Supporting others with their mental health has become both my profession and my passion. As a clinical intern and caseworker at the Veterans One Stop Center, a nonprofit serving veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in El Paso, I provide trauma-informed care to individuals navigating PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and emotional instability. Many of my clients are veterans like myself, and I understand the weight of trauma, transition, and emotional silence that often follows military service. I offer psychoeducation, emotional support, resource navigation, and referrals for therapy to help clients better understand their mental health conditions and take steps toward healing. I’ve worked with individuals who were at the brink of giving up, helping them reframe their situations and find new strength through consistent support and compassionate dialogue. Some clients have told me it was the first time they felt truly heard. In addition to direct client work, I’ve also organized large-scale community events such as Vetsgiving and seasonal donation drives, which served over 1,000 people. These events were about more than food or clothing, they were about connection, dignity, and showing others that they are not alone. Through these outreach efforts, I created safe spaces where families could receive both material and emotional support without judgment or stigma. My decision to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) at The University of Texas at El Paso is driven by a desire to continue this work on a deeper level. I plan to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and specialize in trauma recovery, particularly for veterans, Latinx individuals, and underserved communities. In the future, I hope to open a bilingual, culturally competent trauma therapy center focused on providing affordable and accessible mental health care. I believe emotional support begins with presence, empathy, and advocacy. With my training, personal experiences, and professional commitment, I aim to be a consistent voice of hope and healing for those who feel unheard, misunderstood, or forgotten. My future career is not just about therapy, it’s about changing lives through compassion, understanding, and the belief that healing is always possible.

As a graduate student, Army veteran, caseworker, and first-generation college student, I’ve come to learn that mental and physical wellness are not luxuries, they are necessities. They are the foundation that allows me to serve others, meet my academic goals, and remain emotionally grounded in the face of heavy demands. For someone like me, who has endured trauma and worked hard to overcome both visible and invisible struggles, maintaining wellness is both personal and purposeful. Growing up, I experienced significant emotional and physical abuse, and I survived childhood sexual trauma. Later, during my military service as a 54B Chemical Operations Specialist (E-2) at Fort Bliss, I witnessed the mental toll that service takes on soldiers, many of whom suffered silently. I internalized a mindset of pushing through pain, of never showing weakness. But that mindset came at a cost. For years, I operated in survival mode, believing that rest, therapy, or vulnerability were signs of failure. It wasn’t until I began my healing journey through counseling and faith that I realized wellness is not just about being strong, it’s about being whole. Now, as a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at The University of Texas at El Paso, I advocate not only for my clients' mental health but for my own. I’ve learned that I cannot pour from an empty cup, especially while supporting veterans, trauma survivors, and underserved communities. Despite this awareness, maintaining mental and physical wellness as a full-time student and caseworker remains a daily challenge. One of the biggest obstacles I face is time management. Balancing graduate coursework, clinical internship hours at the Veterans One Stop Center, community outreach projects, and personal responsibilities often means my own self-care gets pushed aside. I frequently experience compassion fatigue and emotional exhaustion from holding space for clients’ trauma while still managing my own past experiences. Sleep, physical activity, and even regular meals sometimes take a backseat when deadlines and obligations pile up. Another challenge is the emotional burden of the work itself. As a caseworker, I sit with stories of war, abuse, loss, and isolation. While I am trained to respond with empathy and professionalism, it still affects me. I often carry my clients’ pain with me after hours, especially when resources are limited and I cannot offer immediate solutions. In those moments, I rely on my support system, therapy, spiritual practices, and quiet time to recalibrate and release the emotional weight. There is also a cultural and generational stigma around mental health, especially in the Latinx and veteran communities. As a Mexican-American man and Army veteran, I still face internal and external pressure to “tough it out.” Advocating for my own therapy and rest can feel like swimming against the current, even within communities I deeply care for. But I continue to speak openly about my experiences because I know that healing is contagious—when others see us take care of ourselves, they feel permission to do the same. My mental and physical health matter because they directly impact how I show up—for my clients, my community, and myself. By prioritizing wellness, I become a better student, a better clinician, and a more compassionate leader. With continued support and resilience, I aim to build a future where mental health is seen not as a weakness, but as the foundation of strength.

My name is Guillermo Torres, and I proudly served in the United States Army as a 54B Chemical Operations Specialist at the rank of E-2, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. Though my time in service was brief, it was transformative. The Army taught me discipline, endurance, and the value of mission-driven leadership. These lessons have remained central to my identity and continue to shape my professional path, especially now as I pursue a career in mental health and social work. After transitioning out of the military, I experienced the emotional and practical challenges that many veterans face difficulty accessing resources, the loss of identity outside of uniform, and the internal struggle of adapting to civilian life. Though I don’t personally live with PTSD, I’ve seen its impact up close through my brother, my program director, and several of my clients, many of whom carry invisible wounds from their time in service. These experiences opened my eyes to the urgent need for trauma-informed, culturally competent mental health care in the veteran community. I am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) at The University of Texas at El Paso, after becoming the first person in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, earning three academic honors along the way. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and eventually open a bilingual trauma recovery center along the U.S.-Mexico border. This center would provide mental health services tailored to the unique needs of veterans, Latinx individuals, and low-income families. As a caseworker and clinical intern at the Veterans One Stop Center, a nonprofit organization serving military families, I’ve had the privilege of supporting veterans and active-duty service members through their mental health journeys. I offer psychoeducation, referrals for therapy, crisis support, and advocacy for those struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, or trauma. I’ve also organized large-scale outreach events such as Vetsgiving, which provided food, clothing, and holiday support to thousands of veterans and their families in the El Paso region. For my service to the community, I’ve been honored with two congressional awards—a recognition I accept on behalf of those we serve. Giving back is at the heart of everything I do. Like John, whose story inspires this scholarship, I support my community through a combination of faith, service, and education. I speak openly about mental health, particularly among Latinx and military populations where stigma remains strong. I’ve mentored fellow first-generation students and veterans in navigating higher education and regularly advocate for expanded mental health resources on campus and in the nonprofit sector. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education without the heavy financial strain that so often weighs down veteran students. It would free me to focus more deeply on my clinical training, expand my trauma-informed skillset, and ultimately serve my community with greater impact and reach. Through faith, education, and service, I’ve turned my challenges into a mission. And with your support, I will continue helping others do the same.

One of the most defining moments in my professional journey occurred during my time as a caseworker and clinical intern at the Veterans One Stop Center, a nonprofit organization serving veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in El Paso, Texas. At the time, our team was understaffed, and we were approaching the holiday season, a period when many veterans experience heightened emotional distress due to trauma, isolation, or financial hardship. Recognizing the growing need and emotional toll on the community, I took the initiative to design and lead a large-scale event called “Vetsgiving,” aimed at providing food, clothing, mental health resources, and emotional support to low-income and at-risk veteran families. What started as a simple idea to distribute Thanksgiving meals grew into a full-scale community outreach initiative that supported over 1,000 individuals. Leading this project came with multiple challenges. I had to coordinate across different departments, secure sponsorships and donations, build partnerships with other local nonprofits, recruit volunteers, and ensure the program remained trauma-informed, inclusive, and respectful of the military experience. As the only caseworker in the office at the time, I was balancing the demands of this initiative with a full client caseload and my graduate studies. It was a test of endurance, organization, and faith. To manage the scale of the project, I leaned on a few key strategies: collaborative leadership, clear communication, and trauma-informed planning. I created a structured outreach calendar, delegated roles to volunteer leaders, and facilitated mental health briefings for all event staff so they would be equipped to respond compassionately to veterans in crisis. I also developed bilingual flyers, distributed mental health resource packets, and made sure every interaction was rooted in dignity and care. Throughout the process, I maintained a client-centered approach, frequently seeking feedback from veteran participants and partners to ensure we were truly meeting community needs. The result was more than just a successful event, it was a healing space. I saw families reconnect over meals, veterans tear up while receiving handwritten letters of gratitude, and others reach out for therapy or VA services after months or even years of isolation. For this effort and other service initiatives, I was honored with two congressional awards. But the true impact wasn’t in the recognition, it was in the lives touched and the relationships strengthened. This experience confirmed for me that leadership is about service, not status. It’s about stepping up when others step back, listening when others speak over, and showing up consistently even when it’s hard. It also reinforced my belief in the power of culturally competent care, especially in underserved, bilingual, and military communities that have historically been excluded from mental health support. As I move forward in my career, I plan to apply these leadership skills to build inclusive, trauma-informed mental health programs that reach people where they are. I intend to become a licensed clinical social worker and eventually open a bilingual trauma counseling center in the border region. There, I will lead not only with my credentials, but with compassion, cultural awareness, and lived experience. The kind of leadership I aspire to is one that uplifts, includes, and transforms, and I am committed to bringing that leadership into every room I enter, every client I serve, and every program I develop.

My experience with mental health has been both personal and professional, and it has deeply influenced the way I see myself, others, and the world. Growing up, I survived childhood sexual abuse and emotionally and physically abusive relationships. For a long time, I didn’t have the words, resources, or safety to process what I had been through. Like many, I learned to suppress my pain in order to survive. But as I got older, and especially after serving in the military, I began to realize that surviving was no longer enough. I wanted to live, to heal, and to help others do the same. Working through my own mental health journey has transformed my beliefs about strength, vulnerability, and healing. I used to think strength meant holding everything in and pushing forward at any cost. Now, I believe true strength lies in the willingness to face your pain, ask for help, and create space for others to do the same. Therapy helped me break years of silence, understand my trauma, and reconnect with my values. Most importantly, it showed me that healing is possible, and that it looks different for everyone. These lessons have also reshaped my relationships. As I became more self-aware and emotionally grounded, I learned how to set healthy boundaries, communicate more openly, and connect with others in deeper, more authentic ways. I became more compassionate not only with others but with myself. I stopped viewing my past as a burden and started seeing it as part of my purpose. This personal growth has helped me become a more present friend, mentor, and leader. Professionally, my experiences with mental health are at the heart of everything I do. I’m currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at The University of Texas at El Paso, where I’m preparing to become a licensed clinical social worker. I work as a clinical intern and caseworker at the Veterans One Stop Center, a nonprofit organization where I provide trauma-informed support to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Many of my clients struggle with PTSD, depression, grief, and long-term trauma. I use psychoeducation, resource advocacy, therapy referrals, and culturally competent care to support them on their healing journeys. My work is driven by empathy and purpose. I’ve seen firsthand how mental illness can isolate people, but I’ve also seen how the right support can restore hope. Whether I’m helping someone access therapy, advocating for mental health policy, or simply listening without judgment, I’m reminded that we all carry invisible stories, and we all deserve to heal. In the future, I plan to open a bilingual, trauma-informed counseling center in the El Paso border region that serves veterans, immigrants, youth, and families. I want to break the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in Latinx communities where silence, shame, and cultural barriers often keep people from seeking help. I also hope to train and mentor the next generation of mental health professionals, particularly BIPOC and first-generation students, to continue this work with compassion and integrity. Ultimately, my experiences with mental health have helped me become the person I needed when I was younger. They have shaped my calling to be a healer, advocate, and voice for those who haven’t yet found their own. Every step I take, from my education to my community service, is rooted in the belief that healing is a human right, and I am committed to making that belief a reality for others.

As a student, mental health is not just a priority, it is the foundation that allows me to grow, learn, and serve others with clarity and purpose. Pursuing a Master of Social Work while working as a caseworker and clinical intern is demanding, both mentally and emotionally. Balancing coursework, internship hours, community outreach, and personal life can be overwhelming. But what keeps me grounded is my intentional investment in mental health—not only for myself, but for those I serve. As someone who has survived childhood sexual abuse and abusive relationships, I’ve experienced how trauma, when left unaddressed, can disrupt every aspect of life. Through therapy, support systems, and self-reflection, I’ve learned that healing is not linear and that mental wellness is something we must actively nurture. This perspective fuels my work, especially in a graduate program where high stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout are real threats, not just for students, but for the communities we aim to uplift. At the Veterans One Stop Center, a nonprofit where I serve as a clinical intern and caseworker, I advocate for mental health every day. I work directly with veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, many of whom are facing PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and the long-term effects of trauma. My role includes providing psychoeducation, trauma-informed care, crisis de-escalation, and connecting clients to culturally competent therapy and resources. I’ve learned that advocacy doesn’t always look like big speeches, it often looks like being present, listening without judgment, and helping someone find the strength to take their first step toward healing. Beyond the clinical setting, I actively promote mental health awareness in the broader El Paso community. I’ve helped organize events like Vetsgiving and holiday outreach programs that bring not just resources, but connection and dignity to families in need. These efforts earned me two congressional awards, but more importantly, they gave me the chance to see how addressing basic human needs, such as food, companionship, and access to care, can lay the groundwork for emotional healing. On campus, I speak openly about mental health with peers, especially fellow first-generation and BIPOC students who may not have had access to mental health education growing up. I encourage self-care, normalize therapy, and advocate for accessible mental health services through student groups and classroom discussions. I’ve also begun developing a workshop that uses K-pop lyrics and cultural storytelling to help youth explore mental health topics in a way that feels safe, familiar, and empowering. Mental health is important to me as a student because I’ve seen what happens when it’s neglected, and I’ve witnessed the transformation when it’s prioritized. When students are supported emotionally, they can achieve more, lead with compassion, and go on to change their communities. I believe the same is true for veterans, survivors of trauma, and marginalized populations who’ve long been left out of the conversation. As I continue my academic journey, I remain committed to integrating mental health advocacy into everything I do, whether I’m in a classroom, a clinic, or a community center. My goal is not only to graduate, but to grow into the kind of clinician, advocate, and leader who makes mental wellness a right, not a privilege. Because when mental health is protected, futures are possible.

As someone who has endured childhood sexual abuse and survived physically and emotionally abusive relationships, I know firsthand the deep scars that trauma can leave. But my story is not one of defeat, it’s one of resilience and transformation. I’ve been able to not only survive, but thrive. Today, as a Mexican-American military veteran, a Master of Social Work student, and a community advocate, I am using both my pain and purpose to help others heal. Growing up, I was surrounded by silence. The abuse I experienced as a child was never spoken of, and later, the abusive relationships I endured only reinforced the belief that my pain was something to carry alone. As a man, and especially as a veteran, I felt the pressure to “tough it out” and remain emotionally guarded. But that mindset nearly broke me. It wasn’t until I began seeking therapy and speaking openly about my experiences that I discovered the liberating power of vulnerability and the importance of healing. My time in the military taught me discipline, structure, and the value of service, but it also exposed me to trauma that compounded my past. I saw others struggle in silence too, particularly fellow veterans of color who faced stigma, cultural barriers, and a lack of accessible mental health support. These experiences shaped my commitment to becoming a trauma-informed mental health professional, not just to support individuals, but to challenge the systems that often fail them. Education is the key to reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) and breaking generational cycles of abuse. Through education, we can raise awareness, teach emotional intelligence, and help communities understand what healthy relationships look like. It empowers survivors to speak up and seek help, and it equips clinicians, educators, and community leaders to intervene with compassion and understanding. When people are educated about trauma, consent, and healing, we don’t just respond to violence, we prevent it. Today, I serve as a clinical intern and caseworker at the non-profit Veterans One Stop Center, supporting veterans, active-duty soldiers, and their families, many of whom are Latinx or underserved. Beyond the clinical setting, I’ve dedicated myself to building stronger communities. I’ve led initiatives like Vetsgiving and large-scale holiday donation drives, providing food and gifts to thousands of families in need. These efforts earned me two congressional awards, honors I hold with pride because they represent the power of community-based healing and collective care. I plan to use my degree to continue serving survivors of trauma, especially those who have historically been silenced, men, veterans, Latinx individuals, and others navigating the intersection of culture, identity, and pain. I also intend to launch culturally informed outreach programs that center prevention, education, and early intervention, while creating safe spaces for those who have never had the chance to be heard. Through every experience, military service, personal healing, community work, I’ve come to understand that my purpose is to be a bridge: between silence and voice, between suffering and hope. I want others to know that no matter what they’ve lived through, they are not alone, and that healing is not only possible, but powerful. This scholarship would be a crucial part of that mission. It would ease the financial pressure that comes with graduate education and allow me to dedicate more time and energy to my clinical training, research, and service. This is how I plan to give back: by turning pain into purpose, and by using my education to create a world where others can thrive, too.

My journey into Christianity was not sudden, it was born out of pain, searching, and the quiet presence of God that I only recognized in hindsight. As a child, I experienced trauma that no one should have to endure, including sexual abuse and emotionally and physically abusive relationships. For a long time, I carried deep wounds in silence, believing that survival was enough and that healing wasn’t possible for someone like me. But God had other plans. Growing up in a cultural setting that valued strength, pride, and endurance, I never learned how to name or share my pain. I masked my hurt behind achievements, military discipline, and constant motion. Yet, in my darkest moments, times when I questioned my worth, my future, and whether I had anything left to give, I began to sense something greater. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but the seed of faith was being planted through small encounters: through a kind word, a stranger’s prayer, or the stillness I found in music and solitude. It wasn’t until my time in the military and the years that followed that I began to seek God intentionally. I saw the emotional and spiritual toll that combat and trauma took not only on me, but on my brothers and sisters in service. I witnessed how easy it was for veterans to feel discarded, broken, and without purpose. I began asking deeper questions about identity, purpose, and healing. Slowly, the Lord met me in those questions, not with condemnation, but with grace. As I began to study the Bible, attend church, and open up to other believers, I discovered a version of myself that had always been there: not just a survivor, but someone called to serve, to lead, and to love others through Christ. My faith became the lens through which I began to view the world, my purpose, and my responsibility to others. It gave me the courage to face my past, the peace to stay grounded in the present, and the hope to believe in a better future. This spiritual transformation deeply informs my career aspirations. I am currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at The University of Texas at El Paso with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker. My mission is to integrate faith, trauma-informed care, and cultural competence into my practice to support the healing of veterans, Latinx individuals, and trauma survivors. Through my work, I’ve come to believe that emotional healing and spiritual restoration are not separate, they are intertwined, and both are needed for lasting transformation. As a caseworker and clinical intern at the Veterans One Stop Center, a nonprofit organization serving military families, I provide psychoeducation, therapy referrals, crisis support, and advocacy for clients living with PTSD, depression, and other trauma-related challenges. I’ve also supported my own brother, a veteran navigating PTSD, and been mentored by my program director, who has courageously shared his own story of healing. These relationships have taught me that being present, compassionate, and consistent can make all the difference. Beyond direct clinical work, I’ve led community initiatives such as Vetsgiving and large-scale holiday outreach programs, providing food, clothing, and gifts to thousands of families in the El Paso region. For this service, I was honored to receive two congressional awards. But more than recognition, these efforts reflect my belief that ministry doesn’t always happen in a church, it happens in everyday acts of compassion, dignity, and justice. My long-term goal is to open a bilingual, multicultural Christian counseling center that serves both spiritual and emotional needs. This center would offer therapy, spiritual mentorship, group support, and faith-based community programming. It would especially serve low-income families, veterans, immigrants, and youth who are often left out of mental health conversations due to stigma or lack of access. I want people to know that they are not alone, that their stories matter, and that faith and healing are available to them. I also plan to continue mentoring young professionals, especially BIPOC and first-generation students, who are entering the mental health field. As someone who had to navigate higher education, trauma, and faith on my own, I want to be the person I once needed. With God’s guidance, I hope to raise up a generation of clinicians who lead with heart, humility, and biblical values. Receiving this scholarship would be an immense blessing in helping me fulfill this calling. Financially, it would allow me to stay focused on my academic training, internship responsibilities, and continued service in the community without the added weight of financial insecurity. It would also allow me to pursue advanced certifications in trauma recovery, faith-based counseling, and military mental health, all of which are critical to the work I plan to do. More importantly, this scholarship represents a shared belief in what I am building, a belief that God can take someone who once felt broken and use them to bring healing to others. It would be an investment in a future therapist, advocate, and ministry leader who has turned hardship into hope, and who is committed to walking with others through their valleys until they can stand again. My future plans are rooted in faith, service, and community. I believe that mental health care should not just restore people, but help them see themselves as God sees them: whole, worthy, and beloved. With this degree, I will continue living out that mission, one client, one conversation, and one prayer at a time. Thank you for considering my story and my vision. With your support, I will be one step closer to building the healing spaces that so many of us once needed, and to honoring the Lord through service, love, and lasting impact. Thank you, and may God bless you for all that you do to support those in need, including people like me. You are truly an inspiration, and I hope that one day I will be in a position to assist future generations, just as you are doing now.

My name is Guillermo Torres, and I am a proud Mexican-American veteran, a first-generation college graduate, and a current Master of Social Work (MSW) student at The University of Texas at El Paso. For me, graduating with a college degree, especially at the master’s level, is more than just a personal goal. It represents the perseverance of generations before me and a commitment to creating meaningful change in communities that have long been underserved. Once I graduate, I plan to use my degree and lived experiences to serve others, advocate for mental health equity, and build programs that address trauma with empathy, cultural competence, and compassion. My ultimate goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), specializing in trauma-informed care, particularly for veterans, Latinx individuals, and those navigating generational trauma. I currently serve as a caseworker and clinical intern at the Veterans One Stop Center, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. There, I provide psychoeducation, crisis de-escalation, resource navigation, and trauma-informed support to clients facing PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and other mental health challenges. Many of my clients are also first-generation Americans or bilingual, and they often struggle to find clinicians who understand both their cultural background and their emotional struggles. Through this work, I’ve seen the power of mental health support that is both informed and inclusive, and I want to be part of the growing movement to make that kind of care more accessible. Graduating with my MSW will equip me with the credentials, tools, and ethical framework to serve my community at a higher level. With licensure, I will be able to provide therapy, launch programs, and advocate for system-level changes that prioritize trauma recovery and mental wellness. I also want to address the stigma surrounding mental health in Latinx and military communities, where emotional pain is often minimized or ignored. My goal is to offer therapy and support in a way that breaks cultural and generational silence. Outside of clinical work, I’ve dedicated myself to community outreach and leadership. I’ve organized large-scale events such as Vetsgiving and holiday donation drives that provided food, clothing, and toys to thousands of families in the El Paso region. These efforts brought veterans, families, and nonprofits together to build a stronger support network. For my dedication to community service, I’ve been honored with two congressional awards, recognition that motivates me to keep growing, keep giving, and keep fighting for those who feel forgotten. But those awards are not just about past work, they're about a promise for the future: to continue leading with heart, service, and authenticity. My passion for mental health is deeply personal. Although I don’t live with PTSD myself, I have supported close family members, including my brother, and professional mentors, such as my program director, who do. I've witnessed the toll it can take, not just on individuals, but on entire families. These experiences drive me to provide psychoeducation, connect clients to therapy, advocate for veteran-centered care, and integrate trauma-informed practices in everything I do. I understand that healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens through relationships, trust, and culturally sensitive care. That’s the kind of care I am committed to offering. This scholarship would be a vital part of achieving my educational and professional goals. Financially, it would reduce the burden of tuition and allow me to focus on my studies, internship, and clinical training without having to stretch myself thin. As a graduate student, I balance school with full-time internship responsibilities and ongoing community service efforts. Scholarships like this one allow students like me to stay fully engaged with both academic and real-world learning without the distraction of financial stress. In addition, this scholarship would help me invest in specialized training and professional development opportunities. I plan to pursue certifications in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and military cultural competency, credentials that will enhance the quality of care I provide. I also want to attend national conferences focused on veteran mental health, BIPOC mental health, and nonprofit leadership. These experiences will expand my knowledge, professional network, and ability to serve with excellence. My long-term plan is to establish a bilingual, multicultural mental health center in the border region that offers affordable therapy, support groups, wellness workshops, and prevention services for trauma survivors. This center would serve veterans, immigrants, first-generation college students, and low-income families—populations that often fall through the cracks. I envision it as a place where clients don’t just receive care, they feel safe, seen, and empowered. I also hope to train and mentor future mental health professionals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. As a first-generation student, I know how difficult it can be to navigate higher education and clinical spaces that don’t always reflect our culture or values. I want to help others find their voice and their path in this field, just as mentors and professors have done for me. On a more creative note, I’ve been developing a mental health workshop inspired by music, particularly the work of K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT). Their music, vulnerability, and emotional honesty helped me during my own healing process and inspired me to explore innovative ways to engage youth around mental health topics. I plan to use storytelling, music, and pop culture as tools to normalize therapy and emotional expression, especially among Latinx and bilingual youth. This scholarship would not only help me finish my degree, it would help me expand the reach and depth of everything I’m building. It would be an investment in a future clinician, community leader, and advocate who has turned hardship into hope, and who believes that everyone deserves the chance to heal and thrive. In short, my future plans are rooted in service, equity, and healing. I hope to create a ripple effect, one client, one program, one voice at a time. With your support, I’ll be one step closer to making that vision a reality. Thank you and may God bless you for your support.

As a student, mental health is not just a priority, it is the foundation that allows me to grow, learn, and serve others with clarity and purpose. Pursuing a Master of Social Work while working as a caseworker and clinical intern is demanding, both mentally and emotionally. Balancing coursework, internship hours, community outreach, and personal life can be overwhelming. But what keeps me grounded is my intentional investment in mental health, not only for myself, but for those I serve. As someone who has survived childhood sexual abuse and abusive relationships, I’ve experienced how trauma, when left unaddressed, can disrupt every aspect of life. Through therapy, support systems, and self-reflection, I’ve learned that healing is not linear and that mental wellness is something we must actively nurture. This perspective fuels my work, especially in a graduate program where high stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout are real threats, not just for students, but for the communities we aim to uplift. At the Veterans One Stop Center, a nonprofit where I serve as a clinical intern and caseworker, I advocate for mental health every day. I work directly with veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, many of whom are facing PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and the long-term effects of trauma. My role includes providing psychoeducation, trauma-informed care, crisis de-escalation, and connecting clients to culturally competent therapy and resources. I’ve learned that advocacy doesn’t always look like big speeches, it often looks like being present, listening without judgment, and helping someone find the strength to take their first step toward healing. Beyond the clinical setting, I actively promote mental health awareness in the broader El Paso community. I’ve helped organize events like Vetsgiving and holiday outreach programs that bring not just resources, but connection and dignity to families in need. These efforts earned me two congressional awards, but more importantly, they gave me the chance to see how addressing basic human needs, such as food, companionship, and access to care, can lay the groundwork for emotional healing. On campus, I speak openly about mental health with peers, especially fellow first-generation and BIPOC students who may not have had access to mental health education growing up. I encourage self-care, normalize therapy, and advocate for accessible mental health services through student groups and classroom discussions. I’ve also begun developing a workshop that uses K-pop lyrics and cultural storytelling to help youth explore mental health topics in a way that feels safe, familiar, and empowering. Mental health is important to me as a student because I’ve seen what happens when it’s neglected, and I’ve witnessed the transformation when it’s prioritized. When students are supported emotionally, they can achieve more, lead with compassion, and go on to change their communities. I believe the same is true for veterans, survivors of trauma, and marginalized populations who’ve long been left out of the conversation. As I continue my academic journey, I remain committed to integrating mental health advocacy into everything I do, whether I’m in a classroom, a clinic, or a community center. My goal is not only to graduate, but to grow into the kind of clinician, advocate, and leader who makes mental wellness a right, not a privilege. Because when mental health is protected, futures are possible.

While I do not personally live with service-related PTSD, I have come to deeply understand its impact through the lives of those closest to me, my brother, my program director, and several of my current clients. Their experiences have shaped not only how I view mental health in the veteran community, but also how I approach my work as a caseworker and clinical intern at the Veterans One Stop Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving veterans and their families. In my role, I’ve supported many individuals living with PTSD, each with unique stories of trauma, resilience, and struggle. Through these interactions, I’ve learned how PTSD can manifest in countless ways: from nightmares, flashbacks, and irritability to emotional numbness, isolation, and difficulty trusting others. What has struck me most is not just the pain they carry, but the silence that often surrounds it, especially among veterans who were trained to “stay strong” and avoid vulnerability. I’ve been privileged to support these individuals by providing psychoeducation, helping them understand how PTSD functions neurologically and emotionally. This process alone can be incredibly validating, reminding clients that their symptoms are not a personal failure, but a response to overwhelming stress and trauma. From there, I assist in connecting clients to therapy through our community network, offer crisis de-escalation, and provide ongoing case management to ensure they are supported beyond the therapy room. I also incorporate trauma-informed practices in all aspects of care, whether it's the tone of a conversation, the structure of a session, or helping a client feel physically and emotionally safe. Supporting my own brother, a fellow veteran, gave me a personal lens into this work. Watching him navigate the invisible wounds of service showed me just how crucial early intervention and emotional support are. My program director, who has courageously shared his own journey with PTSD, has modeled for me what strength through vulnerability looks like, and reinforced my commitment to being a source of nonjudgmental support for others. What I’ve learned through these experiences is that healing happens in community. Veterans with PTSD often feel isolated, misunderstood, or ashamed. But when they are met with patience, education, and culturally competent care, transformation becomes possible. One of my proudest moments was helping a client reconnect with his family after years of emotional distance caused by PTSD. With consistent psychoeducation, support, and coordinated mental health services, he began rebuilding not just his life, but his identity. My long-term goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and continue specializing in trauma and veteran care. I aim to create programs that combine clinical therapy with peer support, creative expression, and cultural sensitivity, especially for Latinx veterans who may face added stigma or language barriers. Through my work, I want to continue advocating for veterans who often suffer in silence. I want to ensure they are met with respect, not judgment; options, not obstacles; and above all, hope. PTSD does not have to be the end of a story, it can be the beginning of healing, resilience, and reconnection. Supporting those with PTSD has taught me that we all have the power to be a lifeline. And as I continue in this field, I remain committed to being that lifeline for others.

My name is Guillermo Torres, and I’m a proud Mexican-American veteran currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at The University of Texas at El Paso. As a first-generation college graduate, I’ve committed myself to community service, trauma-informed care, and mental health advocacy, especially within underserved Latinx and veteran populations. My career goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health and increasing access to culturally competent care. A significant part of my training and service happens at the Veterans One Stop Center, a nonprofit organization where I work as a clinical intern and caseworker. There, I support veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, many of whom are navigating complex trauma, financial insecurity, or generational barriers to seeking help. Outside of direct service, I’ve organized large-scale initiatives like Vetsgiving and holiday drives that provided meals, clothing, and toys to thousands of struggling families in El Paso. For my dedication to grassroots community work, I’ve been honored with two congressional awards, which represent not only my service but my deep commitment to healing and uplifting others. I’m financing my graduate studies through scholarships, financial aid, and personal savings from my years in the military and nonprofit work. Receiving this scholarship would provide crucial support, allowing me to reduce financial stress, dedicate more time to my clinical training, and continue developing mental health programs for marginalized communities. It would also help me pursue additional certifications in trauma therapy and cultural competency that are essential to my long-term goal: opening a bilingual, multicultural counseling center that serves those who are too often left out of care. A surprising source of inspiration along this journey has been the K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT). I became a MOA during the pandemic while facing my own battles with anxiety, depression, and the lingering effects of childhood sexual abuse and emotionally abusive relationships. TXT’s honesty, emotional vulnerability, and artistic storytelling gave me hope when I needed it most. Songs like “Anti-Romantic” and “Maze in the Mirror” mirrored feelings I had long suppressed and reminded me that healing is not a weakness, it’s a journey. Among all the members, Hueningkai stands out to me. His creativity, emotional openness, and childlike sincerity helped me reconnect with parts of myself that I had lost while learning to survive. He reminded me that softness and strength are not opposites, they coexist. TXT’s message of self-love, growth, and perseverance continues to guide the way I connect with clients and community members. Their music has even inspired me to design a therapy workshop that uses K-pop lyrics to help young people process complex emotions, a project I hope to formally launch post-graduation. My passion for mental health, community healing, and representation grows every day. This scholarship would help me continue that journey, not just by funding my education, but by investing in the future I’m working hard to build. A future where survivors know they are not alone, where Latinx veterans can speak openly about trauma, and where music, compassion, and cultural understanding can come together to inspire real change. With your support, I’ll continue turning pain into purpose, and help others do the same.

My name is Guillermo Torres, and I’m a proud Mexican-American veteran currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at The University of Texas at El Paso. As a first-generation college graduate, I’ve dedicated my life to community service, mental health advocacy, and trauma-informed care. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker who serves veterans, Latinx individuals, and survivors of abuse, people whose stories too often go unheard. I’ve helped organize large-scale donation drives, mental health resource fairs, and events like Vetsgiving, which supported thousands of families in El Paso. For this work, I was honored to receive two congressional awards, which recognize the impact of grassroots service and advocacy in underserved communities. I’m financing my studies through scholarships, financial aid, and what I’ve saved through years of service, first in the military, and now as a clinical intern and caseworker at the non-profit Veterans One Stop Center. But one of the most unexpected sources of strength and inspiration along this journey has come from the K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER. I became a MOA in 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was isolated, carrying the emotional weight of past traumas—including childhood sexual abuse and emotionally abusive relationships and navigating the demanding world of graduate school and social work. One night, I discovered TXT’s Eternity album. Their honest lyrics and vulnerability hit me hard. It wasn’t just music, it was emotional storytelling that gave me permission to feel, reflect, and heal. What sets TXT apart for me is their ability to speak openly about pain, growth, and self-identity in a way that is both poetic and relatable. I see my own healing in their music. I especially connect with Hueningkai, whose gentle yet joyful personality is a reminder that vulnerability and strength can coexist. His lightness, creativity, and emotional openness helped me reconnect with parts of myself I had suppressed to survive. A favorite TXT song of mine is "Anti-Romantic." That song made me pause—its raw honesty about emotional fear and self-protection mirrored exactly what I’ve worked through in therapy. Inspired by TXT, I even developed a workshop model that uses K-pop lyrics to help youth open up about their mental health, particularly in immigrant and bilingual families where emotions are often not discussed. TXT has influenced not just my emotional growth, but also my vision for the future. They’ve shown me that connection, creativity, and sincerity can be powerful tools for healing. I now aim to integrate art, music, and cultural relevance into clinical settings to reach clients who might otherwise resist traditional mental health support. Through TXT, I’ve found the courage to lead with my heart. And through my degree, I’ll continue building inclusive spaces for those who are still learning to trust, feel, and dream again. Whether I’m organizing a community drive, counseling a trauma survivor, or leading a workshop with MOAs who’ve found hope in TXT’s music, I know that I’m part of something bigger. TXT reminded me that even after everything, it’s still possible to grow, to love, and to thrive, and I plan to help others believe the same.

My faith has always been the anchor that keeps me grounded, especially in the most difficult seasons of my life. It has shaped my leadership style by teaching me to lead with humility, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. Faith reminds me that true leadership is not about power or recognition, but about service to others, lifting up the vulnerable, and walking with integrity, even when no one is watching. As someone who has survived childhood sexual abuse, emotionally and physically abusive relationships, and the long-term effects of trauma from my military service, it would have been easy to become hardened or cynical. But my faith taught me that even in suffering, there is hope, and that hope can be shared. That belief became the foundation of how I lead: with empathy, patience, and a commitment to meeting people where they are. One moment that deeply reflects this was when I helped organize Vetsgiving, a community event serving veterans and low-income families before Thanksgiving. Many of the veterans who came were not just hungry, they were isolated, struggling emotionally, and carrying deep wounds, often invisible. One man told me he hadn’t shared a meal with anyone in years. I sat with him, listened without judgment, and offered more than food, I offered presence, dignity, and prayer. By the end of the evening, he opened up about his struggles with depression and agreed to seek support through our services. For me, that was ministry in motion, not through preaching, but through quiet, faithful leadership rooted in love and service. That experience and others like it, have shaped my vision for the future. I don’t just want to be a licensed clinical social worker. I want to be a vessel of healing and hope in communities that have known pain, neglect, and silence. My faith calls me to advocate for the marginalized, to treat every person as inherently worthy, and to lead with compassion even in systems that often lack it. I believe faith-driven leadership is what our world needs: not leadership driven by ego or fear, but by purpose and heart. Whether in a therapy room, a community center, or a policy meeting, I strive to reflect the values of my faith, grace, justice, and love in action. My military experience taught me how to lead in structure and crisis. My faith taught me how to lead with soul. Combined, they’ve empowered me to become a leader who doesn’t just respond to problems, but who walks with people through them, someone who sees every challenge as an opportunity to reflect hope. As I continue my education and enter deeper into this field, I carry this calling with me: to serve others not only as a clinician or a veteran, but as someone whose leadership is deeply rooted in faith. And in doing so, I hope to inspire others to heal, lead, and believe again, just as I was once inspired to do.

As someone who has endured childhood sexual abuse and survived physically and emotionally abusive relationships, I know firsthand the deep scars that trauma can leave. But my story is not one of defeat—it’s one of resilience and transformation. I’ve been able to not only survive, but thrive. Today, as a Mexican-American military veteran, a Master of Social Work student, and a community advocate, I am using both my pain and purpose to help others heal. Growing up, I was surrounded by silence. The abuse I experienced as a child was never spoken of, and later, the abusive relationships I endured only reinforced the belief that my pain was something to carry alone. As a man, and especially as a veteran, I felt the pressure to “tough it out” and remain emotionally guarded. But that mindset nearly broke me. It wasn’t until I began seeking therapy and speaking openly about my experiences that I discovered the liberating power of vulnerability and the importance of healing. My time in the military taught me discipline, structure, and the value of service, but it also exposed me to trauma that compounded my past. I saw others struggle in silence too, particularly fellow veterans of color who faced stigma, cultural barriers, and a lack of accessible mental health support. These experiences shaped my commitment to becoming a trauma-informed mental health professional, not just to support individuals, but to challenge the systems that often fail them. Education is the key to reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) and breaking generational cycles of abuse. Through education, we can raise awareness, teach emotional intelligence, and help communities understand what healthy relationships look like. It empowers survivors to speak up and seek help, and it equips clinicians, educators, and community leaders to intervene with compassion and understanding. When people are educated about trauma, consent, and healing, we don’t just respond to violence, we prevent it. Today, I serve as a clinical intern and caseworker at the non-profit Veterans One Stop Center, supporting veterans, active-duty soldiers, and their families, many of whom are Latinx or underserved. Beyond the clinical setting, I’ve dedicated myself to building stronger communities. I’ve led initiatives like Vetsgiving and large-scale holiday donation drives, providing food and gifts to thousands of families in need. These efforts earned me two congressional awards, honors I hold with pride because they represent the power of community-based healing and collective care. I plan to use my degree to continue serving survivors of trauma, especially those who have historically been silenced—men, veterans, Latinx individuals, and others navigating the intersection of culture, identity, and pain. I also intend to launch culturally informed outreach programs that center prevention, education, and early intervention, while creating safe spaces for those who have never had the chance to be heard. Through every experience, military service, personal healing, community work, I’ve come to understand that my purpose is to be a bridge: between silence and voice, between suffering and hope. I want others to know that no matter what they’ve lived through, they are not alone, and that healing is not only possible, but powerful. This is how I plan to give back: by turning pain into purpose, and by using my education to create a world where others can thrive, too.

As someone who has endured childhood sexual abuse and survived physically and emotionally abusive relationships, I know firsthand the deep scars that trauma can leave. But my story is not one of defeat—it’s one of resilience and transformation. I’ve been able to not only survive, but thrive. Today, as a Mexican-American military veteran, a Master of Social Work student, and a community advocate, I am using both my pain and purpose to help others heal. Growing up, I was surrounded by silence. The abuse I experienced as a child was never spoken of, and later, the abusive relationships I endured only reinforced the belief that my pain was something to carry alone. As a man, and especially as a veteran, I felt the pressure to “tough it out” and remain emotionally guarded. But that mindset nearly broke me. It wasn’t until I began seeking therapy and speaking openly about my experiences that I discovered the liberating power of vulnerability and the importance of healing. My time in the military taught me discipline, structure, and the value of service, but it also exposed me to trauma that compounded my past. I saw others struggle in silence too, particularly fellow veterans of color who faced stigma, cultural barriers, and a lack of accessible mental health support. These experiences shaped my commitment to becoming a trauma-informed mental health professional, not just to support individuals, but to challenge the systems that often fail them. Education is the key to reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) and breaking generational cycles of abuse. Through education, we can raise awareness, teach emotional intelligence, and help communities understand what healthy relationships look like. It empowers survivors to speak up and seek help, and it equips clinicians, educators, and community leaders to intervene with compassion and understanding. When people are educated about trauma, consent, and healing, we don’t just respond to violence, we prevent it. Today, I serve as a clinical intern and caseworker at the non-profit Veterans One Stop Center, supporting veterans, active-duty soldiers, and their families, many of whom are Latinx or underserved. Beyond the clinical setting, I’ve dedicated myself to building stronger communities. I’ve led initiatives like Vetsgiving and large-scale holiday donation drives, providing food and gifts to thousands of families in need. These efforts earned me two congressional awards, honors I hold with pride because they represent the power of community-based healing and collective care. I plan to use my degree to continue serving survivors of trauma, especially those who have historically been silenced—men, veterans, Latinx individuals, and others navigating the intersection of culture, identity, and pain. I also intend to launch culturally informed outreach programs that center prevention, education, and early intervention, while creating safe spaces for those who have never had the chance to be heard. Through every experience, military service, personal healing, community work, I’ve come to understand that my purpose is to be a bridge: between silence and voice, between suffering and hope. I want others to know that no matter what they’ve lived through, they are not alone, and that healing is not only possible, but powerful. This is how I plan to give back: by turning pain into purpose, and by using my education to create a world where others can thrive, too.

As someone who has endured the painful realities of childhood sexual abuse and survived physically and emotionally abusive relationships, I know intimately the lasting impact that trauma can have on a person’s sense of self, safety, and trust in others. But my story is not one solely of survival, it is one of transformation. Despite the darkness I’ve faced, I’ve been able to not only survive but thrive, and now I’m using both my personal and academic journey to become a force for healing and change. Growing up, I was taught, implicitly and sometimes explicitly, not to talk about what happened to me. Like many boys and men who experience sexual violence, I carried the weight of shame, silence, and confusion well into adulthood. The pain I endured in later abusive relationships only deepened the emotional wounds I had never truly addressed. It wasn’t until I began to invest in my own healing, including seeking therapy and engaging in meaningful self-work, that I recognized the power of vulnerability and the importance of giving voice to experiences that too many people are forced to hide. Pursuing my Master of Social Work at The University of Texas at El Paso has been both a professional and personal act of reclaiming my story. Through my clinical internship at the non-profit Veterans One Stop Center, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals who, like me, have endured trauma, many of whom are struggling in silence. It is through these moments of connection that I have come to understand how critical education is in reducing intimate partner violence. Education reduces IPV by breaking cycles of silence and stigma. It empowers survivors with knowledge, equips providers with trauma-informed tools, and builds awareness across communities. When we teach people what healthy relationships look like, how trauma manifests, and where to seek help, we are planting the seeds of prevention and healing. Education helps dismantle the myths that perpetuate abuse and replaces them with tools for empathy, communication, and safety. I plan to use my degree and my life experience, to be a trauma-informed clinician who brings authenticity, cultural humility, and advocacy to every space I enter. I want to work with survivors of IPV and sexual trauma, particularly in the Latinx and veteran communities, where stigma and cultural barriers often keep people from speaking out or seeking help. I also want to engage in community education, leading workshops and campaigns that promote healthy relationships, consent, and healing practices, especially for men and boys who are often overlooked in the conversation around abuse. My ultimate goal is to help survivors understand that their pain does not define them, and that healing is not only possible, but powerful. I want to be a living example that no matter where you come from or what you've endured, you can reclaim your life, use your story for good, and create change for others still finding their voice. Through compassion, education, and lived truth, I plan to help others not just survive, but thrive, too.

My passion for mental health stems from my personal journey as a Mexican-American, first-generation college graduate, and U.S. military veteran. I’ve seen how trauma, stigma, and lack of access to culturally competent care can create long-lasting wounds, especially in communities like mine, where mental health is often misunderstood or ignored. These lived experiences shaped my desire to not only enter the mental health field but to be part of the movement that brings diversity, healing, and representation to those who need it most. Growing up along the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso, I witnessed how mental health was rarely discussed in Latinx households. Emotions were often dismissed as weakness, and therapy was viewed as a luxury or something only “other people” did. These beliefs followed me into the military, where I was trained to stay strong, suppress vulnerability, and carry on despite emotional strain. After my service, I realized that those very habits were preventing me and many fellow veterans, from addressing deep psychological wounds. It was through my own healing process that I discovered my calling. Today, I am pursuing a Master of Social Work at The University of Texas at El Paso and completing my clinical internship at the non-profit Veterans One Stop Center. There, I provide case management and mental health support to veterans, active-duty soldiers, and their families, many of whom are people of color. These experiences have affirmed that representation matters. Clients open up more when they see someone who understands their culture, language, and background. I’ve learned that healing begins with trust, and trust is built through inclusion, empathy, and shared identity. My career goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and eventually establish a multicultural counseling center that offers bilingual, trauma-informed care to underserved populations, including veterans, immigrants, and youth. I also aim to contribute to research and policy that promote mental health equity, particularly in border communities like mine. Diversity and inclusion are not just abstract goals for me, they are lived realities. I’m proud to have earned two congressional awards for my community-based work, including organizing events like Vetsgiving and large-scale holiday donation drives that served thousands of families. These experiences taught me that connection, compassion, and cultural sensitivity can change lives. They also reinforced my commitment to creating safe spaces where individuals from all backgrounds can access mental health care without shame or barriers. Through my education, personal growth, and community engagement, I hope to inspire the next generation of Latinx and minority mental health professionals. I want to be the kind of clinician and advocate who not only helps individuals heal but also challenges systems to become more inclusive, just, and humane. Mental health is my passion, but more than that, it’s my purpose. I believe that everyone, regardless of race, language, or socioeconomic background, deserves the chance to heal, grow, and thrive. And I am committed to making that a reality, one client, one community, and one policy at a time.

My passion for mental health stems from my personal journey as a Mexican-American, first-generation college graduate, and U.S. military veteran. I’ve seen how trauma, stigma, and lack of access to culturally competent care can create long-lasting wounds, especially in communities like mine, where mental health is often misunderstood or ignored. These lived experiences shaped my desire to not only enter the mental health field but to be part of the movement that brings diversity, healing, and representation to those who need it most. Growing up along the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso, I witnessed how mental health was rarely discussed in Latinx households. Emotions were often dismissed as weakness, and therapy was viewed as a luxury or something only “other people” did. These beliefs followed me into the military, where I was trained to stay strong, suppress vulnerability, and carry on despite emotional strain. After my service, I realized that those very habits were preventing me and many fellow veterans from addressing deep psychological wounds. It was through my own healing process that I discovered my calling. Today, I am pursuing a Master of Social Work at The University of Texas at El Paso and completing my clinical internship at the non-profit Veterans One Stop Center. There, I provide case management and mental health support to veterans, active-duty soldiers, and their families, many of whom are people of color. These experiences have affirmed that representation matters. Clients open up more when they see someone who understands their culture, language, and background. I’ve learned that healing begins with trust, and trust is built through inclusion, empathy, and shared identity. My career goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and eventually establish a multicultural counseling center that offers bilingual, trauma-informed care to underserved populations, including veterans, immigrants, and youth. I also aim to contribute to research and policy that promote mental health equity, particularly in border communities like mine. Diversity and inclusion are not just abstract goals for me, they are lived realities. I’m proud to have earned two congressional awards for my community-based work, including organizing events like Vetsgiving and large-scale holiday donation drives that served thousands of families. These experiences taught me that connection, compassion, and cultural sensitivity can change lives. They also reinforced my commitment to creating safe spaces where individuals from all backgrounds can access mental health care without shame or barriers. Through my education, personal growth, and community engagement, I hope to inspire the next generation of Latinx and minority mental health professionals. I want to be the kind of clinician and advocate who not only helps individuals heal but also challenges systems to become more inclusive, just, and humane. Mental health is my passion, but more than that, it’s my purpose. I believe that everyone, regardless of race, language, or socioeconomic background, deserves the chance to heal, grow, and thrive. And I am committed to making that a reality, one client, one community, and one policy at a time.

There was a time when I believed that pushing through pain was a sign of strength. As a veteran, I was taught to suppress emotion, focus on the mission, and avoid vulnerability at all costs. After transitioning out of the military and into civilian life, I carried those habits with me. I poured my energy into serving others; family, fellow veterans, and my community, without ever stopping to consider how neglecting my own well-being was silently taking a toll. The breaking point came during the early stages of graduate school and my internship at the non-profit Veterans One Stop Center. Between school, work, and my community obligations, I began feeling emotionally numb, physically exhausted, and mentally overwhelmed. I was having trouble concentrating, my sleep suffered, and my motivation declined. It became clear that I was experiencing burnout, a condition I often educated others about but hadn’t acknowledged in myself. That moment forced me to confront a hard truth: I couldn’t continue to advocate for the well-being of others if I wasn’t willing to advocate for my own. So, I made a choice that changed my life, I prioritized my mental and emotional health. I sought therapy through the VA, began practicing mindfulness and journaling, and started setting boundaries around my time and energy. I stopped viewing rest as laziness and began seeing it as a necessary part of maintaining long-term resilience. Through this experience, I learned that true strength lies in self-awareness, not suppression. It reshaped how I show up for my clients, my peers, and myself. I now speak openly about self-care with fellow veterans and Latinx clients, helping to reduce stigma by modeling what healing looks like. I’ve also brought those lessons into the classroom, where I’ve learned to ask for help when I need it and support others in doing the same. This shift in mindset has deeply impacted on how I’m preparing for the future. As I pursue a career in mental health, particularly serving the Latinx and veteran communities, I understand that prioritizing my wellness is a lifelong practice. It allows me to be a more grounded, empathetic, and effective clinician. It also ensures that I can continue to lead efforts like Vetsgiving and large-scale holiday drives, initiatives that earned me two congressional awards, without losing myself in the process. Most importantly, this experience taught me that healing is not a destination, but a discipline. And by honoring that truth, I am better equipped to guide others toward their own.

My life journey has been anything but linear. As a Mexican-American and military veteran, I’ve faced challenges that forced me to grow quickly and take on responsibilities beyond my years. Higher education wasn’t always in reach for someone like me. For many years, I prioritized survival, duty, and supporting others before I could focus on myself. Now, as a first-generation college graduate and Master of Social Work student at The University of Texas at El Paso, I’ve come to understand that my experiences were not detours, they were the foundation for my purpose. My military service opened my eyes to the silent battles, many faces, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. I saw how trauma, lack of emotional support, and cultural stigma could isolate individuals and push them away from the very help they needed. These moments shaped my personal values: empathy, integrity, and service. I carry these values with me every day as a caseworker and clinical intern at the non-profit Veterans One Stop Center, where I provide trauma-informed support to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, many of whom, like me, are part of the Latinx community. Along this journey, I have assisted in crucial research for Emergence Health Network regarding mental health, and I’ve earned two congressional awards for my community efforts, including organizing Vetsgiving and holiday drives that provided meals and toys to thousands of local families. These projects reminded me that healing happens not just in therapy sessions but in the ways, we show up for one another as a community. My career aspiration is to become a licensed clinical social worker who not only provides therapy but also drives systemic change through culturally grounded advocacy and leadership. This scholarship would be a crucial part of that mission. It would ease the financial pressure that comes with graduate education and allow me to dedicate more time and energy to my clinical training, research, and service. Most importantly, it would support my goal of building stronger support systems for Latinx individuals and families who often face cultural, financial, and systemic barriers to care. I’m not just pursuing a degree; I’m building a legacy of service and representation. I want young Latinx students, veterans, and community members to know that their stories matter and that help is not a weakness, but a path to healing. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to creating lasting change in the lives of those who need it most.

As a proud Mexican-American and U.S. veteran, my desire to pursue a career in mental health is both personal and purposeful. Growing up in El Paso, Texas, a border city rich in culture but also layered with generational trauma and systemic barriers. I witnessed how stigma, silence, and lack of access often kept members of the Latinx community from seeking help. These experiences, combined with the challenges I faced during and after military service, revealed the urgent need for culturally competent care that speaks to our community’s values, language, and lived realities. As I began my journey in social work, I saw how vital it is for Latinx individuals to feel heard and represented in mental health spaces. This realization fueled my graduate studies and clinical internship at the non-profit Veterans One Stop Center, where I support veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, many of whom are Latinx, through case management and trauma-informed care. I’ve seen how connection and cultural understanding can break through years of silence and resistance to treatment. My commitment to the Latinx community has gone beyond the therapy room. I’ve led and organized community initiatives such as Vetsgiving and large-scale holiday toy drives that reached thousands of families in need. This advocacy and outreach earned me two congressional awards, recognition I hold with deep humility and pride, not for the accolades, but for the impact these efforts have had on underserved families, many of whom had never accessed mental health or social support services before. These experiences have taught me that healing isn’t just clinical, it’s communal. Being present in the community, building trust, and normalizing help-seeking behaviors are essential parts of changing the narrative around mental health in our culture. I want to continue bridging the gap between services and the Latinx community by becoming a licensed clinical social worker and eventually taking on a leadership role in shaping culturally grounded mental health policy. For me, this is not just a profession, it’s a mission to challenge stigma, empower families, and cultivate spaces of healing and hope. The Latinx community is resilient, but we deserve support systems that honor our stories and strengthen our future. I intend to be part of building that future.