Growing up, my mother always told me, “Don’t be afraid to work hard, but never forget to be kind.” It was a simple piece of advice, but one that guided me through countless challenges and shaped my journey to where I am today. My mother’s strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in me have been the foundation of my ambitions. She taught me that perseverance is essential, but it’s the kindness and compassion we show others that truly matter in the long run. I remember a time during my undergraduate years when I felt overwhelmed by the demands of school and life. Balancing academics, work, and volunteer commitments seemed impossible, and I questioned whether I was on the right path. It was my mother who reminded me to trust in myself and to keep pushing forward, even when things felt uncertain. She shared stories of her struggles and how she always found a way to keep going. Her words gave me the strength to keep moving forward, and with her support, I was able to finish my degree and continue to graduate school. Throughout my life, my mother has not only been my emotional anchor but also my role model. She has shown me that true leadership comes from empathy and understanding, and that service to others is the most powerful way to live a fulfilling life. It is her influence that led me to pursue a career in psychology, focusing on trauma and addiction, especially within the criminal justice system. Her example taught me that when you give your best, not only do you help others, but you also contribute to building a stronger community. If I were to receive this scholarship, I would use the funds to support my continued graduate education in psychology. The scholarship would allow me to focus more on my studies and clinical training, without the constant worry about tuition and living expenses. By alleviating some of these financial burdens, I would be able to pursue additional certifications in trauma-informed care and culturally competent therapy, which are vital to my professional development. Ultimately, this funding would help me bring my long-term goal to life: working with marginalized populations, particularly those affected by substance abuse and trauma, to provide them with the tools they need to heal and rebuild their lives. My mother’s guidance and the strength she instilled in me are the driving forces behind my academic and career aspirations. With her example of hard work and kindness, I am more determined than ever to give back to my community and to be a positive force in the lives of others. This scholarship would allow me to continue this journey and honor the legacy of my mother’s belief in me.

Conversations about emotions were rare, with seeking help sometimes viewed as a sign of weakness rather than strength. Growing up in Corpus Christi, I saw firsthand how mental health was often overlooked within the Latinx community. The stigma surrounding mental health left many struggling in silence without the resources or support they needed. These early experiences planted a seed in me, a desire to change the narrative and advocate for mental health awareness in underserved Latinx communities. This passion only deepened when I began working at Highlands High School in San Antonio, a Title I school where many of my students lacked access to mental health resources. I saw brilliant, capable young people carrying the weight of unspoken struggles, from anxiety and depression to the stress of financial instability or family responsibilities. Too often, they had no guidance on where to turn for help, with therapy or counseling feeling foreign or inaccessible. I knew then I wanted to be a bridge, someone who not only provided support but helped break the cultural barriers surrounding mental health in Latinx communities. Earning my Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology was a step toward this goal, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to address the mental health needs of diverse populations. Now, as I pursue my certification to obtain my license, I am even more committed to making mental health care accessible and culturally responsive. I want to work directly with Latinx individuals or families, providing them with the tools to navigate their emotions, heal from trauma, and break the generational cycles of silence or stigma. Mental health should not be a privilege. It should be a right, accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status or cultural background. By working within the Latinx community, I hope to foster a more open dialogue about mental well-being, creating safe spaces where individuals feel empowered to seek help. I want to advocate for school-based mental health programs, bilingual therapy options, and culturally competent care that respects the values or traditions of the people I serve. This scholarship would provide the support I need to continue my education and training, allowing me to further my impact in the field. My goal is not only to be a therapist but also an advocate, an educator, and a resource for those who have been historically underserved. The Latinx community deserves mental health professionals who understand their struggles, speak their language both literally and culturally, and are dedicated to their well-being. I want to be that person, and I am committed to making a difference one conversation, one student, and one family at a time.