I always believed in the power of how creativity can heal. From a young age, I discovered that art had the power to provide comfort and clarity in times of uncertainty. Over the years, I came to understand that art could also serve as a valuable tool for many to explore and communicate complex emotions. This understanding, combined with my passion for creativity and psychology, naturally led me to pursue a Masters in Creative Art Therapy and as a career path where I can help individuals, with a particular interest in helping children navigate and process their experiences. When I attended SUNY New Paltz, I discovered the possibility of combining my two passions, art and psychology, into one field: Art Therapy. I came to understand that art can be a window into the human psyche, allowing a better understanding of what an individual is going through subconsciously and their traumas. Art can be a better way of communicating emotions and experiences that are difficult to verbally express. Through my coursework in psychology, especially through studying child psychology and Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory, I learned that the relationship between both subjects can aid the minds and behaviors of children, as they are trying to manage confusing emotions and the tumultuous realities of growing up and how differently children think. My experience as a camp counselor showed me the importance of cultural awareness when working with children. I worked with kids from diverse backgrounds including some who had behavioral challenges. I learned that rather than directly punishing them for their actions, patience, empathy and understanding a child's cultural context are important in fostering trust and growth. As a person of color raised in a more traditional household, I recognized how cultural beliefs can create barriers in receiving mental health support. Growing up, I witnessed how stigma can make it difficult to seek help. This understanding has given me great empathy and a desire to connect with individuals with similar backgrounds and want to create a safe space to address cultural trauma. Working as a Clinical Administrative Assistant in a clinical setting, I have gained valuable insights. I see firsthand how mental health challenges impact people’s lives and how difficult it can be for them to access care or express their needs. These experiences have confirmed that mental health is where I belong professionally and make it accessible for those who need it the most. What motivates me is helping others grow and become better versions of themselves, mentally, physically and emotionally. I truly believe with accessible and affordable mental health care everyone, no matter the background can thrive. This, in addition to combining cultural sensitivity and creative expression led me to pursue a Master's in Creative Art Therapy at Hofstra University. I wanted to develop the skills and training necessary to create the most safe and supportive environment where individuals can heal in ways that are meaningful to them. Ultimately, the goal is to help others process and heal through their trauma effectively. I am truly dedicated to this career because I have seen the impacts that creative expression can have on mental health, and I want to support others in their journey.

I always believed in the power of how creativity can heal. From a young age, I discovered that art had the power to provide comfort and clarity in times of uncertainty. Over the years, I came to understand that art could also serve as a valuable tool for many to explore and communicate complex emotions. This understanding, combined with my passion for creativity and psychology, naturally led me to pursue a Masters in Creative Art Therapy and as a career path where I can help individuals, with a particular interest in helping children navigate and process their experiences. When I attended SUNY New Paltz, I discovered the possibility of combining my two passions, art and psychology, into one field: Art Therapy. I came to understand that art can be a window into the human psyche, allowing a better understanding of what an individual is going through subconsciously and their traumas. Art can be a better way of communicating emotions and experiences that are difficult to verbally express. Through my coursework in psychology, especially through studying child psychology and Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory, I learned that the relationship between both subjects can aid the minds and behaviors of children, as they are trying to manage confusing emotions and the tumultuous realities of growing up and how differently children think. My experience as a camp counselor showed me the importance of cultural awareness when working with children. I worked with kids from diverse backgrounds including some who had behavioral challenges. I learned that rather than directly punishing them for their actions, patience, empathy and understanding a child's cultural context are important in helping them succeed. As a person of color, I want to be the therapist that children can be comfortable with addressing potential cultural trauma in order to have an effective therapeutic process. Growing up in a traditional Hispanic household, I understand how cultural beliefs can sometimes shape the way we view mental health and make it difficult to seek help. This perspective growing up has given me a deeper empathy and the strong desire to connect with individuals from similar backgrounds. I want to help break down those barriers and create spaces where people feel understood and safe. Working as a Clinical Administrative Assistant in a clinical setting, I’ve seen firsthand how mental health challenges affect people and how hard it can be for them to access care or express their needs. These experiences have confirmed that mental health is where I belong professionally. Pursuing Creative Art Therapy at Hofstra University is the next step toward my ideal career. It combines my passion for psychology, cultural awareness, and creative expression to help children process emotions and heal in ways that feel natural to them. This is the type of work I find most meaningful and I am dedicated to pursue this career.