From a young age, I've been fascinated by human thoughts and behavior. This curiosity drove me to explore how my own experiences have shaped my development, specifically as an adoptee. The challenges linked to adoption have greatly impacted my mental health, prompting me to seek help from a mental health professional. Through this therapeutic connection, I have been able to discover my identity, gain insight into my emotions, and acknowledge the importance of effective counseling in fostering personal transformation. Experiencing personal growth through therapy and recognizing the value of counseling in personal transformation has ignited my desire to use therapeutic techniques to assist others with emotional challenges. This passion, along with my interest in human thoughts and behavior, has driven me to pursue a career in mental health. My own experiences have served as sources of inspiration to pursue a degree in mental health. In June of 2022 I experienced a traumatic childbirth, where I narrowly avoided serious consequences and harm due to medical errors. Although I knew the signs of PTSD, I realized I was unsure how to identify it in myself but that I likely might have had it. In the months following this incident, I realized I needed to see a new therapist with knowledge of trauma, PTSD, and postpartum depression. However, upon searching for someone new, I became aware that few mental health professionals in my location specialized in postpartum trauma and depression. It was concerning to me the lack of follow-up institutions in place for postpartum women, especially since many women are unaware that they may be struggling with postpartum-related disorders. Given my own experience with a highly traumatic birth and postpartum depression (PPD), it is my goal to pursue a career in which I become an advocate for other mothers who are facing similar mental health challenges. In the late summer of 2023, I encountered another traumatic experience that emphasized the importance of mental health. Witnessing my adoptive mother's suicide attempt further underscored the need for mental health support, revealing gaps in mental health care accessibility. Although I have studied mental health previously, this situation made me realize how much more I have yet to learn about mental health struggles and how they impact everyone differently. Having gone through this experience with my mom, I realized that real-life circumstances are much different than the textbook examples of an individual experiencing suicidal ideation. It has become imperative for me to expand my knowledge about assisting individuals like my mother and discovering the most efficient approaches for their treatment. During my undergraduate years, I was exposed to foundational concepts in the field of psychology and gained valuable knowledge, but I also realized that there was so much more to explore and discover within my chosen discipline. These experiences, alongside my undergraduate studies, motivated me to pursue a career in clinical mental health counseling. Working with marginalized populations and juveniles in the justice system deepened my desire to advocate for mental health reform. My goal is to specialize in trauma, adoption issues, and postpartum care, contributing to a more inclusive and effective mental health support system.

My ideal future self is someone who has built a great career in the field of mental health, who successfully balances family and professional obligations, and who continues to make significant contributions to society.

My own experiences have served as sources of inspiration to pursue a degree in mental health. The challenges linked to adoption have greatly impacted my mental well-being, prompting me to seek help from a mental health professional. Through this therapeutic connection, I have been able to discover my identity, gain insight into my emotions, and acknowledge the importance of effective counseling in fostering personal transformation. Experiencing personal growth through therapy and recognizing the value of counseling in personal transformation has ignited my desire to use therapeutic techniques to assist others with emotional challenges. In June 2022, I gave birth to my son via emergency c-section. As the anesthesiologist administered the epidural, I soon became aware my legs had gone completely numb, and then my arms. I became unable to move and shortly after, unable to breathe. Unsure of what was going on and with a very minimal amount of time to process what was happening, the only thought that ran through my head was, "I am going to die." Once the nurses realized what was happening, they administered oxygen and I was rushed for emergency surgery. As I learned later, the epidural had mistakenly hit a nerve, resulting in a high block that paralyzed my lower and upper body. Although I knew the signs of PTSD, I realized I was unsure how to identify it in myself but that I likely might have had it. In the months following this incident, I realized I needed to see a new therapist that specialized in trauma, PTSD, and postpartum depression. However, upon searching for someone new, I became aware that few mental health professionals in my location specialized in postpartum trauma and depression. It was also concerning to me the lack of follow-up institutions in place for postpartum women, especially since many women are unaware that they may be struggling with postpartum-related disorders. Given my own experience with a highly traumatic birth and postpartum depression (PPD), it is critical for me to pursue a career in which I become an advocate for other mothers who are facing similar mental health challenges. In the late summer of last year, I encountered another traumatic experience that emphasized the importance of mental health. One afternoon, I observed my adoptive mother being transported out of the house to the local hospital on a stretcher. She appeared to be in a deep unconscious state of sleep, and even the EMS personnel failed to awaken her. I was less than five months postpartum and living at my mom’s house due to an existing situation. As it turns out, she had tried to commit suicide by consuming substantial amounts of various prescribed medications. Had we found her an hour later, she would have died. Although I have studied mental health previously, this situation made me realize how much more I have yet to learn about mental health struggles and how they impact everyone differently. Having gone through this experience with my mom, I realized that real-life circumstances are much different than the textbook examples of an individual experiencing suicidal ideation. It has become imperative for me to expand my knowledge about assisting individuals like my mother and discovering the most efficient approaches for their treatment.

Hannah Clinical Mental Health Counseling Ever since I can remember, I have had a genuine interest in human thoughts and behavior. This unique interest has led me to question how my experiences have impacted my development, specifically as an adoptee. The challenges linked to adoption have greatly impacted my mental health, prompting me to seek help from a mental health professional. Through this therapeutic connection, I have been able to discover my identity, gain insight into my emotions, and acknowledge the importance of effective counseling in fostering personal transformation. Experiencing personal growth through therapy and recognizing the value of counseling in personal transformation has ignited my desire to use therapeutic techniques to assist others with emotional challenges. This passion, along with my interest in human thoughts and behavior, has driven me to pursue a career in mental health. My own experiences have served as sources of inspiration to pursue a degree in mental health. In June 2022, I gave birth to my son via emergency c-section. As the anesthesiologist administered the epidural, I soon became aware my legs had gone completely numb, and then my arms. I became unable to move and shortly after, unable to breathe. Unsure of what was going on and with a very minimal amount of time to process what was happening, the only thought that ran through my head was, "I am going to die." Once the nurses realized what was happening, they administered oxygen and I was rushed for emergency surgery. As I learned later, the epidural had mistakenly hit a nerve, resulting in a high block that paralyzed my lower and upper body. Although I knew the signs of PTSD, I realized I was unsure how to identify it in myself but that I likely might have had it. In the months following this incident, I realized I needed to see a new therapist with knowledge of trauma, PTSD, and postpartum depression. However, upon searching for someone new, I became aware that few mental health professionals in my location specialized in postpartum trauma and depression. Likewise, it was concerning to me the lack of follow-up institutions in place for postpartum women, especially since many women are unaware that they may be struggling with postpartum-related disorders. Given my own experience with a highly traumatic birth and postpartum depression (PPD), it is my goal to pursue a career in which I become an advocate for other mothers who are facing similar mental health challenges. In the late summer of last year, I encountered another traumatic experience that emphasized the importance of mental health. One afternoon, I observed my adoptive mother being transported out of the house to the local hospital on a stretcher. She appeared to be in a deep unconscious state of sleep, and even the EMS personnel failed to awaken her. I was less than five months postpartum and living at my mom’s house due to an existing situation. As it turns out, she had tried to commit suicide by consuming substantial amounts of various prescribed medications. Had we found her an hour later, she would have died. Although I have studied mental health previously, this situation made me realize how much more I have yet to learn about mental health struggles and how they impact everyone differently. Having gone through this experience with my mom, I realized that real-life circumstances are much different than the textbook examples of an individual experiencing suicidal ideation. It has become imperative for me to expand my knowledge about assisting individuals like my mother and discovering the most efficient approaches for their treatment. In addition to personal experiences, my undergraduate studies have inspired me to pursue a career in mental health. The knowledge acquired during my undergraduate years has ignited a deep passion for learning and a strong desire to delve even deeper into my field of study. During my undergraduate years, I was exposed to foundational concepts in the field of psychology and gained valuable knowledge, but I also realized that there was so much more to explore and discover within my chosen discipline. I began my education at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where I explored various concepts in psychology. My undergraduate studies gave me a solid academic foundation and introduced me to complex topics and research areas that piqued my interest. Specifically, classes in Life Span Psychology and Drug Use and Effects led me to question the impacts that foster care, adoption, and my birth mother's prenatal drug use had on my development and that of my two other triplet sisters. Even after completing my bachelor's degree, I continued to educate myself in the field of psychology, especially in areas relevant to my life. Upon reading books such as The Primal Wound and articles on the influences of the adoption industry, I began to realize how little is known about unconscious trauma, pre- and perinatal influences, and the false narratives most adoptees often experience. Because these concepts closely relate to my personal life experiences, I aspire to further investigate these subjects during graduate school and form a career specializing in these areas. I completed the last two years of undergrad at the University of South Carolina, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology and graduated with honorable distinction. These studies have given me foundational skills in research, critical thinking, and a passion for knowledge, altogether serving as further inspiration to obtain a master's degree in counseling. Engaging in community outreach, particularly through my church, has been a major source of inspiration to choose a profession centered on providing support to those in need. Growing up in the church atmosphere, I have had unique opportunities to serve marginalized members of the community and people from various cultures. Through these experiences, I have become more aware of the disparities faced by these individuals, especially in terms of mental health. There is a worldwide increase in mental health problems, yet it is evident there is a significant gap in adequate resources for those affected. By maximizing these resources for marginalized populations, I believe we can empower individuals for better life outcomes. The opportunity to aid individuals in reclaiming control over their lives, liberating themselves from the grip of mental illness, and realizing their utmost potential greatly aligns with my core values and desire to pursue a career in mental health. My job experiences after college provided me with a tangible opportunity to use my education in mental health. I began working as a behavioral specialist/lead teacher for girls from the juvenile justice system. Clemson's Youth Development Center offered a collaborative program between Clemson University's Youth Learning Institute and the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. It was evident that many girls lacked proper behavioral, mental health, trauma-related support, and even a quality education from their previous institutions and backgrounds. During my time at this organization, I was able to mentor the girls and provide encouragement, life skills, and crisis intervention techniques. Despite some challenges, my role was fulfilling as I witnessed the impact I could make on the lives of these young girls. While this nonprofit provided a unique alternative for the treatment of status offenders, financial issues led to its closure, highlighting the underappreciation of such programs. Ultimately, a master’s degree in mental health will open doors for a potential career in nonprofit organizations and facilitate an opportunity for a much-needed reform of legal institutions. The saying “with knowledge comes power” is especially relevant in psychology and mental health. A greater understanding of this field has fostered my personal growth, improved my emotional regulation, and highlighted the importance of therapeutic methods and relationships. The positive effects of counseling have helped guide me through my adoption trauma and gain a deeper insight into its impact on my mental well-being. This transformation encourages me to help others through similar circumstances. My personal experiences, including postpartum trauma, and the incident involving my adoptive mother's suicide attempt, have underscored the critical importance of mental health and the need for specialized professionals in this field. Likewise, work and community involvement have demonstrated the need for reform in communities, especially in terms of accessible and quality mental health services. Altogether, these factors have encouraged me to advance my education and obtain a degree in clinical mental health counseling. Upon doing so, I will be able to increase my opportunities to provide resources to those who need them most. It will also assist me to further discover the impacts of trauma and educate others on its effects, changing the false narratives surrounding adoption. My goal is to contribute to the field, especially in areas related to adoption, trauma, and postpartum difficulties, and to work toward a more inclusive and supportive mental health platform for all. Given my unique background and experiences that I can bring to the realm of counseling, I believe I will be able to contribute significantly to the field of mental health.