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Roxana Mousavi

7x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Location
Los Angeles, CA
Gender
Female
Ethnicity
Middle Eastern

Hobbies & Interests

  • Piano
  • Psychology
  • Video Editing and Production
  • Medicine
  • Writing

Reading

  • Classics
  • Science Fiction
  • Psychology
  • Fantasy
  • Romance
  • Realistic Fiction

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

My dream is to become a doctor, with a special focus on working with underserved communities and mental health. My parents' dream for me is to receive any education at all to have the chance to support myself in a way no woman in our family has been able to. As a first-generation Persian student, I hope to use my passions and interests to work towards both breaking a cycle in my family and helping others with similar backgrounds gain these opportunities as well. My goal is to become a psychiatrist so I can support people in navigating mental health challenges and trauma, especially groups like immigrants and their children where many lack access or knowledge to such help. This first step is crucial in pushing past these cycles and building new possibilities. I am beginning my journey at UCLA and aim to continue it in medical school, after which I hope to make a difference in any way I can.

Education

University of California-Los Angeles

Bachelor's degree program

2024 – 2028

Majors:
  • Biopsychology
Minors:
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Upland High

High School

2020 – 2024

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
Psychology, General, Cognitive Science, Neurobiology and Neurosciences, Biopsychology
Medical school interest:
Yes

Career

  • Intern

    Medical Practice · Shima Hadidchi Medical Clinic

    Jan 2022 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Psychiatry
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Dr. Christine Lawther First in the Family Scholarship
1. Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree is an honor and responsibility. My parents immigrated to the United States from Iran to escape the dangers of war and oppression, determined to build a better life for their family. They faced many challenges, from learning a new language to adapting to an unfamiliar culture, all while working tirelessly to make ends meet. Their sacrifices have provided me with opportunities they never had, and obtaining a college degree is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to their hard work. Growing up, I often felt isolated in my educational journey. My parents, despite their best efforts, couldn’t provide the academic support that many of my peers received. This lack of guidance made school more challenging, but it also taught me the importance of independence and perseverance. I had to navigate the complexities of the school system on my own, learning to seek help from teachers and peers when needed. Being the first in my family to attend college means breaking a cycle and setting a new standard for future generations. It represents the fulfillment of my parents’ dreams and my commitment to honoring their sacrifices by making the most of the opportunities before me. 2. I am passionate about pursuing a degree in psychology at UCLA. My interest in psychology is rooted in my personal experiences overcoming language barriers and the challenges of being a first-generation student. These experiences sparked my curiosity about the human mind and behavior, leading me to explore psychology as a field that can help me understand and address the unique challenges people face. Psychology offers a pathway to explore the complexities of mental health, especially in diverse communities. I am particularly interested in how cultural differences impact access to and the effectiveness of mental health services. By studying psychology, I hope to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals from all backgrounds, making sure that everyone has access to the support they need. 3. My long-term goal is to become a psychiatrist, specializing in providing culturally competent care to underserved communities. After completing my degree in psychology at UCLA, I plan to attend medical school to further my education in mental health. I want to close the gap between mental health services and the unique needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds. In addition to clinical practice, I am committed to advocating for greater mental health awareness and resources in communities that are often overlooked. I believe that mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, and I want to be a voice for those who may not have the means or knowledge to seek help. My parents’ journey has inspired me to pursue a career where I can contribute to the well-being of others, and I am determined to use my education and skills to make a positive impact on both individuals and communities.
Abbey's Bakery Scholarship
My name is Roxana Mousavi, and I recently graduated from Upland High School. I’m excited to attend UCLA this fall, where I plan to study psychology. As the first in my family to pursue higher education, I am passionate about mental health, particularly within BIPOC communities, where access to care and cultural understanding are often lacking. My experiences in high school have shaped my commitment to making a difference in this area. During my high school years, I learned that mental health is deeply interconnected with community, support systems, and accessibility. Through my volunteer work and personal experiences, I’ve seen how mental health struggles are often compounded by isolation, cultural stigmas, and a lack of resources. At the Shima Hadidchi Medical Clinic, I observed how patients struggled with mental health issues but were hesitant to seek help due to cultural stigmas or uncertainty about available resources. However, I also noticed how many Iranian patients were excited to see that I spoke their language and understood their issues in a way others could not. This experience taught me the importance of culturally competent care and the need for mental health services that are accessible and inclusive. In addition to my work at the clinic, my involvement in community service and leadership roles further deepened my understanding of mental health. As Vice President of KindQuest, a community service-oriented club, I played a role in organizing events and initiatives that promoted mental well-being. For example, we organized activities that encouraged peer support and connection, which helped reduce feelings of isolation among students. This experience taught me that mental health thrives in environments where individuals feel connected, understood, and supported by their peers and community. I also volunteered at the Upland Public Library, where I helped plan and implement programs that provided a safe space for individuals to engage, learn, and connect. This role strengthened my belief that mental well-being is linked to having strong support systems and accessible resources. Whether through educational programs, community events, or simple acts of kindness, creating environments where people feel valued and supported can have a positive impact on their mental health. In the years to come, I plan to apply these lessons by advocating for more inclusive and accessible mental health care, particularly for marginalized communities. I will focus on developing culturally competent approaches to mental health care and work to create environments where mental health is prioritized and supported. I hope to contribute to a future where everyone has access to the mental health care they need in order to grow.
Big Picture Scholarship
In my family, Turkish dramas are believed to be the greatest form of entertainment. Gatherings at any house involve either a series always playing in the background or everyone surrounding the television with wide eyes and readied gasps. As kids, my cousins and I would laugh at the over-the-top clichés in the shows. It wouldn't truly be a Turkish film without the death of every character, the love shared between a filthy rich man and his struggling servant, or a shocking twist that everyone is somehow related. To emphasize the absurdities to our parents, we decided one day to create our own satirical drama. Our short film was modeled after the movie "Ikimizin Yerine", which follows a girl from a small village and her literature teacher. The two share a forbidden love that allows the girl to embark on a quest of self-discovery as well. Though a moving story, the movie still displayed clichés we were looking for. Our own adaptation of it became our family's favorite. Everyone's excitement at seeing themselves on the screen pushed me towards a desire to recreate that atmosphere. I began to look at the world through the lens of a filmmaker, seeing parks as sets and pets as actors. My notebooks were filled with ideas for my next piece and scripts I'd force my little sister to memorize with me. As my passion grew, I became involved in filmmaking programs. I learned to focus on subjects other than myself and my family, and it showed me how to work well in stressful situations and with different types of people. For instance, children would require incentives to read lines, and could not work for long periods of time. Some adults would similarly not listen, insisting their take on their character should override the written scripts. Dealing with such challenges taught me how to better control my thoughts and keep calm in overwhelming moments. Collaborating with those around me meant speaking to them from a place of understanding, and this translated into other areas of my life as well. Academically, it was seen through a stronger ability to communicate with peers and succeed in group work. I understood not to stress over mistakes or issues, but rather work together to overcome them. Filmmaking has always been my way of expressing my creative side, but it has also taught me crucial lessons. Despite how I made fun of it, "Ikimizin Yerine" sparked a passion that will have a significant impact on the rest of my life.
Frederick and Bernice Beretta Memorial Scholarship
After counting to ten, I opened my eyes to see a little girl standing right in front of me, with only a pillow blocking my view of her. Due to her undeveloped theory of mind, she fully believed I could not see her just because she could not see me. In AP Psychology, I was given an assignment to interview a four-year-old girl, Ellie, to better understand developmental psychology and the stages of how the mind evolves. Ellie was sweet and full of enthusiasm, making her a joy to work with. I watched and took notes on her responses to the tests I presented to her, such as the failed hide-and-seek game. The test that stood out to me the most regarded her moral reasoning. It made me begin to wonder, at what point are our values formed? I found that Ellie made choices based on concrete punishments and rewards. She had neither a real idea of societal approval that motivates older children, nor self-defined ethical principles that reflect higher age groups. Ellie eagerly claimed that she would take candy from her friends if her parents had no knowledge of it, or would steal a cookie from her brother if no one would find out. My personal favorite was when I asked what she would do if she saw her friend being bullied at school: "I'd go home and pet my puppy!" Ellie's answers, along with psychological theories such as modeling and conditioning, prompted me to explore the idea of morality being shaped. What is the extent to an environment's impact on childrens' behaviors? Do individuals learn their principles through modeling adults around them, or are they conditioned to follow certain standards? In AP Research, I have furthered this interest by developing a paper on it to support my thoughts. My study explores the belief that people form their ideals based on external influences, specifically exposure to media violence. I am conducting interviews and surveys to determine the correlation between the two, and will use my background research from similar fields to work towards unraveling the psychology of morality.
Roxana Mousavi Student Profile | Bold.org