My final grades came in every year, and I was always eager to see my moms reaction. Hoping she would express the slightest bit of praise or pride, and yet every time, she ultimately said nothing. Her approach to my education was incredibly "hands-off." I could be failing, but she would have never known unless I showed her. My mother had such intense faith in my intelligence and hard work that she never displayed any positivity towards it. Straight A's were the norm, she expected nothing less, so she had no doubt I would follow through. Although frustrating at times, this unspoken expectation actually served me to be more responsible than my peers who had opposite parents, those that breath down the students neck about any missing assignment and such. I craved validation, but the absence of it also fueled me to thrive even more. I thank her now, as my routines and disciplines allow me to easily succeed in my classes. I have her genetics to thank as well because due to my blood, math, reading, and writing have consistently come naturally as my brain is skilled in understanding concepts rather quickly. My mother also did teach me to be humble, by a lack of admiration, I didn't put myself up on a pedestal because I aced tests effortlessly, I instead attempted to use my abilities to help my peers. I am inexplicably grateful for my mother and the lessons she taught me about academics. Furthermore, my mothers strength is truly striking. She escaped my fathers domestic abuse in Tijuana, feeling to a shelter in the US, raising 4 young girls on her own, and working to improve our lives drastically. We went from food stamps and welfare to being able to sustain ourselves efficiently, and although we are still economically restrained, my trauma with money has slowly progressed. I had previously developed an impending sense of guilt whenever I would spend on myself. After all, my family has lived with a financial burden placed upon us for as long as I can remember. As a kid, when I received birthday cards that contained cash, unlike others, I did not have to pretend that I did not see it. I genuinely did not consider the cash my own for an instant. It had been automatically wired in me to feel a necessity to give it to my Mother. Frankly, I did not need it, what kid really does? I had everything; toys from Santa came, popcorn and Nutella always in the cabinets, and a safe home. Although on Christmas, I did specifically choose the cheaper gifts after my sister exposed Santa's harsh truth with the pressure that I be mindful not to put any more stress on our single mom. And the junk food, despite it being deliciously addicting, was due to the reality that my mom did not cook for a large portion of my childhood. My mom exhaustion after work leads me to the next skill I developed because of her, great independence. My sisters and I learned to cook and clean early on, we needed meals and a cleanly space, so we took it upon ourselves to take care of these needs. We never blamed my mother or grew resentful, on the other hand, I consistently wrote her lists about all that I am grateful she does. She taught me that being a single parent is an enormous load and that being grateful for all that someone does for you is all that matters. I love her dearly, she encoruages my passion for my career.

A professional scientific shaman—can you picture it? A spiritual facilitator connecting the most desperate individuals back to themselves through a consciousness-expanding tool. Using neuroplasticity to rewire their brains and the “magic” of plants to free people from their addiction to self-implemented suffering. I aspire to direct psychedelic studies. As both a guide and a researcher; leading patients through therapy and blending ancient remedies with modern science. To realize this dream, I plan to pursue a double major in psychology and cognitive science before obtaining a PhD in clinical psychology. I will help devise creative evidence-based treatments to transform lives. Diving into my past, financial hardship has burdened my family for as long as I can remember. As a child, birthday money was never my own, I gave it to my mother without hesitation, knowing she needed it more. Though we lived modestly, our cabinets filled with cookies instead of home-cooked meals, it wasn’t luxury that was missing, but emotional stability. My mother, exhausted from work, began battling depression, a weight she still carries. Our American settlement had begun after we fled Tijuana, escaping my father's domestic abuse in a shelter. That was the first time we distanced ourselves from him. The second time was in a courtroom. My sister, suffering from anorexia and suicidal attempts, was victim to the grip of her illness, worsened by the demands of our family’s dysfunction. During a required weekend visit with my father, his frustration with her regular refusal to eat erupted into violence. He had bit her on the cheek, leaving visible bruises. We filed for a year-long restraining order. After researching and understanding my father's behavior, I realized he exhibits traits of narcissistic personality disorder; incapable of empathy, trapped in his need for control. Growing up under this influence left scars. My sisters and I inherited anger issues, low self-esteem, and the relentless belief that we are never enough: socially, academically, or physically. These limitations eventually developed into the most formidable obstacle I’ve faced: social anxiety. My mind felt like a prison, filled with judgment and fear. Even simple conversations with peers felt paralyzing. Yet, through breathwork, philosophy, God, immersion in nature, and a persistent desire to fight for my wellness, I slowly began healing. Attending weekly church, I always sing, and these specifically revered lyrics overflow my heart with awe and unity: “Oh, thy Father! Font of love, Touch my spirit from above, Make my heart thine accord. Serving each other, God's presence is known.” I’ve grown to deeply appreciate my religion and its beautiful message: that love is everything. Learning to feel comfortable in my skin again has also been aided by spirituality. Most impactful, however, has been introspection. It became my sanctuary during agony, allowing me to examine emotions and thought patterns. I learned to challenge irrational beliefs and unrealistic expectations. Journaling helped me develop profound insights, teaching me to observe my thoughts neutrally. I worked to reclaim control over my mind, viewing it not as an enemy but as a friendly tool. In this process, I uncovered the root of my self-doubt too—the internalized voice of my father, whose disinterest in his “Americanized” daughters ingrained a sense that I was unworthy of being heard. But realizing that his toxicity was not my burden to carry empowered me to connect with my inner child and place healthy boundaries, redefining our relationship, all while maintaining love for him. Today, I am immensely proud of who I’ve become. I engage enthusiastically in all conversations, unapologetically take up space, and actively participate in life. My healing has taught me that the goal isn’t happiness—it’s inner peace. So I am passionate about helping others find that same stillness. I channeled this by founding a Meditation Club in high school. I wanted to share the practices that helped me cope with my suffering. I led discussions on self-compassion, free will, and the illusion of separation, fostering a space for questioning and vulnerability. We explored ways to quiet the ego and embrace uncertainty. I encouraged members to live authentically, rejecting beauty standards and superficial expectations. Inspired by my sister’s journey of battling anorexia, I developed a radical rejection of society's shallow norms. I avoid engaging in conversations about external appearances, social media, or makeup, choosing instead to focus on growth, all while staying non-judgemental. This philosophy shaped the club into a space of genuine connection and self-acceptance. I believe that helping people cultivate healthier thinking and coping for nervous system regulation will empower them to thrive. I’ve seen the impact of this work within my community, and I continue it in college, where I’ve started another club to keep spreading these ideas. My mother’s depression has further fueled this commitment. Though I’ve tried to lovingly uplift her to seek help, she rejects any change. Watching her endure emotional fatigue despite my efforts has reinforced my calling: to help people recognize their potential, escape cycles of hopelessness, and embrace joy. This mission drives me to guide others to love themselves and their lives. In this pursuit, I will pioneer innovative and holistic therapies. I believe in blending the wisdom of nature with the rigor of science, advancing psychedelic research. Incorporating preparation, integration, and self-transcendence in therapy, we can target the root causes of pain. By quieting the brain’s default mode network (the ego) and fostering presence, psychedelics have the potential to create lasting change. Studies already show their effectiveness in treating the most resistant and relapsing disorders, such as addictions. I aspire to lead this growing movement, helping legalize psychedelic therapy in evidence-based practice. Though these treatments remain controversial, I am committed to proving their value through reliable data. My passion lies in advancing psychology, especially for those whom traditional remedies have failed. My father no longer supports me financially, and my commitment to never take from my mother’s pockets persists. Help from funders would allow me to fulfill my ambitious purpose and give back healing to humanity. Collectively, exposure to people's unconscious pain has caused the ignition of this spark within me that fuels me to serve my community. Through my talent in empathy, active listening, and perspective-taking, I aim to help end cycles of generational trauma, reduce loneliness, and elevate humans toward love. I am driven by the desire to cultivate a sense of belonging, one mind at a time. By harmonizing science and spirituality, I will contribute to revolutionary progress in mental health Guided by the mantra, *“If it doesn’t challenge you, it’s not going to change you,”* I am ecstatic to help people live more presently, planting seeds of love all around.

To address the systemic problems in America’s healthcare system, the change I would make is to prioritize people over profit by reducing the influence of capitalism and introducing a more socially democratic approach to healthcare. Capitalism, by design, places profits over people, and this has resulted in a system that benefits a small elite while neglecting the health of millions. A prime example of this failure is the opioid crisis. Over the past decades, the United States has seen a devastating rise in opioid addiction, largely driven by the unchecked power of pharmaceutical companies and physicians incentivized to prescribe addictive painkillers. Many doctors prescribed opioids unnecessarily, profiting from their patients' suffering, while the pharmaceutical industry reaped billions. The lack of oversight allowed millions of Americans to become addicted, resulting in broken families, lost lives, and devastated communities. If the system had been more strictly regulated and less profit-driven, many lives could have been saved. The opioid epidemic isn’t just a crisis—it’s an indictment of a healthcare system that has failed its people. But the problem goes deeper than just the opioid epidemic. Our healthcare system is structured in a way that drives up costs, leaving millions without access to necessary care. Many Americans avoid seeing doctors because they fear the potential financial burden. I’ve experienced this firsthand. For two weeks, I endured severe stomach pain, but I refused to seek medical attention because I knew how expensive even a single visit could be. I eventually recovered on my own, but it opened my eyes to the reality that many people don’t get the care they need because they can’t afford it. In some cases, people wait too long and find out too late that they have a serious condition that could have been treated. The system's failure to prioritize accessible care is a life-threatening issue for countless Americans. This is why I am passionate about becoming a psychologist with a focus on healthcare and addiction recovery. The opioid crisis has revealed that addiction is often treated with stigma rather than care, and it has shown the need for compassionate, evidence-based approaches to mental health and addiction treatment. As a psychology major, I want to be part of the solution. I believe that understanding the psychological factors behind addiction is key to developing more effective, compassionate approaches to treatment. Psychology plays a crucial role in healthcare, particularly when it comes to treating addiction. Many people struggling with opioid addiction experience co-occurring mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, which complicates their recovery. If healthcare providers and mental health professionals worked more closely together, we could develop treatment plans that address not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the psychological factors that make recovery so difficult. My goal is to bridge this gap by focusing on both the mental and physical health of those struggling with addiction. In conclusion, the change I would make to our healthcare system is to move away from a purely profit-driven model and toward one that values people’s health and well-being. By reducing the influence of capitalism, we can ensure that care is more accessible, mental health is prioritized, and addiction is treated with the compassion and understanding it deserves. My psychology background will help me advocate for these changes, and I am committed to working toward a healthcare system that serves everyone, especially those most vulnerable.

Books like "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle and "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz have profoundly shaped both my personal growth and my professional goals. They were the stepping stones into the transforming journey that has been healing, directing my vision for life to take on a role that serves humanity; giving back to my community. Tolle's teachings on living in the present moment helped me break free from the persistent self-doubt and negative thought patterns that stemmed from my challenging upbringing. I learned that by disidentifying from my ego and embracing mindfulness, I could alleviate the emotional suffering I had long carried. Similarly, Ruiz’s "Four Agreements"—be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best—offered me guiding principles that I integrated into my life and relationships. These philosophies allowed me to transform my mental health and inspired me to guide others in the stripping of limiting layers and actualization of self. The vision I have for my career as a professional and scientific "shaman" has its roots in these books, as well as in my lived experiences. Tolle’s emphasis on inner peace and consciousness resonates with my aspiration to help those most stuck liberate themselves from the cycles of addiction, anxiety, and suffering through innovative therapies like psychedelics. Psychedelic therapy, grounded in the potency of neuroplasticity, offers the possibility of rewiring the brain to foster new and healthier connections, and I am determined to pioneer this work. I see myself as both a researcher and facilitator, a doctor who combines rigorous science with deep empathy to offer people a way out of their mental struggles. Having grown up in a family marked by financial hardship, domestic abuse, and mental illness, I have witnessed firsthand the toll untreated trauma takes on individuals. My mother’s long-standing battle with depression and my sister’s struggles with anorexia were defining experiences that shaped my commitment to mental health advocacy. The chaos in my household—paired with a strained relationship with my father, whom I’ve come to understand exhibits narcissistic traits—left me grappling with low self-esteem and social anxiety throughout my formative years. Books like "The Power of Now" and "The Four Agreements" became critical tools in my recovery, helping me cultivate resilience. I learned to forgive myself and those who hurt me, to let go of resent and to build loving relationships. The lessons I’ve drawn from these spiritual texts are not only abstract ideas but lived practices that inform my professional goals too. I envision a future where I can create a powerful ripple of change by helping others reclaim their sense of self, using the same tools that guided me. Psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly for those who have found no relief in conventional treatments, offers a groundbreaking path forward. As I pursue a double major in psychology and cognitive science, followed by a PhD in clinical psychology, my ultimate aim is to combine my passion for evidence-based research with the wisdom of plant-based healing. In doing so, I hope to offer people the same opportunity to reconnect with themselves and heal their pain-bodies, just as I did. These books have taught me that healing begins from within, and that lasting change requires both brutally honest accountability and intense self-compassion. Armed with this understanding, I am committed to developing therapies that combine modern science with ancient remedies, providing people with the tools to transform their suffering into growth. Through my studies and future research, I aim to make this vision a reality and contribute to a more holistic and compassionate approach to mental health.

A professional and scientific shaman, can you picture it? A spiritual facilitator, connecting the most desperate individuals back to themselves by using a consciousness-expanding tool. Allowing those who have cycled through miserable plagues of mental illnesses to finally be renewed with a sense of hope. Using neuroplasticity to rewire their brain and create a lasting impact on their addiction to suffering. A director of a psychedelic study, while at the same time leading the patients through the “trip” of intaking ancient remedies. Behaving as the guide and as the researcher, combining empathy and love with evidence-based therapies. I plan to pursue this dream by completing a double major in psychology and cognitive science to then obtain a PhD in clinical psychology. My passion developed early on, shaped by my experiences growing up in a financially burdened and emotionally turbulent household, I’ve always been determined to comfort others through their struggles. My abusive father’s narcissistic tendencies and my sister’s battle with anorexia sparked a profound dedication in me to help humans break hurtful patterns. These experiences showed me how intensely pain can dominate people’s lives and how, with the right support, they can also overcome it. In high school, I founded a Meditation Club to share healthy coping mechanisms that had helped me. We focused on self-love, mindfulness, dissolution of the ego, and breaking free from societal beauty standards. I rejected superficial norms, like social-medias imposed expectations, and encouraged others to do the same, creating a deeper authenticity and connection. In this safe environment, we explored inwardly. Through the experience, I saw the impact of community and how beautiful it is for people to feel understood and accepted. I also became the go-to person for advice, often having “friend/family therapy” sessions where I mediate conflicts and offer compassion without judgment. While I've offered guidance, I've also learned the necessity of respecting boundaries and allowing people to find their own way. Now, in college, I’ve created another group focused on self-actualization. Through group activities and meditations, we foster a space where people question their limiting programming and support each other's growth. I confidently believe my purpose is to create a powerful ripple effect that helps heal humanity, guiding others in their journey toward inner peace and personal transformation. Being exposed to the crisis around me, and once within me, my drive was ignited, and I feel nothing but enthusiasm for it. My journey of self-discovery and this commitment to guide others toward a more real and vulnerable existence is a path I am ecstatic and hungry to undertake. Especially as I am frequently acknowledged for my talent in deeply comprehending and seeing people. After being exposed to the unconsciousness in those I love, I aspire to help end generational trauma cycles for families, to confront the loneliness epidemic, and elevate the human race onto the highest frequency: love. So with heartfelt articulation, I feel a righteous sense of obligation to devise creative ways of healing in the realm of natural psychedelics. I intend to channel these ideals in the real world by harmonizing the social and technical approaches for revolutionary progress to take place. I am driven by a burning desire within me to guide others in living more presently; helping them plant and cultivate seeds of love into their mental-climates. Equipped with healthier forms of thinking that I have used to combat my minds needlessly self-implemented pain, I will fervently work to instill a sense of belonging in others. Giving back by progressing our society forward; guided by the mantra, "If it doesn't challenge you, it's not going to change you."

A professional and scientific shaman, can you picture it? A spiritual facilitator, connecting the most desperate individuals back to themselves by using a consciousness-expanding tool. Allowing those who have cycled through miserable plagues of mental illnesses to finally be renewed with a sense of hope. Using neuroplasticity to rewire their brain and create a lasting impact on their addiction to suffering. A director of a psychedelic study, while at the same time leading the patients through the “trip” of intaking ancient remedies. Behaving as the guide and as the researcher, combining empathy and love with evidence-based therapies. I plan to pursue this dream by completing a double major in psychology and cognitive science to then obtain a PhD in clinical psychology. My passion developed early on, shaped by my experiences growing up in a financially burdened and emotionally turbulent household, I’ve always been determined to comfort others through their struggles. My abusive father’s narcissistic tendencies and my sister’s battle with anorexia sparked a deep dedication in me to help humans break cycles. These experiences showed me how deeply pain can dominate people’s lives and how, with the right support, they can also overcome it. In high school, I founded a Meditation club to share healthy coping mechanisms that had helped me. We focused on self-love, mindfulness, dissolution of the ego, and breaking free from societal beauty standards. In this safe environment, we explored inward. I rejected superficial norms, like social media imposed expectations, and encouraged others to do the same, creating a deeper authenticity and connection. Through this experience, I saw the impact of community and how beautiful it is for people to feel understood and accepted. I also became the go-to person for advice, often having “friend/family therapy” sessions where I listen, mediate conflicts, and offer compassion without judgment. While I offer guidance, I've also learned the necessity of respecting boundaries and allowing people to find their own way. Now, in college, I’ve created another group focused on spiritual self-actualization. Through group activities and meditations, we foster a space where people question their limiting programming and support each other’s growth. I believe my purpose is to create a powerful ripple effect that helps heal humanity, guiding others in their journey toward inner peace and personal transformation. Being exposed to the crisis around me and once within me, my drive was ignited, and I feel nothing but enthusiasm for it.