Kristen Carratala is a sophomore studying psychology at Miami Dade Honors College, and is a recipient of the FAS Scholarship. Before entering her first year of college, Kristen took on leadership roles at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Miami Rescue Mission, organizing a fundraising event for the former and a hygiene drive for the latter. She explored her passion in the film industry by working as a gaffer for the Florida Film Institute, where she collaborated to realize the director’s vision and put together a short film. The summer between her first and second year, she acquired a position as a Mental Health Administrative Intern at South Florida Integrative Medicine. In addition to composing patient files and managing the reception window, she has been lucky to shadow sessions. Before graduating from the Honors College, Kristen involved herself in two club boards (Psychology Student Association and Psi Beta), and took over as vice president of both as a sophomore. She is also a part of Sharks Guiding Sharks, a mentorship program where she guides freshmen with their classes, scholarships, and anything else they might need help with. Kristen aims to transfer to a four year institution, where she will acquire her bachelor’s degree and prepare for a master’s program. After graduate school, she aspires to work at a psychological practice where she can thoroughly support her patients by observing, listening actively, and advocating for her patients’ needs. In addition to her career goals, Kristen also dreams of working on a film set as director of photography.

• Advocacy
• Volunteering
• Philanthropy

• I spearheaded the research. This included the writing of a 27 page paper, including an appendix, bibliography, and data charts. In addition to the experience in leadership and familiarizing myself with research techniques, I passed the AP exam.

  Collegeboard (AP Research) · Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management

  2018 – 2019

  Research topic:

  The presentation of people with autism in TV and perceptions of autism in real life.

• Gaffer

  Florida Film Institute · Cinematography

  2019 – Present

  Productions:

  Viva La Revolution (FFI Summer Camp)