For much of my early adulthood, I believed that strength meant endurance—that if I just pushed harder, worked longer, and stayed busy, I could outrun anything uncomfortable within me. As a Mexican-American woman in business and sales, I prided myself on being tough, dependable, and high-performing. But I didn’t yet understand the cost of constantly putting everything else before my own mental and emotional health. That changed in my late twenties, when my body and mind finally forced me to listen. At the time, I was in the thick of a demanding sales career, juggling long hours, impossible expectations, and a relentless internal pressure to prove myself. What I didn’t see then was how much I was using work - and alcohol - as distractions from the depression, anxiety, and undiagnosed ADHD I had quietly struggled with for years. I was always “on,” even when I was exhausted. Eventually, I began experiencing panic attacks and severe burnout, but I kept brushing it off as part of the grind. I didn’t yet understand that surving is not the same as living. The turning point came when I took a long, hard look at myself after a night of over-imbibing. I was deeply unhappy, and for the first time, I admitted that I was not okay. I didn’t want to keep numbing myself just to keep functioning. So I did something that went against everything I had been taught about "being strong": I slowed down. I got help. I prioritized therapy, got properly evaluated for ADHD, began healing my relationship with alcohol, and for the first time, truly began to care for myself - mentally, emotionally, and physically. What I learned from that chapter was this: putting yourself first is not selfish. It's paramount. And more than that, it’s the foundation for real growth, connection, and purpose. I began to discover who I was beneath the pressure, beneath the performance. I didn’t lose my ambition; I just started aiming it in a new direction. Now, as a 33-year-old non-traditional student studying psychology, preparing for medical school to become a psychiatrist, that lesson continues to shape how I move through life. I plan my studies with mindfulness. I build routines that protect my mental health. I reflect. I rest. And I no longer shame myself for needing support. My past taught me how destructive it can be to pretend everything is fine. My future is being built on honesty, balance, and intentional care; values I also want to pass on to the people I hope to serve in my career. I’ve learned that making my health a priority isn’t a one-time decision - it’s a daily one. It’s the reason I now show up in my relationships more grounded, in my studies more focused, and in my goals more certain. This journey has made me a better student, a better daughter, a better friend; and one day, it will make me a better doctor. I know the darkness people carry, because I’ve carried my own. And I also know the power of choosing to heal.

At 33, I’m returning to school as a non-traditional student, trading in a 15-year career in business and sales for a future rooted in service and healing. I’m majoring in psychology with the long-term goal of attending medical school and becoming a psychiatrist. This decision was not made lightly - it was forged through personal hardship, painful awakenings, and an unwavering belief that the mental health system must do better for people like me, and for the communities I come from. As a Mexican-American woman, I grew up in a culture where mental health was often stigmatized or ignored. That silence shaped me. For most of my life, I quietly battled depression, anxiety, and ADHD; conditions that were either misunderstood, dismissed, or, at times, over-diagnosed and over-medicated. I spent years cycling through providers who treated symptoms but never addressed the whole person. My identity, culture, and history were often left out of the conversation. I felt unseen, and worse, unheard. It took time, patience, and a lot of unlearning to find the right support; and in doing so, I found my purpose. That clarity deepened two years ago when my father was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Watching someone I love face a life-altering illness illuminated just how interconnected physical and mental health truly are. He needed more than treatment - he needed emotional support, advocacy, and culturally sensitive care. Our entire family did. This experience made me realize how often these needs go unmet, especially in communities of color. Much more recently, a close friend experienced a severe mental health crisis that ended in a police terrifying standoff. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but the trauma of that day - and everything that led up to it - left an indelible mark. He had been struggling silently, falling through the cracks of a system that too often confuses crisis with criminality. That moment cemented my resolve: I don’t just want to work in mental health - I want to change it. I bring a unique perspective to this field. My business background has honed my communication and leadership skills, my life experiences have given me something even more valuable: empathy, insight, and a deep understanding of what happens when the system fails. I know what it means to be misdiagnosed. To be overmedicated. To be treated like a diagnosis rather than a human being. And I know the power of finally being seen, heard, and properly supported. As a future psychiatrist, I am committed to bringing culturally competent, trauma-informed care to underserved and minority communities. I want to be a provider who takes the time to listen and to see each patient as a whole person. I plan to advocate for systemic reform, educate clinicians on the importance of cultural context, and create bilingual services that bridge the gap between medicine and humanity. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance - it would be an investment in someone who’s lived the gaps she wants to close. I am ready to bring change not just through credentials, but through compassion, representation, and lived experience. I've seen what it means to survive - and now I want to help others live.

At 33, my decision to return as a non-traditional student in pursuit of a degree in psychology and ultimately become a psychiatrist is not just a professional goal - it’s a deeply personal mission. I am returning to school after 15 years in business and sales, carrying with me a lifetime of lived experience that has shaped my commitment to mental health. I know what it means to struggle, to heal, and to hope - and I want to spend the rest of my life helping others navigate their own paths. I come from a loving, protective family, but also one where mental health and addiction were rarely discussed openly. Given that struggles with addiction flooded members of my extended family, my parents were cautious with my sisters and me. They did their best to shield me from harm, but I still stumbled. Like many young people trying to carve out their independence, I pushed back. I coped with stress, pressure, and identity struggles through binge drinking in my early adulthood. I would wake up in strange beds; to lost keys, malaise, and shame more often than I wanted to admit. For years, I fought myself, believing that I somehow deserved these feelings of regret, disgust, or humiliation. Taking the time to understand the root of my decisions, or asking for help wasn't a consideration because my parents discussed my alcoholic grandfather, or my gambling-addicted uncle, or my narcotic-abusing cousin in hushed whispers dripping with rancor. During these years, I learned how quickly pain can manifest in destructive ways when there is no safe outlet. My own mental health journey has included depression, anxiety, and ADHD. For years, I was misdiagnosed, overmedicated, and left to believe something was inherently wrong with me. It wasn’t until I found culturally competent care and began understanding the influence of environment, trauma, and identity that I finally started to heal - as a whole person. Meeting the right medical providers changed everything. I realized how powerful it is to feel seen - and how rare that is for many people, especially people of color, especially those without resources. More recently, a moment that reaffirmed my path occurred when a close friend of mine experienced a mental health crisis that ended in a police standoff. His long and difficult battle with addiction had chipped away at his stability, and the systems that were supposed to help him failed him time and time again. He was a kind, intelligent person, but he was drowning in pain with nowhere to turn. That day could have ended far worse, and the trauma of it still lingers. It solidified my conviction that mental health and addiction treatment must be more humane, accessible, and proactive. I want to become the kind of psychiatrist who listens before labeling, who sees beyond symptoms, and who understands the cultural, social, and generational contexts that shape mental health. I plan to serve communities like the one I grew up in - where stigma, fear, and a lack of representation still keep people from getting the help they need. I want to offer bilingual, trauma-informed, inclusive care that builds trust and breaks cycles. This scholarship would be an investment in someone who will bring not only academic ambition and professional discipline, but also lived experience, compassion, and a deep understanding of what it’s like to be pulled to safety. My mission is to make mental health care more human, just, and healing.

At 33, I’m returning to school as a non-traditional student, trading in a 15-year career in business and sales for a future rooted in service and healing. I’m majoring in psychology with the long-term goal of attending medical school and becoming a psychiatrist. This decision was not made lightly - it was forged through personal hardship, painful awakenings, and an unwavering belief that the mental health system must do better for people like me, and for the communities I come from. As a Mexican-American woman, I grew up in a culture where mental health was often stigmatized or ignored. That silence shaped me. For most of my life, I quietly battled depression, anxiety, and ADHD; conditions that were either misunderstood, dismissed, or, at times, over-diagnosed and over-medicated. I spent years cycling through providers who treated symptoms but never addressed the whole person. My identity, culture, and history were often left out of the conversation. I felt unseen, and worse, unheard. It took time, patience, and a lot of unlearning to find the right support; and in doing so, I found my purpose. That clarity deepened two years ago when my father was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Watching someone I love face a life-altering illness illuminated just how interconnected physical and mental health truly are. He needed more than treatment - he needed emotional support, advocacy, and culturally sensitive care. Our entire family did. This experience made me realize how often these needs go unmet, especially in communities of color. Much more recently, a close friend experienced a severe mental health crisis that ended in a police terrifying standoff. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but the trauma of that day - and everything that led up to it - left an indelible mark. He had been struggling silently, falling through the cracks of a system that too often confuses crisis with criminality. That moment cemented my resolve: I don’t just want to work in mental health - I want to change it. I bring a unique perspective to this field. My business background has honed my communication and leadership skills, but my life experiences have given me something even more valuable: empathy, insight, and a deep understanding of what happens when the system fails. I know what it means to be misdiagnosed. To be overmedicated. To be treated like a diagnosis rather than a human being. And I know the power of finally being seen, heard, and properly supported. As a future psychiatrist, I am committed to bringing culturally competent, trauma-informed care to underserved and minority communities. I want to be a provider who takes the time to listen and to see each patient as a whole person. I plan to advocate for systemic reform, educate clinicians on the importance of cultural context, and create bilingual services that bridge the gap between medicine and humanity. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance - it would be an investment in someone who’s lived the gaps she wants to close. I am ready to bring change not just through credentials, but through compassion, representation, and lived experience. I've seen what it means to survive - and now I want to help others live.

Being a first-generation Mexican-American college student means carrying the hopes and dreams of my immigrant family while navigating a path my parents built with blistered hands. My parents came to the United States with very limited formal education - my mother completed only the fifth grade in Mexico, and my father finished the second grade. There were more important things to do; finding a job and helping with the household. They left everything behind to provide their daughters with opportunities they never had. Their sacrifices and hard work have deeply shaped who I am and fuel my commitment to pursue higher education. Growing up in an immigrant household, education was always valued but also wrapped in challenges I didn’t fully understand as a child. My parents worked long hours in jobs with little security or flexibility. They didn’t have the experience or resources to guide me through the complex world of college applications, financial aid, or academic expectations. Being a first-gen college student means learning to advocate for myself, seek out mentors, and face obstacles without the safety net many others have. The immigrant experience has given me a unique perspective on resilience, sacrifice, and the power of opportunity. I’ve witnessed firsthand how cultural and economic barriers can limit access to education and healthcare, especially for women. This awareness motivates me to work not just for my own success, but to uplift others in communities like mine who often face systemic disadvantages. Mental health is a deeply personal issue in my family and community, but it’s rarely spoken about openly. I’ve struggled with ADHD, depression, and anxiety, often feeling isolated because of stigma. Watching a close friend go through a traumatic mental health crisis, a days-long police standoff during which I was directly involved, opened my eyes to the urgent need for compassionate mental health care that understands cultural nuances. This experience solidified my decision to pursue psychiatry and use my future career to bridge gaps in care for underrepresented populations. Volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) has also shaped my understanding of advocacy and compassion. Supporting children who face trauma and instability has reinforced my commitment to be a voice for those who are overlooked or marginalized. As a first-generation student from an immigrant family, I know this journey will not be easy. But I am driven by the sacrifices my parents made and the knowledge that my success can help break cycles of hardship for future generations. I want to inspire other young women from immigrant backgrounds to believe in themselves and their potential. My identity as a Mexican-American woman is not just a part of my story, it is the foundation of my purpose. I am ready to embrace the challenges ahead and use my education to make a meaningful difference in the world, especially for those who often go unheard.

Mental health has profoundly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations in ways that have been both painful and empowering. Growing up in a strict household where mental health was rarely discussed openly, I struggled silently with depression, anxiety, and later a diagnosis of ADHD. The stigma surrounding mental health in my family and community made it difficult for me to ask for help or even understand what I was going through. I spent many years feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and misunderstood. My parents, first-generation immigrants with very limited formal education worked tirelessly to build a better life for my siblings and me. Their sacrifices and unwavering determination have inspired me throughout my life. Yet, despite their love and support, they lacked the knowledge and resources to help me navigate my mental health challenges. Watching them struggle to understand what I faced deepened my resolve to break the cycle of silence and misunderstanding in my family and community. For many years, I dreamed of becoming a psychiatrist, but the long, daunting path and the fear of stigma held me back. It wasn’t until a harrowing experience involving a close friend that I knew I had to take the leap. My friend went through a days-long standoff with law enforcement triggered by a severe mental health crisis. During those 38 terrifying hours, he reached out to me, expressing feelings of hopelessness and paranoia. He barricaded himself inside his home, armed, telling me he was ready to be a martyr and that the police were his "oppressors in blue". I was terrified but stayed in contact with him, carefully crafting my responses so as not to escalate his psychosis, while also sharing crucial information with law enforcement to help keep everyone safe. This intense and personal experience made the realities of untreated mental illness painfully clear to me. It showed how easily misunderstandings can escalate into tragedy and highlighted the critical need for compassionate, knowledgeable mental health professionals who can intervene before crises reach such dangerous points. This moment was pivotal; it solidified my commitment to pursue psychiatry so I can be part of the solution for people like my friend, and for countless others suffering in silence. My desire to help others goes beyond this single experience. I have volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), working with children in the foster care system. Many of these children have experienced trauma, neglect, and instability that profoundly impact their mental health and development. Being an advocate for them has deepened my understanding of how systemic barriers and lack of access to mental health services can perpetuate cycles of pain and disadvantage. It has also strengthened my determination to become a mental health professional who brings empathy, cultural awareness, and a genuine commitment to social justice into clinical care. Throughout my life, I have also grappled with my own mental health struggles. I have been diagnosed with depression, generalized anxiety, and ADHD. My journey has been complicated by previous over-diagnosis and over-medication, making me keenly aware of the importance of personalized, patient-centered care. These experiences fuel my passion to change the mental health system, to help break down stigma, increase access to care, and foster understanding in communities where mental health is often taboo or misunderstood. I also bring with me the perspective of being a Hispanic, first-generation college student and a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated field. My parents’ sacrifices and my cultural identity have given me a deep appreciation for resilience and the importance of representation. I want to be a psychiatrist who not only treats mental illness but also advocates for underrepresented communities, ensuring that cultural and social factors are respected and integrated into care. As I prepare to begin my college journey and eventually enter medical school, I carry with me a profound sense of purpose. I aim to use my education and lived experience to provide compassionate, culturally competent care and to serve as a mentor and advocate for others navigating their own mental health challenges. This is more than a career goal; it is a personal mission born out of years of struggle, empathy, and a desire to be a beacon of hope for those who feel lost in the shadows. Through my work, I hope to change lives, just as the support and understanding I have received have changed mine.

My experience with mental health has profoundly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Growing up in a household where mental health was rarely discussed, I struggled silently with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. My parents immigrated from Mexico with limited education - my mother with a fifth-grade education and my father with only second grade - but with big dreams for their daughters. They worked tirelessly to build a better life, yet mental health was not a topic we could openly address. This silence left me feeling isolated and misunderstood during some of my most vulnerable moments. Despite these challenges, I found ways to support others who were struggling. One of the most meaningful roles I’ve taken on is as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer. CASA volunteers advocate for children in foster care, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests protected. Through this work, I witnessed firsthand how trauma and mental health struggles affect children and families. Many of these children faced instability, neglect, or abuse, and their emotional needs were often overlooked. Supporting them reinforced my belief in the critical importance of mental health care and advocacy from a young age. It also gave me the experience of being a steady, compassionate presence for those who feel invisible—a role I cherish deeply. My own mental health journey, combined with my volunteer work, has shaped my core belief that mental health is essential to overall well-being and must be treated with compassion and cultural sensitivity. I have seen how stigma and misunderstanding prevent people, especially from immigrant and underserved communities, from seeking the help they need. Mental health struggles often affect not only individuals but also their families and communities, making recovery a collective effort. A defining moment that deepened this belief occurred when a close friend experienced a severe mental health crisis. He barricaded himself in his home, armed and in psychosis, sending me messages filled with fear, anger, and confusion. He believed law enforcement were his "oppressors in blue" and that he was destined to be a martyr. Throughout the nearly 38-hour standoff, I carefully responded to his messages, avoiding escalating his distress, while simultaneously contacting 911 and providing police with detailed information to help resolve the situation peacefully. This harrowing experience underscored how critical compassionate communication, coordination, and cultural awareness are in mental health crises. Thankfully, my friend survived and is now receiving the care he needs. These experiences - my own struggles, my CASA work, and the crisis with my friend - have solidified my passion for mental health advocacy and care. I plan to pursue a career in psychiatry to provide culturally competent, empathetic care to individuals from communities like mine, where mental health resources are limited and stigma remains strong. As a first-generation college student and a woman, I also understand the additional obstacles many face when entering healthcare fields and am committed to using my education to be a role model and advocate for others. Mental health has influenced my relationships by teaching me the power of empathy and the importance of truly listening to others’ experiences. It has also given me resilience - the ability to face challenges head-on and keep moving forward. My parents’ sacrifices and perseverance inspire me every day, and their belief in education as a path to a better life fuels my determination to succeed. In my future career, I want to be a source of hope and healing for patients who feel isolated or misunderstood. I want to create safe, welcoming spaces where mental health is treated with dignity and care, where cultural backgrounds are honored, and where no one has to suffer in silence. My journey has taught me that mental health care is not just about treating illness; it’s about fostering connection, understanding, and empowerment. In summary, my lived experience with mental health, combined with my work advocating for vulnerable children as a CASA volunteer, has shaped my worldview and given me a clear purpose. I am committed to breaking down stigma, improving access to culturally sensitive mental health care, and supporting underserved communities as a future psychiatrist. My story is one of struggle, resilience, and hope; and I am determined to use my voice and education to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

I am the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants who arrived in this country with limited education but limitless determination. My mother left school after fifth grade; my father after second. They came to the United States with hope, grit, and a vision: to give their daughters a better life. I am a first-generation college student, and while my path has not been linear, it has been deeply rooted in that same sense of purpose - to rise, and to help others rise with me. For the past 15 years, I have worked in business, building a career from the ground up and eventually becoming the first woman promoted to General Manager at my company. But the work that has always called to me, the work that fills me with purpose, is in mental healthcare. I’ve served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), volunteered from a young age in my community, and informally counseled countless friends, colleagues, and even strangers through crises, simply because I’m someone people trust. And I never take that trust for granted. My own mental health journey has shaped who I am. I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, and generalized anxiety. I’ve experienced what it means to be over-diagnosed, misunderstood, and overlooked in the healthcare system. I’ve also experienced healing - slow, real, imperfect - through therapy and community. And I want to use everything I’ve learned, both personally and professionally, to become the psychiatrist I needed when I was younger. Recently, a close friend experiencing psychosis and suicidal ideation barricaded himself in his home for 38 hours with automatic weapons. He reached out to me during the crisis, texting about his plan to be a martyr. I remained in contact the entire time, offering steady, careful responses while working with law enforcement to prevent tragedy. He survived. That experience solidified what I already knew: that the right words, the right support, and the right training can make the difference between life and death. I am pursuing a career in psychiatry because mental health is not just a medical issue, it's a social justice issue. Many of the people most in need of care are the least likely to receive it, especially those from underrepresented, immigrant, and low-income communities. I hope to change that. Cade’s story touched me deeply. He was just starting to follow his calling to help others through drug and alcohol counseling. I share that same passion. I want to use my experiences - the pain, the survival, the lessons - to reach people before it’s too late. I want to listen to the people who think no one cares, and show them they matter. I want to be a light in the moments when the world feels unbearably dark. Cade’s legacy is one of empathy, energy, and boundless care. I hope to carry that forward with purpose, with compassion, and with unwavering commitment to being someone others can count on.

I am the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants who arrived in this country with limited education but limitless determination. My mother left school after fifth grade; my father after second. They came to the United States with hope, grit, and a vision: to give their daughters a better life. I am a first-generation college student, and while my path has not been linear, it has been deeply rooted in that same sense of purpose - to rise, and to help others rise with me. For the past 15 years, I have worked in business, building a career from the ground up and eventually becoming the first woman promoted to General Manager at my company. But the work that has always called to me, the work that fills me with purpose, is in mental healthcare. I’ve served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), volunteered from a young age in my community, and informally counseled countless friends, colleagues, and even strangers through crises, simply because I’m someone people trust. And I never take that trust for granted. My own mental health journey has shaped who I am. I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, and generalized anxiety. I’ve experienced what it means to be overdiagnosed, misunderstood, and overlooked in the healthcare system. I’ve also experienced healing - slow, real, imperfect - through therapy and community. And I want to use everything I’ve learned, both personally and professionally, to become the psychiatrist I needed when I was younger. Recently, a close friend experiencing psychosis and suicidal ideation barricaded himself in his home for 38 hours with automatic weapons. He reached out to me during the crisis, texting about his plan to be a martyr. I remained in contact the entire time, offering steady, careful responses while working with law enforcement to prevent tragedy. He survived. That experience solidified what I already knew: that the right words, the right support, and the right training can make the difference between life and death. I am pursuing a career in psychiatry because mental health is not just a medical issue, it's a social justice issue. Many of the people most in need of care are the least likely to receive it, especially those from underrepresented, immigrant, and low-income communities. I hope to change that. In the spirit of Catrina Celestine Aquilino, whose compassion crossed borders and who believed deeply in justice and dignity for all people, I intend to cast my own circle wide. I want to offer culturally competent, accessible care that doesn’t just treat symptoms but affirms the humanity of every patient. I want to give people their power back. My family’s sacrifices brought me here. My community’s struggles drive me forward. With this opportunity, I hope to carry Catrina’s legacy by helping others find healing, hope, and a future they may not yet believe they deserve; but absolutely do.

I am pursuing a degree in psychiatry because I have seen firsthand the deep and often invisible wounds mental illness can leave - not only in my own life, but in the lives of those around me. As a first-generation college student, daughter of Mexican immigrants with elementary-level educations, and someone from a working-class background, I understand what it feels like to face emotional struggles without access to the resources or support systems so many take for granted. My path to healthcare wasn’t traditional. For the past 15 years, I built a successful career in business and sales, eventually becoming the first woman promoted to General Manager in an employee-owned company. While I’m proud of the barriers I’ve broken, I’ve always known my deeper purpose lies in helping others heal; especially those in marginalized communities where mental health is often stigmatized, ignored, or misunderstood. My own journey with mental health is complex. I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, generalized anxiety, and depression. I’ve spent years in therapy, learning how to manage and grow — not just for myself, but for my family and my marriage. I’ve also been on the other side: helping others in their darkest hours. Most notably, I helped a close friend through a 38-hour armed standoff during a mental health crisis. He reached out to me during the episode, and I worked carefully to keep communication open and calm, while relaying critical information to law enforcement to prevent a tragic outcome. He survived - and that experience affirmed what I already knew: my calling is to be a guide, an advocate, and a professional source of hope for those who feel lost. I come from a family that always put others first. My father was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer two years ago. My mother retired early to become his full-time caregiver. Their strength, devotion, and belief in building a better future for their children is what fuels me. I want to honor their sacrifices by doing meaningful work in a field where empathy is as essential as expertise. Through psychiatry, I hope to build a practice that centers on accessible, culturally competent care. I want to reach communities where mental health has been overlooked or treated as a luxury, and make emotional support a right, not a privilege. With this degree, I will offer the kind of care that can change - and sometimes save - lives.

Mental health is more than a career path for me - it’s been a lived mission. Growing up in a first-generation Mexican-American household, I learned resilience from watching my parents. My mother, who only had a fifth-grade education, and my father, with a second-grade education, came to the U.S. with nothing but hope. They built a life through sheer grit, hard work, and sacrifice. Emotional needs often took a back seat to survival; not because they didn’t care, but because no one had ever modeled what mental health care looked like. That silence taught me how damaging it is when people don’t have the words, support, or safety to express their pain. As someone who has battled ADHD, depression, and generalized anxiety - and who has been over-diagnosed and over-medicated in the past - I know how terrifying it can feel to navigate mental illness alone. And that’s exactly why I have spent much of my adult life helping others carry that weight. From being a trusted leader in my workplace to serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), I’ve tried to show up for others the way I once needed. As a general manager and the first woman promoted to that role in my company, I’ve worked to build a culture that makes mental wellness a priority. I’ve had team members disclose anxiety, burnout, or trauma — and instead of looking away, I’ve listened, offered support, and connected them with resources. Most powerfully, I helped a close friend through a life-threatening mental health crisis. He barricaded himself in his home with automatic weapons, experiencing psychosis. For 38 hours, I remained in contact with him, carefully curating every response so as not to escalate the situation. Behind the scenes, I coordinated with law enforcement to ensure they had every detail possible to avoid violence. He survived; and I carry that moment as proof of how connection can literally save lives. As I begin my path toward becoming a psychiatrist, I will carry all of these stories with me. I’ve been the one in need. I’ve been the one helping. I want to bridge that gap for others with compassion, cultural understanding, and real human care.

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and what specifically motivates you. If you could do anything with your life, what do you imagine you’d do? My name is Kathy Velasquez, and I am a 33-year-old first-generation college student, Latina, and the proud daughter of two Mexican immigrants. My mother only reached fifth grade, and my father completed second grade. Yet, they left everything they knew behind and came to the U.S. with dreams they never got to fulfill - for their daughters to have better opportunities. Watching them work tirelessly in jobs that offered little recognition or security taught me the value of perseverance, humility, and strength in silence. What motivates me is the desire to break cycles - of poverty, of silence around mental health, of generational limitations. I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety, and ADHD for years. I’ve also been misdiagnosed and over-medicated, which only intensified my commitment to understanding the mind. These challenges are not just part of my story - they’re the reason I feel called to psychiatry. A deeply personal turning point came when a close friend went into a severe mental health crisis and barricaded himself in a 38-hour armed standoff with police. He reached out to me, sharing messages of delusion, martyrdom, and despair. I remained calm, carefully crafting responses while working with law enforcement to protect him and others. He survived, but that experience deeply changed me. It ignited something I couldn’t ignore - a calling to help others like him and like myself. If I could do anything, it would be to become a psychiatrist who not only treats but truly sees her patients. I want to be someone who can bridge understanding between science, lived experience, and compassion. I want to ensure people who feel hopeless know they aren’t alone and that healing is possible - even for those who feel forgotten. 2. What excites you about STEM? How do you feel you could make a positive impact on the world through a job in information technology? What excites me about STEM is its power to transform the way we understand and solve the world's most complex problems. For me, STEM is more than innovation and data—it’s a platform to make empathy scalable. While psychiatry is my path, I know that information technology is a crucial ally in making mental healthcare more accessible, inclusive, and human-centered. As someone who has navigated mental health challenges and felt unseen by the system, I’m passionate about leveraging technology to fix the very gaps I’ve fallen through. Telehealth, mental wellness apps, AI-driven diagnostics - these innovations can reach people who are too scared, too isolated, or too underserved to get help. I believe we can use technology to make emotional support feel less like a luxury and more like a right. As a woman in STEM, I know I face unique barriers. I’ve already overcome some of them - rising through the ranks in a male-dominated industry, becoming the first woman to be promoted to general manager at my company. But representation alone isn’t enough. I want to bring voice, perspective, and empathy to the development of tools that care for real people, not just users on a screen. Through IT and healthcare, I aim to create systems where compassion meets innovation; where young people in crisis don’t slip through the cracks, where cultural stigma doesn’t stop someone from seeking help, where technology doesn’t just connect us, but helps us heal. STEM gives me hope, and I intend to use it to give that same hope to others. 3. Please describe the greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome and how you managed to get past it. The greatest challenge I’ve faced has been managing my own mental health while navigating life as a woman, a leader, a first-generation student, and a daughter of immigrants. I’ve lived most of my life silently battling depression, generalized anxiety, and ADHD. These weren’t always words I had - just feelings of being overwhelmed, scattered, never quite good enough, despite doing everything I could to succeed. Growing up, my family didn’t have the language for mental health. My parents were too busy surviving, and therapy wasn’t even on the radar. I internalized the idea that strength meant silence. But silence almost broke me. There were years I was misdiagnosed, over-medicated, or dismissed. I kept performing in my career, eventually becoming the first woman promoted to general manager at my company - but inside, I was burning out. As I mentioned earlier, a close friend, in the throes of a mental health crisis, barricaded himself in a standoff with police, armed and ready to die. He reached out to me directly. I was terrified, unsure what to say, how not to make things worse. For nearly two days, I stayed in contact with him, delicately responding, while working with law enforcement to keep everyone safe. Thankfully, he survived. That experience forced me to confront the fragility of life, the urgency of compassionate care, and the depth of my own calling. Since then, I’ve committed to therapy, reflection, and embracing my story; not as weakness, but as strength. I’m now pursuing higher education with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist who can truly understand the people she treats. My greatest challenge became my greatest clarity: the world doesn’t just need more doctors or more tech, it needs people willing to meet others exactly where they are and guide them gently forward.

Growing up as the daughter of two immigrant parents with limited formal education - my mother with a fifth-grade education and my father with only a second-grade education - I have always been deeply aware of the power of sacrifice, resilience, and determination. My parents came to the United States with dreams bigger than what they had experienced, fueled by hope and the desire to create a better future for their daughters. They worked tirelessly, often facing hardship and uncertainty, but never gave up on their vision of opportunity and success. Their dedication laid the foundation for my ambition to pursue higher education and build a career that makes a difference. As a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated field, I have personally experienced the barriers women face in professional and academic spaces. Women are often dismissed, interrupted, or discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM and healthcare, fields where our perspectives are desperately needed. These obstacles are not just frustrating, they deny women the chance to lead and contribute fully. Becoming the first woman promoted to general manager at an employee-owned company was not easy. I had to prove myself repeatedly, overcome bias, and challenge assumptions about women’s leadership. This strengthened my resolve to break down barriers not only for myself but for other women. Mental health is a cause close to my heart not only because of my own struggles with depression and anxiety but also a recent experience with a close friend. He was involved in a days-long standoff with police during a mental health crisis. Armed and distraught, he reached out to me directly. I felt powerless but stayed present - carefully managing my responses, contacting law enforcement with key details, and doing everything I could to support a peaceful resolution. Thankfully, he survived and is now receiving help. This ordeal showed me how critical compassionate mental health care and crisis intervention are. I want to become a psychiatrist who not only provides expert care but advocates for mental health equity, especially for women and marginalized communities. Women face unique mental health challenges and stigma, making access to care difficult. I want to change that by breaking down barriers and ensuring women’s mental health is taken seriously. My family’s story also motivates me. Two years ago, my father was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Though I live 2,000 miles away, I witnessed my mother become his full-time caregiver, showing strength and sacrifice that have been constants in my life. Their resilience reminded me how crucial empathy and support are in healthcare; not just for patients but for families. These lessons inspire me to approach psychiatry with scientific rigor and heartfelt compassion. As a first-generation college student and woman in STEM, I recognize the obstacles ahead - financial challenges, adapting to academics, and confronting stereotypes - but I am committed to overcoming them. I prioritize my mental health with therapy, mindfulness, and strong organizational skills to maintain balance throughout my studies and career. This scholarship is not only financial support; it is an investment in a woman determined to uplift others. I aspire to be a leader who breaks down barriers for women in STEM and healthcare, advocates for mental health awareness, and inspires future generations. With this scholarship, I will honor my parents’ sacrifices, advance women’s representation, and make a lasting difference.

As a first-generation, non-traditional student and a woman preparing to embark on my higher education journey, I carry with me the strength of overcoming many obstacles; both personal and professional. My identity as a woman has profoundly shaped my worldview and fueled my determination to break barriers in STEM, a field where women remain underrepresented and often face unique challenges. Though I have not yet formally studied STEM, my 15-year career climbing the ladder in sales and business leadership has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of persistence - qualities I will bring with me as I pursue a career in psychiatry, blending science, medicine, and compassion to serve others. Throughout my life, I have faced mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, which have often been misunderstood or overlooked. These struggles, combined with the experience of being a woman in environments that are frequently dominated by men, have made me intimately familiar with the obstacles women face in demanding careers. I have had to fight for recognition, prove my capabilities repeatedly, and learn to advocate not only for myself but for others who face similar hurdles. This ongoing journey has strengthened my resolve to be a leader and advocate for women in STEM, mental health awareness, and equitable healthcare. One of my proudest achievements was becoming the first woman promoted to general manager at an employee-owned company. Leading in a traditionally male environment was not without its challenges; I had to navigate biases, manage high expectations, and constantly demonstrate my value. This experience sharpened my leadership skills, taught me the importance of collaboration, and proved to me that women belong in positions of power and influence. I am determined to carry this mindset forward as I transition into STEM and healthcare, fields that desperately need diverse voices and perspectives. My family’s story has also deeply impacted my path. Two years ago, my father was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Though I live 2,000 miles away, I witnessed my mother become his full-time caregiver, a sacrifice that highlighted the emotional and physical toll illness takes on families. My father’s unwavering positivity and strength during this difficult time taught me about resilience, hope, and the critical need for compassionate care. These lessons inspire me to contribute to psychiatric care that treats patients holistically; addressing both mind and body. As a first-generation college student, I am aware of the barriers I will face - from adapting to the rigors of academic life to managing financial and personal pressures. But I have learned to prioritize my mental health through therapy, mindfulness, and disciplined planning. These tools have been crucial in helping me stay focused and balanced, and I will continue to rely on them to succeed in the demanding world of STEM education. This scholarship represents more than financial aid - it is a beacon of support and validation for women like me who are ready to break down stereotypes, build knowledge, and create change. I am eager to join a community of passionate, driven women who are ready to lead the future of STEM with curiosity, courage, and compassion. In conclusion, my journey as a woman overcoming obstacles, my leadership experience, and my commitment to science and mental health uniquely position me to contribute meaningfully to STEM. I am excited to pursue my dream of becoming a psychiatrist, advancing care for underserved populations, and inspiring other women to shatter barriers and follow their passions.

Although I have not yet started college, my journey living with ADHD has profoundly shaped how I view the world and my place within it. For many years, I struggled with feelings of being misunderstood, largely because my mental health challenges were not properly identified. I was overdiagnosed and overmedicated multiple times, which left me feeling frustrated, confused, and sometimes hopeless. It was only recently that I received an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and began working closely with a therapist to develop effective strategies to manage my symptoms and improve my well-being. This process has been transformational, allowing me to embrace my neurodivergence and realize that my brain’s unique wiring is not a flaw sometimes a superpower. My personal experience with ADHD has inspired me to pursue a career in psychiatry with a focus on neurodiversity and mental health care for underserved communities. I want to help others who, like me, have felt lost or mislabeled by a healthcare system that often fails to recognize the nuances of ADHD - especially in women and minorities, who are frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. I believe that by becoming a psychiatrist, I can contribute to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote a more compassionate, individualized approach to treatment. In addition to navigating my own mental health challenges, I bring a strong foundation of leadership and perseverance from my 15 years working in sales and business. I was proud to become the first woman promoted to general manager at my employee-owned company. This achievement taught me valuable lessons about self-advocacy, resilience, and communication; skills that have helped me manage my ADHD and will serve me well as I enter higher education and the healthcare field. Leading a team and breaking gender barriers reinforced my belief that obstacles can be overcome with determination and support. My family’s experiences have also deeply influenced my perspective. Two years ago, my father was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Living 2,000 miles away, I was unable to be physically present as my mother retired early to become his full-time caregiver. Watching my father confront his illness with an unwavering positive attitude inspired me tremendously. His resilience and hope taught me about the importance of mindset and emotional strength in facing adversity. This family journey has underscored the vital connection between physical and mental health, and strengthened my desire to pursue a career where I can help others find hope and healing in difficult times. Currently, I am preparing to start college as a first-generation, non-traditional student. I am committed to prioritizing my mental health throughout this journey by maintaining therapy, using structured planning tools, mindfulness, and creating supportive routines. These practices help me manage the executive functioning challenges that come with ADHD and maintain balance in my personal and academic life. Receiving this scholarship would provide crucial support as I embark on this new chapter. More importantly, it would validate my mission to raise awareness about ADHD and advocate for those whose struggles often go unseen. My lived experience fuels my passion to create change; not only by advancing my education but by becoming a voice for neurodiverse individuals and helping to build a more understanding and inclusive mental health system. In sum, my journey with ADHD and mental health, my leadership experience, and my family’s challenges have all prepared me to approach higher education and my future career with empathy, resilience, and determination. I am excited to contribute to the ADHD community and the field of psychiatry, helping others embrace their unique strengths and find the support they deserve.

My inspiration to pursue a career in women’s health, particularly in the area of mental health, is rooted deeply in both lived experience and professional insight. As a Hispanic woman, a first-generation college student, and a non-traditional student who has spent the last 15 years working in leadership and business, I’ve witnessed firsthand the silent struggles many women endure - particularly those from marginalized or under-served communities. For most of my life, I watched the women around me sacrifice their emotional and physical well-being for the sake of their families. In my culture, mental health isn’t something openly discussed. Women are expected to carry everything - childrearing, caregiving, income, grief, trauma - and do so with strength and silence. I internalized this growing up, believing I had to suppress personal challenges and push forward no matter what. It wasn’t until adulthood, and particularly after my father was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, that I began to understand the toll this mindset takes - not only on individuals but on entire communities. At the time of my father’s diagnosis, I was living 2,000 miles away, managing a large team as a general manager—the first woman ever promoted to that position at my company. I was juggling the pressure of executive responsibility while trying to support my mother, who retired early to become his caregiver. The emotional toll was immense. I began to see how little support there is for women in caregiving roles, especially women of color who are often expected to give without limit and receive little in return. Around the same time, a close friend of mine experienced a severe mental health crisis that led to a 38-hour standoff with police. He reached out to me directly, sharing delusional thoughts and suicidal ideation. I coordinated with law enforcement while carefully responding to him in hopes of de-escalating the situation. Thankfully, it ended without tragedy. But it left a deep impact on me; highlighting the extreme consequences of unaddressed mental illness and the lack of crisis response structures rooted in empathy and understanding. These experiences pushed me to reevaluate my path. While I had built a successful career in business, I knew I wanted to do more - to directly help people, especially women, navigate mental health challenges with compassion and cultural sensitivity. I returned to school with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist, focusing on women’s mental health and working to reduce stigma in Hispanic and immigrant communities. I am particularly passionate about providing trauma-informed care, improving access for underserved women, and reshaping the narrative around mental health in families like mine. I want to work in clinical settings, but also in advocacy - designing outreach programs, facilitating education, and creating safe spaces for women to seek help without shame. I hope to combine my leadership experience with medical training to build programs that don’t just treat symptoms, but address systemic issues like generational trauma, lack of representation, and cultural silence around mental illness. Though I don’t yet have published research or a formal academic platform, what I bring to this field is a deep commitment to service, a lived understanding of the gaps in care, and a vision for a future where women - regardless of background - have access to the support they need to thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically. My identity and my journey have brought me to this calling. And I intend to use everything I’ve learned to give back in a way that’s personal, powerful, and lasting.

As a first-generation immigrant and first in my family to attend college, my identity has shaped me into someone who leads with resilience, empathy, and purpose. My parents came to this country with nothing but determination. Education was always the dream; but without the roadmap, I had to build it myself. For 15 years, I worked my way up in the professional world, eventually becoming the first woman promoted to general manager at my company. But despite my success, I felt a calling to return to school and pursue psychiatry - driven by the silent struggles I saw in my community, and within my own family. When my father was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, I watched from 2,000 miles away as my mother retired early to care for him. The emotional toll was immense. Around the same time, a close friend experienced a mental health crisis that led to a 38-hour police standoff. I found myself to be a lifeline carefully navigating communication with him while coordinating with law enforcement to help save his life. These moments showed me how deeply mental health is misunderstood, stigmatized, and overlooked; especially in immigrant and Hispanic communities. I’ve lived the gaps in our system. Now, I want to be part of closing them. Returning to college with financial challenges and adult responsibilities hasn’t been easy. But my identity rooted in grit, compassion, and lived experience is my greatest strength. I’m not just earning a degree. I’m reclaiming generational hope.

I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare, specifically in psychiatry, because of the profound and personal impact that mental health has had on my life and those around me. Growing up in a Hispanic family, I witnessed firsthand how mental health challenges are often met with silence, stigma, and misunderstanding. In many Hispanic communities, emotional struggles are not openly discussed, and seeking help can be viewed as a sign of weakness or failure. This cultural barrier prevents many individuals from receiving the care they need, leading to isolation, untreated illness, and unnecessary suffering. These realities ignited a deep passion within me to become a healthcare provider who can help bridge this gap. My father’s battle with stage 3 colon cancer brought these issues into sharp focus. His illness affected not only his physical health but also the emotional well-being of our entire family. My mother retired early to care for him full-time, sacrificing her own career and personal goals. I lived thousands of miles away during this difficult time, and while I couldn’t be there physically, I learned from my father’s resilience and positive outlook. However, I also witnessed how the emotional and psychological strain affected our family. This experience underscored for me the importance of holistic care - treating the whole person, not just the illness. My passion for psychiatry and mental health care deepened through a recent, intense experience with a close friend who endured a severe mental health crisis. During a 38-hour police standoff, my friend barricaded himself in his home with fully automatic weapons, expressing feelings of martyrdom and distrust toward law enforcement. Throughout this harrowing ordeal, I maintained careful communication with him, as well as with law enforcement, providing critical information to help ensure a peaceful resolution. This crisis highlighted the urgent need for better mental health crisis intervention and culturally sensitive care. It also revealed how stigma and mistrust, especially in marginalized communities, can escalate mental health emergencies. Witnessing this firsthand solidified my commitment to pursuing psychiatry, so I can advocate for improved mental health services and support for individuals facing similar challenges. As a woman entering the healthcare field, I am especially motivated to make a positive impact by breaking down barriers and serving as a role model for others. I am proud to have been the first woman promoted to general manager at my employee-owned company, where I developed strong leadership skills and learned the importance of resilience, empathy, and advocacy. Navigating a traditionally male-dominated environment taught me to listen carefully, foster inclusive environments, and uplift diverse voices; all skills that are essential in healthcare. Moreover, being a first-generation, non-traditional college student has given me a unique perspective on perseverance and empathy. I understand the challenges of navigating new academic and professional paths, and these experiences will help me connect deeply with patients who may feel isolated or misunderstood. My goal is to provide culturally competent care that respects patients’ backgrounds, values their experiences, and empowers them on their journey to mental wellness. Ultimately, pursuing a degree in healthcare is not just a career choice for me - it is a calling. I want to contribute to a healthcare system that prioritizes mental health, reduces stigma, and increases access to compassionate, effective care for underrepresented communities. Through psychiatry, I hope to make a lasting difference by fostering healing, understanding, and hope for individuals and families who have long been overlooked.

Throughout my professional journey, I have had the opportunity to demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, particularly in my current role as the general manager of an employee-owned company. Being the first woman promoted to this position in the company’s history has been both a tremendous honor and a significant challenge. This experience has shaped my leadership style and fueled my commitment to fostering inclusive environments, which I plan to carry forward into my future career in psychiatry. When I was promoted to general manager, I faced a number of challenges. The company had a longstanding culture dominated by male leadership, and as the first woman stepping into this role, I encountered skepticism and resistance. Many colleagues were accustomed to traditional leadership approaches and were uncertain about changes I proposed. Additionally, the role required managing diverse teams with varying expectations, navigating complex business operations, and maintaining high performance amid evolving market conditions. To overcome these challenges, I focused on building trust through transparent communication and active listening. I prioritized understanding the perspectives of my team members, fostering open dialogue, and encouraging collaboration. I implemented regular team meetings that emphasized shared goals and mutual accountability, which helped align everyone’s efforts and increase engagement. I also championed professional development opportunities to empower employees and support their growth within the company. One of the most impactful strategies I employed was promoting inclusivity and diversity as core values. I actively sought to recognize and amplify the contributions of all team members, ensuring that voices previously unheard were acknowledged. This approach not only improved morale but also enhanced creativity and problem-solving, leading to more innovative business solutions. Under my leadership, the company experienced measurable improvements in team cohesion and productivity. Employee satisfaction surveys reflected increased engagement and a stronger sense of belonging. The operational changes I introduced contributed to steady growth, and the company navigated market challenges more effectively. More importantly, my role as a trailblazer inspired other women in the organization to pursue leadership roles, gradually shifting the company culture toward greater gender equity. This leadership journey has prepared me to make a positive difference in my future career as a psychiatrist. The skills I developed - effective communication, empathy, team building, and advocacy - are essential in the mental health field. I understand the importance of listening deeply, building trust, and creating safe environments where individuals feel valued and supported. My experience leading diverse teams will help me work collaboratively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care. Furthermore, my commitment to inclusivity and breaking barriers will guide me in addressing mental health disparities in underrepresented communities. I am passionate about reducing stigma, increasing access to culturally competent care, and empowering individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. In conclusion, my leadership experience as a general manager has been transformative, equipping me with the tools and mindset to drive meaningful change. I am eager to apply these skills in psychiatry to advocate for vulnerable populations, foster healing, and contribute to a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system.

The problem I am most obsessed with solving is the stigma surrounding mental health and the lack of access to adequate mental health care in underrepresented communities. This issue has become deeply personal through my family’s experience and a recent crisis involving a close friend, which together have shown me the urgent need for compassionate, culturally sensitive mental health support. Two years ago, my father was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. As the head of our household, his diagnosis rocked our family’s foundation. My mother made the difficult decision to retire early to care for him full-time, putting her own health and career on hold. Meanwhile, I lived 2,000 miles away, feeling powerless and overwhelmed by the distance and the uncertainty. Throughout this time, the emotional and mental toll on my family was immense, but in our Hispanic culture, mental health is rarely discussed openly. Strength is often equated with silence, and seeking emotional help is seen as a sign of weakness. Watching my family navigate this without support made me painfully aware of how stigma can prevent healing and strain relationships. This awareness deepened recently when a good friend of mine was involved in a days-long standoff with police during a mental health crisis. He reached out to me directly during that frightening time, and I felt utterly hopeless - unable to provide the support he desperately needed or influence the outcome. Thankfully, he survived and is now receiving the care that had long been out of reach. This incident underscored for me the serious gaps that exist in our mental health care system, especially when it comes to crisis intervention and culturally appropriate support for marginalized communities. These experiences have fueled my passion to become a psychiatrist who bridges the gap between science, culture, and compassion. I want to work toward reducing mental health stigma in Hispanic and other underrepresented communities, increasing access to mental health resources, and creating safe, supportive environments where people feel comfortable seeking help. My own journey as a Hispanic woman, a first-generation college student, and a non-traditional student entering STEM has also been marked by challenges related to mental health. Navigating unfamiliar academic and professional environments while managing my own struggles has given me empathy and resilience. It has also strengthened my resolve to advocate for others who may feel isolated or misunderstood. Through my future career, I plan to provide care that honors cultural values while promoting openness and healing. I want to be a voice for those who have been overlooked and help reshape how mental health is perceived and treated in communities like mine. This problem - mental health stigma and inequity - is deeply personal and urgent. It shapes my educational goals and fuels my determination to make a lasting difference, not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

My name is Kathy Velasquez. I am a 33-year-old first-generation college student, a non-traditional learner, and someone who is about to begin a new chapter after spending the past 15 years building a successful career in sales, leadership, and business. As a Hispanic woman, my cultural background has had a profound impact on how I see the world, how I approach challenges, and why I am now pursuing a career in psychiatry. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I was raised with strong values centered on family, hard work, humility, and perseverance. My parents taught me the importance of resilience and resourcefulness. We were taught to make the most of what we had, to put others before ourselves, and to push forward even when the odds were stacked against us. There was an unspoken expectation to be strong, to take care of our families, to keep going, and to rarely, if ever, talk about things like mental health. While these values gave me strength and determination, they also made me realize how difficult it can be for people in my community to seek help or admit when they’re struggling. My father’s recent battle with stage 3 colon cancer highlighted both the strengths and the blind spots in our cultural approach to hardship. Despite the seriousness of his diagnosis, he survived by focusing on the positive and drawing strength from our family’s unwavering support. Watching him persevere was deeply inspiring, and it reminded me that healing is not just about medicine; it’s also about mindset, community, and belief. However, the emotional toll on our family was heavy, and like many Hispanic families, we bore it quietly. It was this experience that helped me realize how urgently mental health needs to be addressed in culturally sensitive ways - ways that honor our values while opening the door to healing. These personal and cultural insights have led me to pursue a career in psychiatry. My goal is to become a mental health professional who understands the cultural barriers many people face when seeking care, and who can build trust with patients who may feel misunderstood in traditional clinical settings. I want to help change the narrative around mental health in Hispanic and other underrepresented communities - moving away from silence and toward openness, support, and empowerment. Though I am just beginning my formal education in science, I bring years of life and work experience to the table. I have led teams, mentored peers, and overcome significant personal and professional challenges. I believe these experiences, paired with my cultural background, have equipped me with a deep sense of empathy, adaptability, and a desire to serve. My Hispanic heritage shapes not only how I see the world but how I want to change it. It’s given me a sense of responsibility to uplift others, and a drive to use my voice and future profession to make a real, lasting impact in the lives of those who need it most.

My name is Kathy Velasquez, and I am a 33-year-old first-generation college student preparing to begin my journey into higher education after spending the past 15 years building a successful career in sales, leadership, and business. As a Hispanic woman and a non-traditional student, my path to science may not be conventional, but it is deeply driven by purpose and passion. I am now pursuing a new chapter with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist, where I hope to make meaningful contributions to the field of science; specifically in mental health care. Throughout my professional life, I developed skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership - skills that I believe are just as critical in science and medicine as they are in business. During these years, I also became increasingly aware of how mental health struggles often go unseen and untreated, especially in communities of color and underrepresented populations. I witnessed colleagues suffer silently in high-stress environments, and I experienced firsthand the emotional strain of pushing through life’s challenges without proper support or understanding. These experiences opened my eyes to the urgent need for compassionate, accessible, and culturally competent mental health care. They also clarified my calling: to transition into a field where I could not only use science to understand the human mind but also bring empathy and lived experience into the work of healing. Psychiatry, rooted in both medical science and human connection, is the field where I believe I can make the greatest impact. As I begin my studies, I am especially focused on how I can contribute to reducing mental health stigma, increasing access to care in underserved communities, and improving the diversity and cultural awareness of the mental health field. I hope to eventually work in clinical settings where I can provide evidence-based, empathetic care to those who may not otherwise have access to it. I also want to be involved in outreach and education - speaking openly about mental health in communities where these conversations are often still considered taboo, including my own. Contributing to the field of science for me means more than just learning facts and passing exams, it means becoming part of a movement that helps redefine how we care for one another. I believe my background offers a unique and valuable perspective. I understand the realities of the working world, the pressures of being the first in my family to pursue college, and the challenges of navigating life transitions later than most of my peers. These experiences give me insight and resilience, both of which will serve me well in scientific study and medical practice. My goal is not only to succeed in this new academic journey but to use the tools of science to make mental health care more inclusive, effective, and compassionate. I’m not just pursuing a degree, I’m working toward a future where more people feel seen, heard, and helped.

My name is Kathy Velasquez, and I am a 33-year-old first-generation college student preparing to begin my journey into higher education after spending the past 15 years building a successful career in sales, leadership, and business. As a Hispanic woman and a non-traditional student, my path to science may not be conventional, but it is deeply driven by purpose and passion. I am now pursuing a new chapter with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist, where I hope to make meaningful contributions to the field of science - specifically in mental health care. Throughout my professional life, I developed skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership; skills that I believe are just as critical in science and medicine as they are in business. During these years, I also became increasingly aware of how mental health struggles often go unseen and untreated, especially in communities of color and underrepresented populations. I witnessed colleagues suffer silently in high-stress environments, and I experienced firsthand the emotional strain of pushing through life’s challenges without proper support or understanding. These experiences opened my eyes to the urgent need for compassionate, accessible, and culturally competent mental health care. They also clarified my calling: to transition into a field where I could not only use science to understand the human mind but also bring empathy and lived experience into the work of healing. Psychiatry, rooted in both medical science and human connection, is the field where I believe I can make the greatest impact. As I begin my studies, I am especially focused on how I can contribute to reducing mental health stigma, increasing access to care in underserved communities, and improving the diversity and cultural awareness of the mental health field. I hope to eventually work in clinical settings where I can provide evidence-based, empathetic care to those who may not otherwise have access to it. I also want to be involved in outreach and education; speaking openly about mental health in communities where these conversations are often still considered taboo, including my own. Contributing to the field of science for me means more than just learning facts and passing exams - it means becoming part of a movement that helps redefine how we care for one another. I believe my background offers a unique and valuable perspective. I understand the realities of the working world, the pressures of being the first in my family to pursue college, and the challenges of navigating life transitions later than most of my peers. These experiences give me insight and resilience, both of which will serve me well in scientific study and medical practice. My goal is not only to succeed in this new academic journey but to use the tools of science to make mental health care more inclusive, effective, and compassionate. I’m not just pursuing a degree, I’m working toward a future where more people feel seen, heard, and helped.

Mental health is a critical social issue - one that affects everyone, but especially underrepresented communities who often face cultural stigma, lack of access, and systemic barriers. As a Hispanic, first-generation college student, a non-traditional woman pursuing STEM later in life, and someone who has faced personal mental health challenges, I am committed to becoming part of the solution. Before deciding to return to school to pursue my dream of becoming a psychiatrist, I spent the last 15 years building a successful career in sales, leadership, and business. I worked my way up the ladder through determination, grit, and a deep belief in self-growth. I learned how to lead teams, connect with people from all walks of life, and help others reach their potential. But along the way, I also saw the toll that untreated mental health issues can take on individuals, especially in high-pressure environments. I witnessed talented colleagues struggle silently, and I personally experienced the emotional cost of pushing forward without adequate support. These experiences lit a fire in me to shift directions and focus on a field where I could make a more lasting, human-centered impact. Mental health is still a taboo topic in many communities, including my own. Growing up, strength was often defined by silence; by not showing weakness or vulnerability. But I’ve come to learn that true strength lies in seeking help, being open, and choosing healing. I’ve made it a point to speak honestly about my own struggles, breaking the silence that surrounds mental health in my family and social circles. Even before beginning my formal education in this field, I’ve become an informal advocate having conversations that challenge stigma, offering support, and encouraging others to seek help when they need it. Returning to school at 33, I know I’m not taking the traditional path. I’m entering STEM as a woman of color with years of real-world experience but no formal background in science. Imposter syndrome shows up often, but I remind myself that my journey is valid and that the skills I’ve developed in leadership, communication, and empathy will serve me well in psychiatry. I bring a perspective shaped by life experience, and I’m committed to using that perspective to serve others with compassion and understanding. My goal is to become a psychiatrist who not only treats mental illness but helps break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking care in the first place. I want to serve communities that have been overlooked, provide culturally competent care, and advocate for systemic changes in mental healthcare access. I may be just beginning my academic journey, but I bring with me years of perseverance, purpose, and the unwavering belief that mental health should be a right, not a privilege. Mental health stigma doesn’t disappear overnight. But with every honest conversation, every supportive gesture, and every barrier broken, we move closer to a world where healing is possible for everyone. I may be one voice, but I’m determined to use it. My goal is to become not only a skilled psychiatrist, but also an advocate, educator, and role model for others; especially those who, like me, once wondered if they truly belonged. This next chapter of my life is rooted in a desire to heal myself, my community, and those who have long been under-served.

Two years ago, my life and my family’s lives were forever changed when my father was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. It was a moment that shook the foundation of everything I had known. My father has always been the head of our household; the strong, steady presence that held us together through both the ordinary and the unexpected. His diagnosis felt like the ground had suddenly shifted beneath us. At the time, I was living over 2,000 miles away in the Midwest, far from the Oregon home where I grew up. The physical distance made the emotional weight of the situation even heavier. I felt powerless, heartbroken, and overwhelmed by the fact that I couldn’t be there to support my family in person. My mother made the difficult decision to retire early so she could care for my father full-time. Their lives were suddenly consumed by doctor’s visits, treatments, and the emotional toll of battling cancer. Despite the severity of his illness and the intense chemotherapy and surgeries he endured, my father maintained a sense of optimism that was nothing short of remarkable. He made a conscious decision to focus on the positive - to laugh when he could, to be thankful for each new day, and to stay connected to the people he loved. His strength wasn’t just in his physical endurance, but in his mindset. Watching him face cancer with such grace and determination taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I learned that resilience isn’t about ignoring pain; it’s about choosing hope in the face of it. I learned that caring for others means showing up in every way you can, even from a distance. And I learned that even during life’s most difficult moments, it’s possible to grow stronger, more compassionate, and more committed to making a difference. These lessons have deeply influenced my path toward becoming a psychiatrist. Mental health is an area where compassion, resilience, and perspective are essential. As I pursue my college education the second time around, I carry my father’s example with me - his courage, his positivity, and his unwavering love for his family. I hope to bring the same kind of strength and support to my future patients that he brought to all of us. Cancer may have changed our lives, but it also brought clarity about what matters most - and inspired me to dedicate my future to helping others heal, both inside and out.