With my degree in Psychology/Social Work, my immediate goal is to work with minors coaching them toward a bright and achievable future. Eventually, I'd like to work in the substance abuse and domestic violence field(s), as they hold a special place in my heart because I've felt the impact of both, and I do not believe people should fight those battles alone. My ultimate goal, however, is to establish a community center that serves as a hub for connecting people in need to each other and vital resources. I envision a place where individuals from all walks of life can come together, find support, and embark on a journey of growth and healing. In this community center, my mission is to foster a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie. I firmly believe that, as a society, we are all part of a team, and it's our collective duty and pleasure to support and cheer on our teammates. Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment can break down barriers and build a strong support system for everyone in need. At the heart of this center, I want to provide various programs and activities that address the diverse needs of our community members. From support groups for those struggling with addiction to workshops on mental health and wellness, the center will be a place where individuals can find the guidance and encouragement they require. One of the key aspects of the community center will be the connection to resources. I plan to collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and community partners to offer a comprehensive range of services, including counseling, vocational training, healthcare, and educational opportunities. By streamlining access to these resources, we can empower individuals to take charge of their lives and work towards a brighter future. The community center will also focus on promoting education and awareness within the community. Through workshops, seminars, and events, we will strive to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. This way, we can create an environment of understanding and empathy, encouraging open conversations about these important topics. In line with the spirit of teamwork, I envision a space where volunteers, community leaders, and professionals come together to lend their expertise and support. Whether it's counseling, mentoring, or simply being a listening ear, everyone's contribution will be valued and celebrated. Moreover, I intend to engage local youth in the center's activities, fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion from a young age. By promoting a culture of giving back, we can ensure that future generations continue to support and uplift their community. Overall, my degree will serve as the foundation for identifying needs and knowing what agencies and resources can meet them, bringing this community center to life. With passion, dedication, and the belief that we are all in this together, I am excited to work toward building a community that thrives on connection, support, and the joy of laughing together, sharing moments, and cheering on one another. Together, we can create a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of the center, making our community a stronger and more compassionate place for everyone.

The motivation to pursue work in the field of substance abuse was deeply rooted in my personal experiences during high school. It was a time when my school environment was heavily influenced by drugs and excessive drinking on weekends, and it profoundly impacted me and my peers. High school felt like every movie with crazy parties with teens trying to drown their emotions. I didn't notice the cloud of negativity hanging over our community until I couldn't ignore the toll it was taking on the people I cared about. One of my closest friends, who had so much potential, fell victim to the destructive nature of addiction and passed away during our senior year. It was a devastating loss that shook me to my core. After my friend's passing, people were invalidating his entire life because of his loss in the battle against addiction. That hurt so much, it caused anger, and I pulled back a lot from peers and the social scene. At the time, I was in peer counseling. Many conversations following his death were hard because of my removal and closeness to him, but soon I found purpose in supporting those around me. I saw our teachers, administration, and even his parents reaching out to my peers and me in a way we never could have imagined. I didn't think teachers cared that much about what happened outside their classrooms. I didn't think his parents, grieving their child, would have the heart or the time to go championing us. I realized in this time of sorrow, I want to be a light too. I felt a calling to make a difference because I didn't want anyone else to experience the pain and heartache that he, or our community went through alone. Questions as simple as "How are you coping with this loss" opened up the dialog about drug and alcohol use and misuse that had been going on for years. Connecting them to resources that could help was a key part of my healing during that time. I knew then I wanted to work in the field of substance abuse, as I aimed to contribute to breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health. I wanted to create awareness about our real issues and provide resources and assistance to those who desperately needed it. My friend's untimely departure became a driving force behind my desire to advocate for change and a beacon of hope for those suffering. Throughout my journey learning about this field, I've learned that each person struggling with substance abuse has a unique story and deserves empathy and non-judgmental support. I've seen how addiction can impact individuals, families, and entire communities, and it has only strengthened my determination to make a positive impact. Remembering these hardships keeps me grounded. It's a constant reminder that we can all play a role in preventing addiction and supporting those on the path to recovery. I am committed to working tirelessly to make a difference, to bring hope to individuals battling addiction, and to be there for them, just as I wish someone had been there for my friend. In conclusion, personal experiences where substance abuse was prevalent and the loss of my dear friend during senior year were the emotional driving force behind my decision to pursue work in the field of substance abuse. I hope that through my dedication and efforts, I can contribute to a world where addiction is understood, treated with compassion, and everyone struggling with substance abuse receives the help they need to heal and find a brighter future.

The impact of dementia-related illness on my family has been an incredibly tough and emotional journey. It's not easy to put into words, but I'll try my best to share what we've been through with multiple older relatives struggling with dementia and the valuable lessons I've learned along the way. Seeing a beloved family member slowly slip away due to dementia is heartbreaking. Alzheimer's, in particular, steals memories and cognitive abilities, taking away the essence of who they once were. It's like losing them piece by piece, and it leaves you feeling utterly powerless. As a family, we faced immense challenges in adjusting to this new reality. Caring for our loved ones became a central part of our lives, demanding endless patience, understanding, and compassion. It wasn't always easy; it took a toll on our physical and emotional well-being. But we stood together, supporting one another, finding strength in our unity. Through this experience, I've come to understand the incredible power of empathy and active listening. Communicating with someone affected by dementia can be tough, but learning to be patient and validating their feelings became essential. We learned to treasure the moments we shared, no matter how fleeting they might be. Each interaction became an opportunity to create beautiful memories filled with love and understanding. One of the most crucial lessons I learned is the importance of early detection and support. A timely diagnosis (in some cases, should have allowed us) and in some cases allowed us to plan ahead, access necessary resources, and make informed decisions about care options. Connecting with support groups, medical professionals, and Alzheimer's organizations provided us with vital knowledge and the emotional support we needed during difficult times. While the impact of Alzheimer's on my family has been heart-wrenching, it also taught us resilience and the true strength of family bonds. We learned to cherish every moment, find joy in the present, and hold onto the love that unites us. This journey made me realize how vital it is to raise awareness about dementia and support research efforts to find better treatments and, one day, a cure. In conclusion, the impact of Alzheimer's disease or any dementia-related illness on my family has been profound, shaping us in ways we never imagined. It tested our emotional limits, but it also revealed the power of love and unity. Through this journey, I've learned the value of empathy, the significance of early detection and support, and the importance of advocating for those affected by dementia. With this scholarship, I hope to further my education and contribute to the cause that has touched my family's life so deeply. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those facing this challenging journey.

I love math because it empowers me to understand and analyze complex concepts in psychology. As a psychology student, I've realized that math and statistics are indispensable tools in interpreting data and drawing meaningful conclusions from research studies. These quantitative methods allow me to uncover patterns, trends, and correlations that might otherwise remain hidden, without this research we wouldn't have so many of the helpful applied psychology concepts that we have today. I find it incredibly satisfying to use mathematical models and statistical techniques to reveal the underlying relationships between variables and phenomena, helping me to grasp human behavior and cognitive processes better. Math also adds a layer of objectivity to the field of psychology. It allows me to approach psychological questions and research logically and systematically, ensuring that my conclusions are grounded in evidence and not influenced by personal biases. There is this ongoing battle between the field of psychology being an art or a science. Without a few grounding layers like the one that math adds to psychological research, psychology wouldn't be such a widely known and recognized field and ultimately wouldn't have such an impact on society or the betterment of our population's mental and physical health. Beyond its applications in psychology, I find the beauty of math lies in its elegance and universality. It's a language that transcends cultural barriers and is applicable in various fields of study. I use math in my minor as well. Philosophy can also be one of those subjects where there is "no right answer, just deep biased thoughts" Then we get into laws of logic and many equations that can break down intricately structured arguments and simplify complex problems. Overall, my love for math stems from the realization that it is an essential tool for making sense of the world, especially in the context of psychology. Embracing math enables me to be a more effective and insightful psychologist. I am constantly excited to explore new mathematical techniques that can enhance my understanding of human behavior and mental processes.

First, to whoever may be reading: Please accept my deepest condolences and my greatest admiration for all you are doing in the memory of your loved one to make a chance for the future. My dad grew up in Pomona, Ca (one of the cities that borders the end of LA county); he lived in, raised his children in, worked in, served in, bought donuts in, said hello as he passed anyone on the street in, and died a premature death in that city. For the entire 46 years, he was on this earth, he knew exactly how real the problem of gun violence was in his hometown, and that fact alone shook me to my core the night he died. I lost my father in 2021 to gun violence, and for so long, I was broken, furious, and paralyzed by the overwhelming feeling of loss. I now know that instead of being frozen in that pain, I can use my career to change the future. For months following his death, everyone kept saying "he should have moved [to survive longer]," that he "outlived" other peers and other statements like that. These comments made me realize what a broken reality we are living in where gun violence is sad, sure, but still accepted. Not combated, not opposed, not even confined to the small city of Pomona, but simply a brutal part of reality in our society (and unfortunately, for our black community and even more critical reality). This pushed me to realize that if gun violence is bold enough to show up in my community daily, I can also be so bold. So I started showing up. Right now, I am involved in combatting trauma and fear that revolve around gun violence through healing conversations and art therapy. As I am studying psychology, I want to contribute to the field by using the understanding psychologists discover through research to create evidence-based strategies and implement them to solve problems and improve lives. We use psychology as a weapon against the things destroying our community every day and often do not even see it. So following my father's death, I started connecting with people about what his life and death meant to them. At first, I was consoling the bleeding hearts around me, but when I heard the disappointment and fear of who may be next, I realized... this conversation could not stop there. In the future, I want to do more. I have always wanted to start a non-profit organization (it is a life goal of mine), but these last six months have really warmed my heart to the idea that this non-profit needs to be a community center. After researching, I am inspired by Jane Addams and her friend, Ellen Gates Starr, who opened "Hull House" (shoutout to Chicago) in 1889. The women focused on vulnerable parties in their community opened up many opportunities to grow and support each other. I want to do that too. I can start a safe community space that educates people on skills and mental health (which can be a dicey topic in minority and lower-class communities though it hurts us more to ignore it). Most of all, I want this space to facilitate community, growth, and HOPE for a better future so we can start relying on each other instead of our anger, lack of resources, or lack of control being taken out on the neighborhood. I admit it is a big dream. But the first step is graduating.

Initially, I wanted to go into a helping profession because the one thing I really want to do in my job is to help people fill the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Eventually, I realized how much I would love to work with youth or young adults in the mental health field because I struggled with my mental health in my teen years, and I had a few people that played a pivotal role in supporting and guiding me during a critical phase of my life. Being a mental health professional allows me to help others, make a difference, and do my part. I am drawn to the field, like many, because I genuinely want to help others. I have always found fulfillment in supporting individuals, especially now with people struggling with mental health challenges, relationship issues, or other difficulties. I think it means so much to me because during my teen years, I struggled with mental health and relationship issues, and my therapist was my one safe space to be myself and not be afraid of getting backlash for that. Being able to make a positive impact on someone's life like that and help them overcome their challenges would be incredibly rewarding. Mental health awareness and destigmatization have become increasingly important in today's society. As a mental health professional, I could be crucial in supporting individuals' mental well-being, promoting resilience, and helping them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. I grew up in a low-income household with many Black, Latino, and immigrant backgrounds, so there were a lot of barriers when it came to talking about mental health. I hope one day I can start a conversation in someone’s family, remove barriers for someone struggling, or be a safe space for someone who felt as isolated as I did as a teen struggling with mental health issues. Finally, I want to do my part. As shared by the Association of American Medical Colleges, a lack of mental health professionals also means a lack of resources, lack of treatment, and overextension of professionals in the field. I want to be a part of making societal differences and individual differences, as I mentioned before. Still, I also want to contribute what little I have to be a part of something bigger. If we all did that, the mental health field would be much better. Ultimately, my passion for pursuing a career in therapy stems from a culmination of personal experiences, my desire to help others, and my belief in second chances and transformations that make a positive impact on people's lives.

I definitely want to go into a helping profession because the one thing I really want to do in my job is to help people fill the gap between where they are and where they want to be. I would love to work with youth or young adults in a therapeutic setting because I would play a pivotal role in supporting and guiding young individuals during a critical phase of their lives. Being a therapist allows me to help others, make a difference, and do my part. I am drawn to therapy, like many, because I genuinely want to help others. I personally find fulfillment in supporting individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges, relationship issues, or other difficulties. I think it means so much to me because during my teen years, I struggled with mental health and relationship issues, and my therapist was my one safe space to be myself. Being able to make a positive impact on someone's life like that and help them overcome their challenges would be incredibly rewarding. Mental health awareness and destigmatization have become increasingly important in today's society. As a therapist, I could play a crucial role in supporting individuals' mental well-being, promoting resilience, and helping them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. I know many people that are closed-minded even when beginning therapy, and through their treatment, they come to destigmatize their own beliefs about mental health. Being part of a field that addresses the significant mental health needs of individuals and contributes to the overall well-being of communities can be a powerful motivator and allow me to be a part of making a difference in how society sees mental health. Finally, I want to do my part. As shared by the Association of American Medical Colleges, a lack of mental health professionals also means a lack of resources, lack of treatment, and overextension of professionals in the field. I want to be a part of making societal differences and individual differences, as I mentioned before. Still, I also want to contribute what little I have to be a part of something bigger. If we all did that, the mental health field would be much better. Ultimately, my passion for pursuing a career in therapy stems from a culmination of personal qualities, my desire to help others, and my belief in the transformative power of therapy to make a positive impact on individuals' lives.

I definitely want to go into a helping profession because the one thing I really want to do in my job is to help people fill the gap between where they are and where they want to be. I would love to work with youth or young adults, but here are just a few career options I am exploring while in college. As a Nonprofit Program Coordinator, I would have the opportunity to make a positive impact on various social issues. I decided to add social work to my studies because, just studying psychology, I did not see a lot of immediate or measurable impact. In this position, I would manage programs that directly benefit individuals and communities in need. The fulfillment I'm seeking comes from seeing the tangible outcomes of my work, witnessing the positive changes I could help bring about, and knowing that I am contributing to people's lives and the betterment of society. Working as a Community Outreach Worker would allow me to directly engage with diverse populations and make a difference in their lives. I would have the chance to connect individuals with valuable resources, raise awareness about important social issues, and develop programs that address specific community needs. I work in student leadership on my campus, and I do all those things on a much smaller level, so I would love to be a part of something similar after graduating. The fulfillment in this job probably comes from building relationships, empowering individuals, and witnessing the positive impact my efforts could have on the community. As a Teens' Academic Success Coach, I would play a pivotal role in supporting and guiding young individuals during a critical phase of their lives. I have been a professional tutor for about 4 years now, and I love assisting my students in developing study skills, setting goals, and overcoming academic challenges. However, I do not have as much space to do that when students are so stressed about the immediate assignment or lesson, so having a different role (success coach instead of tutor) would allow for more holistic learning. The fulfillment comes from witnessing the growth and progress of the teens you coach, seeing them achieve their academic goals, and knowing that you have made a positive impact on their educational journey and future opportunities. In these careers, fulfillment often stems from the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others, contribute to social welfare, and witness the progress and positive outcomes that result from your efforts. All of these things fill me up in my daily life and current jobs so there is a sense of personal satisfaction that I believe would arise from aligning my values, passion for helping others, and the meaningful work I could engage in daily.

To me, it is crucial to maintain personal wellness on top of keeping up with academics, socializing, and personal engagements. My three go-to strategies are (1) allocating time outside, (2) maintaining a balanced diet, and (3) seeking support. This helps me navigate my college journey with a strong focus on well-being. I usually set aside some time to study or do homework in outdoor spaces, such as a campus lawn or a cozy corner of our quad’s outdoor seating. Fresh air and natural surroundings improve concentration and productivity and provide a much-needed break from the confines of classrooms or dorms/apartments. Using these outdoor spaces for social hangouts with friends also gives me more time for social connections while still nurturing my personal well-being. I consciously make nutritious choices to balance my diet because it fuels my body and mind for their best performance. Usually, I look at my plate for a fruit, a veggie, a whole grain, and a protein. Sometimes when things are missing in my meals throughout the day, I use a smoothie or powder to make up for what I am missing. Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding excessive caffeine or sugary beverages contribute to sustained energy levels and improved overall well-being. This can be hard when it is a part of college culture to have a coffee in your hand, but I find it a lot easier to have natural energy from eating well and taking care of myself than relying on caffeine boosts to get me through the day. Finding balance and effectively managing my workload is probably the most important rule for success and personal well-being as a student. I love my planner, green juice, and other tools that help me find balance. By practicing time management techniques such as setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and utilizing tools like calendars or to-do lists, I try to stay organized and ensure that important deadlines are met. One of my biggest tools is the blending technique. I mentioned an example earlier when I realized I needed more outside time. I could not fit it into my schedule, so I blended my outdoor engagement with studying and homework time to check a box off my personal and academic wellness maintenance lists. By balancing academics, self-care, and social activities, I can maintain a healthy, sustainable workload that promotes success while preserving my overall well-being. These non-negotiable techniques help me maintain personal wellness as a student, which is important because it directly impacts my personal and academic life. When prioritizing your well-being, I reap many benefits that positively influence my academic performance and overall college experience. Firstly, getting outside more often helps me manage my stress levels and remove the crutch of self-isolation. I have seen that being outside helps alleviate my anxiety and promotes my emotional well-being, leading to increased resilience and better mental clarity. Secondly, taking care of my physical health through proper nutrition and hydration helps improves my energy levels, concentration, and cognitive function. These benefits enhance my ability to focus during classes, absorb and retain information, and perform better on exams and assignments. Lastly, maintaining balance in my daily routine ensures I have time for academic pursuits and self-care activities, leading to a more sustainable and fulfilling college experience. By prioritizing personal wellness, students can thrive academically and cultivate a foundation for lifelong habits that promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Ultimately, prioritizing personal wellness has empowered me to optimize my academic potential, enjoy a more enriching college experience, and lay the foundation for long-term success.