role in healing aligns with how God created us to be whole—spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). By maintaining a healthy mindset and being rooted in truth, we can better care for our bodies. This is why I am so passionate about psychology and its impact on overall health, and why I aim to help others achieve balance and well-being through my future career in medicine. References: • American Psychological Association. (2023). The Importance of Mental Health. https://www.apa.org/topics/mental-health • National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Mental Health Information. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics • The Holy Bible, King James Version. Proverbs 23:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

Essay 1: Career Goals, Accomplishments, and Leadership My career goal is to become a physician, focusing on providing comprehensive and compassionate care to underserved communities. This scholarship will enable me to complete my pre-med requirements and support my journey to medical school, ultimately allowing me to serve as a dedicated healthcare provider. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to excellence. I graduated with a BS in Psychology from Ohio University, where I honed my analytical and empathetic skills. Working as a nanny, I have developed strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of the importance of patience and empathy in caregiving. In addition to my academic achievements, I have engaged in various leadership and community service activities. As a sports player at ARC, I learned the value of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I have also volunteered in community health programs, where I provided support and education to individuals facing health challenges. These experiences have reinforced my dedication to improving healthcare accessibility and quality. Despite facing personal and financial barriers, I have remained steadfast in my pursuit of a medical career. This scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burdens and allow me to focus more on my studies and volunteer activities. With this support, I am confident that I can make a significant impact in the healthcare field and contribute positively to the well-being of my community. Essay 2: Alignment with ACHE of SoCal’s Purpose and Objectives My goals align closely with the mission and objectives of ACHE of SoCal, particularly in advancing healthcare leadership and fostering a commitment to community service. As an aspiring physician, I am dedicated to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes for underserved populations, which directly reflects ACHE of SoCal’s focus on enhancing the health of communities through leadership and education. ACHE of SoCal’s emphasis on leadership development resonates with my own experiences and aspirations. Throughout my academic journey, I have taken on leadership roles, such as being a sports team player and a volunteer in community health programs. These roles have taught me the importance of effective communication, strategic thinking, and collaborative problem-solving—skills that are essential for a successful career in healthcare leadership. Furthermore, ACHE of SoCal’s commitment to community service aligns with my passion for giving back. My volunteer work in health education and support initiatives has provided me with firsthand experience in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. This scholarship would not only support my educational endeavors but also enable me to continue engaging in meaningful community service projects.For example, I am eager for this opportunity because It would help me as I look into volunteering more. By pursuing a career in medicine, I aim to contribute to the improvement of healthcare systems and policies, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all. With the support of ACHE of SoCal, I am confident that I can develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become an effective healthcare leader who makes a positive impact on the community.

In the intricate tapestry of my life, the desire to become a healthcare professional has taken root, fueled by a profound belief in the power of compassion, unwavering faith, and a commitment to making a positive impact. I aspire to become a doctor, focusing on pediatrics, OB-GYN, anesthesiology, or otolaryngology. I have a unique perspective shaped by my Christian faith and a genuine yearning to make a difference. My decision to pursue medicine is deeply rooted in my Christian faith. The healthcare industry needs more individuals who stand boldly for the Word of God. Recognizing Jesus as the ultimate healer and the most excellent physician, I am convinced that a holistic approach to medicine involves addressing not just the physical but also the spiritual and emotional well-being of patients. Personal experiences have played a pivotal role in shaping my aspirations. I've encountered instances where medical professionals seemed indifferent or took shortcuts in patient care. Rather than harboring resentment or seeking revenge, I respond with empathy and a determination to be the difference I wish to see in the medical field. My goal is to learn from their shortcomings and provide compassionate, comprehensive care that transcends the mere treatment of symptoms. The passing of my nephew, a vibrant child whose life was tragically altered by a virus, serves as a profound source of inspiration. Witnessing the impact of medical circumstances on his life, from seizures to paraplegia, has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility. It fuels my commitment to paying meticulous attention to every patient and striving to be the best doctor I can be, knowing that each life I touch is a testament to his memory. My journey is further shaped by a learning disability that demands a unique approach to understanding and memorizing information. With no short-term memory, I have developed creative strategies—such as creating songs and unconventional correlations—to navigate the challenges. I want to leverage my learning disability as a testament to resilience and inspire others facing adversity. Through my experiences, I aim to demonstrate that obstacles can be overcome and goals can be achieved with determination and reliance on the strength provided by faith. In my pursuit of becoming a doctor, my overarching goal is not just personal success but to inspire others facing challenges. I want to convey that, despite adversities, one can achieve their aspirations through faith and determination. By embracing my learning disability as a unique strength, I aspire to show that unconventional methods can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. In conclusion, my journey into medicine is a fusion of faith, compassion, and a commitment to make a positive impact. I am driven by the belief that, as a Christian doctor, I can be a healing presence, addressing not only physical ailments but also my patients' spiritual and emotional needs. Through my experiences and personal losses, I carry with me the resolve to be a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of unwavering faith in healthcare. And remembering "12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him[d] who strengthens me." Philippians 4:12-13

In the intricate tapestry of my life, the desire to become a healthcare professional has taken root, fueled by a profound belief in the power of compassion, unwavering faith, and a commitment to making a positive impact. I aspire to become a doctor, focusing on pediatrics, OB-GYN, anesthesiology, or otolaryngology. I have a unique perspective shaped by my Christian faith and a genuine yearning to make a difference. My decision to pursue medicine is deeply rooted in my Christian faith. The healthcare industry needs more individuals who stand boldly for the Word of God. Recognizing Jesus as the ultimate healer and the most excellent physician, I am convinced that a holistic approach to medicine involves addressing not just the physical but also the spiritual and emotional well-being of patients. Personal experiences have played a pivotal role in shaping my aspirations. I've encountered instances where medical professionals seemed indifferent or took shortcuts in patient care. Rather than harboring resentment or seeking revenge, I respond with empathy and a determination to be the difference I wish to see in the medical field. My goal is to learn from their shortcomings and provide compassionate, comprehensive care that transcends the mere treatment of symptoms. The passing of my nephew, a vibrant child whose life was tragically altered by a virus, serves as a profound source of inspiration. Witnessing the impact of medical circumstances on his life, from seizures to paraplegia, has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility. It fuels my commitment to paying meticulous attention to every patient and striving to be the best doctor I can be, knowing that each life I touch is a testament to his memory. My journey is further shaped by a learning disability that demands a unique approach to understanding and memorizing information. With no short-term memory, I have developed creative strategies—such as creating songs and unconventional correlations—to navigate the challenges. I want to leverage my learning disability as a testament to resilience and inspire others facing adversity. Through my experiences, I aim to demonstrate that obstacles can be overcome and goals can be achieved with determination and reliance on the strength provided by faith. In my pursuit of becoming a doctor, my overarching goal is not just personal success but to inspire others facing challenges. I want to convey that, despite adversities, one can achieve their aspirations through faith and determination. By embracing my learning disability as a unique strength, I aspire to show that unconventional methods can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. In conclusion, my journey into medicine is a fusion of faith, compassion, and a commitment to make a positive impact. I am driven by the belief that, as a Christian doctor, I can be a healing presence, addressing not only physical ailments but also my patients' spiritual and emotional needs. Through my experiences and personal losses, I carry with me the resolve to be a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of unwavering faith in healthcare.

In the tapestry of my life, there exists a prominent thread woven with resilience, sacrifice, and boundless support—the unwavering encouragement of my mother. A beacon of inspiration, she has weathered her challenges and consistently stood by my side, propelling me forward in my educational and career journey. From the outset, my mother’s story is one marked by determination. Despite facing a lack of support in the past, she has been an unyielding force in shaping my pursuit of education. When self-doubt cast shadows on my abilities, she emerged as my steadfast advocate, urging me to reach beyond the limitations I placed on myself. One pivotal moment stands out in this narrative. Faced with insecurities about my academic capabilities, I hesitated to step into the uncharted territory of higher education. My mother, however, saw potential where I saw limitations. Her encouragement became a catalyst for change, a reminder that my perceived shortcomings were merely stepping stones to growth. Even when financial constraints forced me to take a gap year or two to work and save for school, my mother remained my unwavering support system. In those moments of uncertainty, she became my source of strength, continually encouraging me not to lose sight of my aspirations. Her resilience mirrored the very essence of her character, a testament to the belief that education was a personal pursuit and a shared journey that transcended generations. Beyond the practical challenges, my mother’s support extended to the emotional realm. Her words, echoing the belief that I am wonderfully and fearfully made in the image of God, became a mantra that carried me through moments of self-doubt. In times when the weight of academic pressures felt insurmountable, her reminder that I could do all things through Him who gives strength became a source of solace and empowerment. As I pressed forward in my studies, facing triumphs and tribulations, my mother’s encouragement remained a constant. Whether it was a word of motivation, a warm cup of coffee to fuel my late-night study sessions or a simple reminder that setbacks were just setups for comebacks, she was there, a silent force bolstering my journey. Today, as I reflect on my educational and career path, I recognize the profound impact of my mother’s influence. Her sacrifices, her resilience, and her unwavering belief in my potential have shaped not just my academic pursuits but also my character. She has been more than a supporter; she has been a guiding light, showing me that pursuing education is not merely about acquiring knowledge but the transformative power of unwavering support and belief in oneself. In every achievement, her influence is imprinted. In every challenge overcome, her voice reverberates. My mother’s legacy is not just one of familial love but of profound inspiration—a reminder that I can navigate the complexities of education and beyond with her support and the strength derived from a higher purpose.

From the early stages of my academic and professional journey, a common thread has woven its way through my experiences: a genuine desire to empower others to be their best selves. This commitment has manifested in both my entrepreneurial endeavors and personal relationships, where I have sought to uplift and support individuals in reaching their full potential. One significant avenue through which I’ve channeled my passion for helping others is my small business, a platform through which I’ve aimed to provide valuable products or services and share a message of empowerment and positivity. As an entrepreneur, I’ve cultivated skills in marketing, communication, and community engagement to amplify the impact of my business. Spreading the gospel, in this context, extends beyond religious connotations. It encapsulates the belief that every person possesses inherent worth and potential. Through my small business, I’ve made it my purpose to inspire and uplift customers, not just as consumers but as individuals with unique talents and capabilities waiting to be realized. Developing this business has been transformative, honing my skills in strategic planning customer relations and conveying a message of hope and motivation. Through carefully crafted content, events, and collaborations, I have sought to create an environment where individuals feel satisfied as customers and inspired to embrace their journeys of self-improvement. Beyond the realm of entrepreneurship, my commitment to helping others has taken a deeply personal turn. I had the privilege of assisting my neighbor in learning how to drive—an endeavor beyond the mechanics of operating a vehicle. It became a journey of building confidence and discovering purpose outside the role of caregiver she had assumed for her husband, who faced health challenges. I patiently guided her through driving lessons and witnessed the transformative power of encouragement and support. As she gained control of the steering wheel, I saw the acquisition of a practical skill and the emergence of a newfound confidence. This experience underscored the importance of recognizing untapped potential in others and providing the encouragement and guidance necessary for them to realize it. Moreover, my neighbor’s journey taught me the significance of finding purpose beyond predefined roles. She discovered a sense of agency and fulfillment outside her caregiver responsibilities. It reinforced my belief that empowering others involves imparting skills and fostering a mindset that allows them to envision and pursue a purposeful life. In reflecting on my skill development journey and the purposeful pursuit of empowering others, I recognize the profound impact of each interaction, business decision, and shared moment of encouragement. Whether through entrepreneurial ventures or personal connections, I am committed to continuing this journey, knowing that helping others be their best is not just a passion—it’s a lifelong purpose that adds meaning to every step of my path. Empowering others is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process. As I move forward, I am eager to refine my skills, broaden my impact, and be a beacon of support for those navigating their paths toward personal growth and fulfillment.

Education has shaped my worldview by allowing me to be able to see things through different perspectives. I was able to see education through the eyes of a student-athlete, and a student with a learning disability. With these multiple perspectives I was able to understand how it is to balance two jobs, play sports and pay for school on my own. The ability to be able to persevere and have the courage to keep working even when it seems like it's hopeless and fight for your education when you get no’s, or delayed from life and just staying focused no matter what's going on is what's important. For my specific dreams of being a doctor I know I need lots of education and it's going to be hard to be able to work and pay for it myself but I still want to continue to conquer those goals each and every day no matter the the barriers in my way and doubts because I know with God all things are possible. Education is a great outlet because it allows me to challenge myself mentally. I have a learning disability where my eyes don't send the signal to my brain of what I am seeing. As well as no short-term memory. So I have to work ten times harder than a lot of other people to be able to understand and comprehend what's going on. With the visual processing issue the signals to my eyes from my brain do not connect properly when it comes to activities such as education. For example, how we diagnosed it was in a unique way.The tutors at scottish rights foundation asked me what an elephant looked like and showed series of pictures and I did not say what it was, which is the audio sensory processing issue but with the short-term memory not being there I have to use all of my senses and repetition for it to stick into my long-term memory. So creating funny ways like songs or association of events or topics aided my growth in education and life. Overall in return I learned strength, perseverance and a Focus/Faith in God and the plan he has for me. And not taking any excuses. Which is something we can all learn to do with difficulties we face. So the question is what is my perspective on the world. And it is to stay true to who you are, fight and work for your dreams and make sure you give them to God because without God nothing will ever be fulfilling but just another achievement.

In my personal relationship with God he has helped turn what would be a mess (lessons,temptations,tribulations) into a message. In my darkest moments I was tremendously discouraged and trying to figure life out on my own and we cant win when we are fighting not against people but spirits and princiaplities.That requires getting suited up in the Armor of God daily and strengthening my relationship with him daily. But those moments before knowing what i know now is when I found God and received His joy and grace and got to know His peace. He picked me up and literally put me on a foundation that cannot be shaken. God is growing me into a woman of God and states that when I gave my life to him i was given his free gift of eternal life in heaven and cleaned, made righteous in His eyes and also given his freedom because God already won. For example in Romans 5:1-5, “Therefore, we have peace with God 1 Therefore, since we have been made righteous through his faithfulness combined with our faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand through him, and we boast in the hope of God's glory. 3 But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4 endurance produces character, and character produces hope. 5 This hope doesn't put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” This verse is helping shape the woman God has pre planned for me by showing me his words of truth and that God is trustworthy and more gracious and loving then I will ever know. My faith is my backbone and foundation for my life not just in my career but it will be used for the kingdom of God. And with my relationship I pray to help spread God’s love to those who know him and those that do not. Weather it is with my hopes of philanthropy or just my daily activities,words,actions. God is building and pruning me because my hopes for the future as a woman of God are bigger than I can imagine and as I grow closer to God he shows me daily who he sees when he loks at me. That I am called for a purpose and that i need not to worry because i have a father who is the creator of the earth and heaven and he chose me and you to be born through his words of truth, and have the opportunity to be firstfruits of all that he created. And I plan to spread the gospel with zeal in my career and life. (reference to James1:18 and Romans 10:1–2)

To say I am different than most in my opinion; would be an understatement- From a young age, I knew I had a learning disability and I struggled with having no short-term memory but also having to use all my sensory information to retain the information I was learning. My social differences and the fact that I had so much tutoring and sports were obvious. No sleepovers, not many fund days outside of family and sports. I had to work twice as much as my peers with sometimes grades that didn’t show the amount of effort and time I was putting in to get that grade. My mom taught me to never stop and never give up-but the main concept I learned is that with hard work and perseverance I can do all things... The learning disability that once hindered me actually made me who I am today; and that is a strong-willed hard working dedicated individual, who is sometimes OCD with my studies but mostly dedicated to always try and always keep my focus on the goal. One’s mistakes can hold them back or bring courage and willpower to be different... I chose the latter, I am different but I am better for my differences. As a jucco student struggling to adapt and receive the right assistance to be the student I knew I was capable of being. I learned from my first year because I had little to no units but I turned that around to complete my goal of being a scholar-athlete graduating/transferring in 2 years. I would say I am different from others because instead of making more excuses for what I heard from counselors only seeing my past I used everything from lack of experience to no help from authorities such as counselors and coaches as a ladder to surpass my potential. Now I can say I will be graduating in December with THREE degrees one for social sciences and psychology and a transfer for a fast track to my bachelor's in psychology. All while playing Water polo and maintaining above a 3.0 GPA to receive a scholar-athlete. And with all of these challenges, will help me to relate to my community and all types of ethnicities all while using my testimony as a stepping stone to show that it is possible with the right mindset and focus. You just have to focus and know that you are capable even through the process of it all.

To say I am different than most in my opinion; would be an understatement- From a young age, I knew I had a learning disability and I struggled with having no short term memory but also having to use all my sensory information to retain the information I was learning. My social differences and the fact that I had so much tutoring and sports were obvious. No sleepovers, not many fund days outside of family and sports. I had to work twice as much as my peers with sometimes grades that didn’t show the amount of effort and time I was putting in to get that grade. My mom taught me to never stop and never give up- but the main concept I learned is that with hard work and perseverance I can do all things... The learning disability that once hindered me actually made me who I am today; and that is a strong-willed hard working dedicated individual, who is sometimes OCD with my studies but mostly dedicated to always try and always keep my focus on the goal. One’s mistakes can hold them back or bring courage and willpower to be different... I chose the latter, I am different but I am better for my differences. As a jucco student struggling to adapt and receive the right assistance to be the student I knew I was capable of being. I learned from my first year because I had little to no units but I turned that around to complete my goal of being a scholar-athlete graduating/transferring in 2 years. I would say I am different from others because instead of making more excuses for what I heard from counselors only seeing my past I used everything from lack of experience to no help from authorities such as counselors and coaches as a ladder to surpass my potential. Now I can say I will be graduating in December with THREE degrees one for social sciences and psychology and a transfer for a fast track to my bachelor's in psychology. All while playing Water polo and maintaining above a 3.0 GPA to receive a scholar-athlete. And with all of these challenges it will help me to relate to my community and all types of ethnicities all while using my testimony as a stepping stones to show that it is possible with the right mindset and focus. You just have to focus and know that you are capable even through the process of it all.

To say I am different than most in my opinion; would be an understatement- From a young age, I knew I had a learning disability and I struggled with having no short term memory but also having to use all my sensory to retain the information I was learning. My social differences and the fact that I had so much tutoring and sports were obvious. No sleepovers not many fun days outside of family and sports. I had to work twice as much as my peers with sometimes grades that didn’t show the amount of effort and time I was putting in to get that grade. My mom taught me to never stop and never give up- but the main concept I learned is that with hard work and perseverance I can do all things... The learning disability that once hindered me actually made me who I am today; and that is a strong-willed hard working dedicated individual, who is sometimes OCD with my studies but mostly dedicated to always try and always keep my focus on the goal. One’s mistakes can hold them back or bring courage and willpower to be different... I chose the latter, I am different but I am better for my differences. As a jucco student struggling to adapt and receive the right assistance to be the student I knew I was capable of being. I learned from my first year because I had little to no units but I turned that around to complete my goal of being a scholar-athlete a graduating/transferring in 2 years. I would say I am different from others because instead of making more excuses for what I heard from counselors only seeing my past I used everything from lack of experience to no help from authorities such as counselors and coaches as a ladder to surpass my potential. Now I can say I will be graduating in December with THREE degrees one for social sciences and psychology and a transfer for a fast track to my bachelor's in psychology. All while playing Water polo and maintaining above a 3.0 GPA to receive a scholar-athlete. My goal is to eventually use my MD degree to provide a non-profit organization to offer mental health resources, financial freedom and to use the connections from being involved in college sports to provide as many others services as possible to bring awareness and support to our community for the glory of God it will be possible in his time I have had this idea of a non-profit for years but it has been more heavy on my heart as I go further in school to make sure I stay focused and help others.

To say I am different than most in my opinion; would be an understatement- From a young age, I knew I had a learning disability and I struggled with having no short term memory but also having to use all my sensory to retain the information I was learning. My social differences and the fact that I had so much tutoring and sports were obvious. No sleepovers not many fund days outside of family and sports. I had to work twice as much as my peers with sometimes grades that didn’t show the amount of effort and time I was putting in to get that grade. My mom taught me to never stop and never give up- but the main concept I learned is that with hard work and perseverance I can do all things... The learning disability that once hindered me actually made me who I am today; and that is a strong-willed hard working dedicated individual, who is sometimes OCD with my studies but mostly dedicated to always try and always keep my focus on the goal. One’s mistakes can hold them back or bring courage and willpower to be different... I chose the latter, I am different but I am better for my differences. As a jucco student struggling to adapt and receive the right assistance to be the student I knew I was capable of being. I learned from my first year because I had little to no units but I turned that around to complete my goal of being a scholar-athlete a graduating/transferring in 2 years. I would say I am different from others because instead of making more excuses for what I heard from counselors only seeing my past I used everything from lack of experience to no help from authorities such as counselors and coaches as a ladder to surpass my potential. Now I can say I will be graduating in December with THREE degrees one for social sciences and psychology and a transfer for a fast track to my bachelor's in psychology. All while playing Water polo and maintaining above a 3.0 GPA to receive a scholar-athlete.

To say I am different than most in my opinion; would be an understatement- From a young age, I knew I had a learning disability and I struggled with having no short term memory but also having to use all my sensory to retain the information I was learning. My social differences and the fact that I had so much tutoring and sports were obvious. No sleepovers not many fund days outside of family and sports. I had to work twice as much as my peers with sometimes grades that didn’t show the amount of effort and time I was putting in to get that grade. My mom taught me to never stop and never give up- but the main concept I learned is that with hard work and perseverance I can do all things... The learning disability that once hindered me actually made me who I am today; and that is a strong-willed hard working dedicated individual, who is sometimes OCD with my studies but mostly dedicated to always try and always keep my focus on the goal. One’s mistakes can hold them back or bring courage and willpower to be different... I chose the latter, I am different but I am better for my differences. As a jucco student struggling to adapt and receive the right assistance to be the student I knew I was capable of being. I learned from my first year because I had little to no units but I turned that around to complete my goal of being a scholar-athlete a graduating/transferring in 2 years. I would say I am different from others because instead of making more excuses for what I heard from counselors only seeing my past I used everything from lack of experience to no help from authorities such as counselors and coaches as a ladder to surpass my potential. Now I can say I will be graduating in December with THREE degrees one for social sciences and psychology and a transfer for a fast track to my bachelor's in psychology. All while playing Water polo and maintaining above a 3.0 GPA to receive a scholar-athlete.

To say I am different than most in my opinion; would be an understatement- From a young age, I knew I had a learning disability and I struggled with having no short term memory but also having to use all my sensory to retain the information I was learning. My social differences and the fact that I had so much tutoring and sports were obvious. No sleepovers not many fund days outside of family and sports. I had to work twice as much as my peers with sometimes grades that didn’t show the amount of effort and time I was putting in to get that grade. My mom taught me to never stop and never give up- but the main concept I learned is that with hard work and perseverance I can do all things... The learning disability that once hindered me actually made me who I am today; and that is a strong-willed hard working dedicated individual, who is sometimes OCD with my studies but mostly dedicated to always try and always keep my focus on the goal. One’s mistakes can hold them back or bring courage and willpower to be different... I chose the latter, I am different but I am better for my differences. As a jucco student struggling to adapt and receive the right assistance to be the student I knew I was capable of being. I learned from my first year because I had little to no units but I turned that around to complete my goal of being a scholar-athlete a graduating/transferring in 2 years. I would say I am different from others because instead of making more excuses for what I heard from counselors only seeing my past I used everything from lack of experience to no help from authorities such as counselors and coaches as a ladder to surpass my potential. Now I can say I will be graduating in December with THREE degrees one for social sciences and psychology and a transfer for a fast track to my bachelor's in psychology. All while playing Water polo and maintaining above a 3.0 GPA to receive a scholar-athlete.

To say I am different than most in my opinion; would be an understatement- From a young age, I knew I had a learning disability and I struggled with having no short term memory but also having to use all my sensory to retain the information I was learning. My social differences and the fact that I had so much tutoring and sports were obvious. No sleepovers not many fund days outside of family and sports. I had to work twice as much as my peers with sometimes grades that didn’t show the amount of effort and time I was putting in to get that grade. My mom taught me to never stop and never give up- but the main concept I learned is that with hard work and perseverance I can do all things... The learning disability that once hindered me actually made me who I am today; and that is a strong-willed hard working dedicated individual, who is sometimes OCD with my studies but mostly dedicated to always try and always keep my focus on the goal. One’s mistakes can hold them back or bring courage and willpower to be different... I chose the latter, I am different but I am better for my differences. As a jucco student struggling to adapt and receive the right assistance to be the student I knew I was capable of being. I learned from my first year because I had little to no units but I turned that around to complete my goal of being a scholar-athlete a graduating/transferring in 2 years. I would say I am different from others because instead of making more excuses for what I heard from counselors only seeing my past I used everything from lack of experience to no help from authorities such as counselors and coaches as a ladder to surpass my potential. Now I can say I will be graduating in December with THREE degrees one for social sciences and psychology and a transfer for a fast track to my bachelor's in psychology. All while playing Water polo and maintaining above a 3.0 GPA to receive a scholar-athlete. These strengths are why I need to have a small business of my own to help provide financial freedom, and later on with my MD provide medical support/care. Small businesses provide a valuable tool to its communities and I want to be apart of serving mine for the glory of God. Especially as an assistant administrator to a small women owned business I see the struggles and the joy it brings to our community in Sacramento.