I am a Junior at the University of Miami on a Pre-Physician Assistant track, passionate about mental health and patient-centered care. I am dedicated to building a strong foundation in different areas of medicine as a PA, and am very interested in specializing in psychiatry. As Treasurer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, I manage funding for initiatives that promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma on campus. Additionally, as Recruitment Chair for Healing Across Borders, I work to connect students with opportunities to support immigrant communities. My experience as a habilitation/mental health technician at an underserved Durham community through a nonprofit organization, further strengthened my commitment to patient-centered care. Assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with daily living activities and monitoring behavioral changes taught me the importance of compassion and trust in healthcare settings. Through direct patient care, I developed skills in communication and emotional support while working closely with families and healthcare professionals. It also strengthened my awareness of health disparities and patient advocacy. These experiences have inspired me to become a physician assistant, where I hope to bridge gaps in healthcare access and provide culturally competent, empathetic care. I am especially passionate about mental health and serving underserved populations, and I aim to use my education to advocate for patients who are often overlooked.