My dream career is to become a school counselor. This profession has been a goal of mine ever since I was in middle school. At present, I am taking steps to become a school counselor. I obtained my bachelor's degree in psychology from San Jose State University in 2023. To become a school counselor in California, a master's degree in school counseling is required. Therefore. This fall 2024 semester, I will begin a graduate degree in guidance and counseling at San Jose State University. This program will prepare me to become a counselor in K-12 education by helping me receive the required education and credentials. In this program, I may pursue a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) track in the future which can help me advance my career in the long run. My past position as a Calfresh ambassador on campus has given me experience in learning about student support programs and conducting outreach to students on campus. While I was an ambassador, the campus was partially open to students due to COVID-19. Therefore, my cohort of ambassadors and I leveraged social media and online platforms to reach more students when in-person outreach was unattainable. Similarly, my role under the work-study program for SparkPoint San Jose allowed me to conduct outreach for the personal finance program on campus. SparkPoint SJ offered financial coaching, credit and debit counseling, and connected students with Bay Area Legal Aid when needed. Under SparkPoint San Jose I developed strong connections with the program coordinators and other student workers. SparkPoint SJ taught me how to leverage online platforms to conduct outreach to students in a manner comparable to my position as a Calfresh ambassador. I am thankful for my position because I learned how to communicate professionally and work effectively in a team setting. Lastly, both programs helped me gain student affairs experience and grew my leadership skills. My interest in finding a career that blends both realms of mental health and education has led me to discover school counseling and ultimately choose this path as my career goal. My experiences as a CalFresh ambassador and SparkPoint student assistant aided me in developing my skills such as creativeness, collaboration, and leadership experience. All of which are important aspects of school counseling. I aim to continue to grow in these areas in the upcoming years of graduate school. Furthermore, I want to make a difference in the lives of first-generation students and families. However, I am most excited to help students navigate their high school to college process. I am passionate about following student's journeys and witnessing their personal and career development unfold. My goal is to help make the college process less daunting and help students feel more excited and hopeful for their next steps. I know that many students may not have strong support systems at home. Therefore, another of my objectives as a future school counselor is to work with as many students as possible and provide extra support and motivation to students who need it. When students have someone who believes in them and supports their goals, they build confidence and can improve their academic performance and overall well-being. This is how I plan to leave a positive impact on my career as a future school counselor.

Education will change my path in life by opening more opportunities for success. Moreover, education will help me attain my dream of becoming a school counselor in the K-12 setting. Furthermore, this Fall 2024 semester I will begin my Master's degree program in Guidance and Counseling at San Jose State University. I am the first person in my family who has attained higher education and have seen the positive path that my academic journey has shined in my life. Education will change my path forward in life because I will learn how to become a mental health professional, and network with others with similar interests in the realms of psychology, counseling, and education. Furthermore, education will not only help open doors professionally but will help me support my parents financially when they retire. Additionally, by pursuing education, I know that I am also taking action in pursuing my life's purpose. Moreover, being an involved student has allowed me to create connections with teachers and counselors. Thus, my past experiences demonstrated that education truly has the power to open doors and create meaningful networks. In the future, I will be giving back to society by helping students and their families. I am particularly interested in working with first-generation, low-income students, such as myself when I was in K-12. Notably, low-income families are often under-informed about the college application process. In addition, many are unaware of the various opportunities and programs available to help their child thrive. Creating a safe space in my office for parents to learn about how to set their children up for success is one of the reasons why I want to pursue a career in school counseling. I often wish that these opportunities and spaces were available for my parents when I was on my K-12 journey. To explain, my parents have always tried to be involved in my education the best they could from a young age. My mom would volunteer at my pre-school and my dad would often be a chaperone on field trips during elementary school. However, once I started middle school, high school, and college, their involvement declined as a result of being unaware of how to help me get ahead. It was uncharted territory for my parents, and I relied on my teachers and counselors when I needed help in school, or with the college application process. Therefore, I will be able to give back to society in a manner that is close to my heart on a personal and professional level.

One fall Starbucks drink with a special place in my heart is the pumpkin cream chai tea latte (warm or iced) with oat milk and cinnamon powder. I used to steer away from the fall seasonal drinks at Starbucks because I was weary that I would not like the taste of pumpkin. Friends and peers around me would rave about the fall drinks, but I never brought myself to try one. However, after class, a friend bought me an iced chai with sweet cream cold foam, and I was hooked after the first sip. In addition, I have tried this drink with different variations. Sometimes I would add oat milk, others I would add cinnamon. After the iced chai latte went viral on social media by adding oat milk, cinnamon, and pumpkin cream cold foam, I decided to try out the combination. I enjoyed the drink and quickly became hooked on the alternate version. Mixing in the pumpkin cream cold foam is the perfect addition. Furthermore, grabbing this drink also helps me look forward to a tasty treat in the morning, or has been used as a sweet pick-me-up during midday. Although the pumpkin cream iced chai latte is only a fall drink-- to me, the pumpkin cinnamon aroma blend marks new beginnings for the school year, cooler weather, and the closer arrival of end-of-year holidays. Moreover, my perfect fall activity on campus is to study or read in the library with the iced version of this drink by my side. Specifically, when sitting near a window, I can observe how the leaves are changing colors and spend a calming afternoon. Outside of campus, my favorite way to enjoy the warm pumpkin cream chai latte is by listening to my fall playlist and baking pumpkin cream cheese muffins with my mom. I am thankful to my friend for introducing me to the chai tea latte. Because of her, I have a new favorite fall drink that is a staple during the changing seasons. Once the fall drinks are available in the store, I will be overjoyed to be reunited with the pumpkin cream chai latte. Additionally, I am more excited to see if there are any new drinks Starbucks will be adding to the Fall 2024 lineup. Perhaps, I will venture out of my comfort zone and may stumble upon a new fall drink that will become my favorite for this upcoming fall season.

Being raised in a low-income household helped me become creative when persevering through challenges, and asking for help when needed. For example, when I was younger I remember that my family did not have a car for some time, so we would walk to buy groceries or ask my uncle if he could give us rides to unwalkable locations. In addition, we did not have sufficient cooling equipment in our apartment complex, so we would look for cooling locations in the summer to escape the heat. Looking for alternative ways to overcome challenges and reaching our support system has allowed me to become an empathetic adult. I use the lessons I learned growing up in a low-income household to help me pay more attention to others' situations and livelihoods. I step in when I notice that someone is struggling and I have the power to make their day better. In this manner, I hope to create a positive influence in my community. Moreover, I am actively working to pursue my goal of becoming a school counselor through attaining higher education. My Master's program will begin during the Fall 2024 semester, and I am excited to see how many students I can reach with similar upbringings.

The 1989 soundtrack is special to me and I have resonated with the soundtracks in 2023. The track "Welcome to New York" resonated with me in January. I did not go to New York, but I explored San Francisco with a friend. One of my New Year's resolutions was to explore the cities in my area. Although I live in the Bay Area, I rarely visit San Francisco. We visited the Academy of Sciences, Dolores Park, and went whale watching on Pier 39. We drove past the Golden Gate Bridge and I felt compelled to played this song. As we drove on the bridge, I felt so excited and hopeful for the new year, and having new surroundings. My favorite lines from this song are, "It's a new soundtrack I could dance to this beat", because they symbolize how there are new things to explore and you are bound to find things that you like. Furthermore, the lines "Welcome to New York, it's been waitin' for you" remind me of the many attractions and activities in the world that I have yet to see, and are waiting for me to experience. This song exudes excitement for a new setting, hence why I felt this song was fitting for January and setting the tone for the new year. Next, "Style" is a perfect summer favorite for me because of its soulful beat. During summer drives I find myself playing this song while watching the sunset and feeling the summer breeze. The initial guitar instrumentals of the song are so unique and the second that I hear them playing, I know that I am going to be roaring the lyrics. My favorite lyrics of the song are towards the end when she sings "Take me home...Just take me home" and "You got that James Dean Daydream to look in your eyes, and I got that red lip classic thing that you like". These lyrics are when the song is at its peak and I cannot stop myself from singing along with her in my car. This song is the perfect anthem for summer because it is a lighthearted and energizing song, and the melody does not fail to put a smile on my face. In addition, upon the release of 1989 (Taylor's Version) in October, the new songs I played repeatedly were "Say Don't Go" and "Is It Over Now?". I resonated with these two songs as I connected their message to my past experiences in romance. These two songs have helped me through a period of time where I had to move on. Aside from their message, I thought both song were catchy, and I added "Is It Over Now?" to my daily playlist. Both songs make me think about Fall/Winter time because I listened to them frequently during the cold seasons. I was a new fan during the release of 1989 (Taylors Version) and was curious to hear the differences compared from the first album. Furthermore, the soundtrack has resonated with my 2023, and I am excited to see how her future albums and projects may play a part in my life.

Before the Eras Tour, I only knew a handful of Taylor Swift's songs. I was introduced to the Eras Tour because a coworker had bought tickets to see Taylor Swift at the Levis Stadium. In the spirit of the upcoming concert, we listened to only Taylor Swift music the weeks prior. Additionally, a friend invited me to watch the show from outside the venue and I accompanied them on the day of the concert. I did not know many songs on the setlist but engaged in the few songs I knew. I was amazed by the production because of the phenomenal performances by Taylor, the band, and the backup dancers. After the concert, I explored more of Taylor's music independently, and I did not think I would become a fan as quickly as I did. Many of Taylor Swift's songs perfectly capture and put my feelings into words. She does a remarkable job of capturing specific moments and turning them into lyrics. Furthermore, Taylor's influence and the lessons learned through her songs have inspired me to reflect on past occurrences in my life, and how I can navigate my future choices. I can relate to the themes in her earlier songs, to her latest album The Tortured Poets Department. I discovered that her lyrics are intricate, and she has a unique, and exceptional way of writing stories through her songs. Listening to Taylor's music gave me the confidence to pick up my high school guitar and learn her songs. I particularly wanted to know my favorite songs "Fearless" and "All Too Well". I had a passion for music and singing when I was a child and in my adolescent years, but I had placed that musical aspect of myself on the back burner during college. It was challenging at first to get back into playing my guitar again. I struggled with the chords and strumming pattern but rediscovered my passion for guitar and singing. When I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I perform her songs in my room, helping me feel better. Furthermore, I became a fan of Taylor for her work ethic and dedication to fans. I admire how Taylor performs consecutive three-hour shows and has been doing so for about a year. Thus, I realized the importance of putting your all into a project that you are passionate about and seeing it through. Taylor Swift is an impressive performer and an outstanding person. I now look to her as a role model. The performer is authentic, compassionate, and committed to her fans. Watching the Eras Tour from the outskirts of the Levis Stadium has led me to discover a new artist I would not have considered deeply listening to. I am thankful to the Eras Tour because I believe the show has changed my life by shining a positive light on it. I rekindled my love for an old hobby and gained a new role model. The production has impacted my life greatly, and I cannot wait to keep supporting the tour via social media until the last show.

The first concert I attended was during my Junior year in high school. My best friend and I had bought tickets to BTS, or the Bangtan Boys at the Rose Bowl Stadium in 2019. This concert was important to me because I was a huge fan of BTS and could not believe they were coming to the United States again. It took a lot of convincing for my parents to allow me to go to a concert six hours away, especially because we would be gone the weekend before my AP Spanish exam the upcoming Monday. But I was ultimately permitted to attend alongside my best friend and her family. We aimed to arrive at the stadium before 7 am to ensure we could buy merchandise, such as shirts, tote bags, and light sticks for the concert. The lines for the merch did not open until midday, but the lines were extremely long, and once the merch booths were open, we waited for over two hours to purchase our merch. In addition, we did not take into account the weather. We waited outside the venue after the merch line and were met with sweltering temperatures. Luckily, there were food vendors outside the venue. Once we had our food and drinks, time remained before the doors opened, so we found shade to sit and made many friends with other fans (BTS ARMY). One fun aspect of waiting for doors to open was that as the group was doing soundcheck, we would hear snippets of them practicing, which made fans around the venue so much more excited to see the group. Additionally, inside the venue, BTS music videos were playing on the stage. I did not know that the videos were going to be playing, so it was a fun surprise meanwhile we waited for the 7:30 showtime. I will never forget the feeling of being starstruck when the group first appeared on the stage. I remember being in disbelief that I was truly six hours away from home and seeing a group I had watched and admired on screen for so long. The six-hour trip, 5 am wake-up, and hours of waiting in the heat were worth being a part of the crowd. My favorite memory of the concert was during one of the most lively songs on the setlist called Anpanman. During the upbeat song, an inflatable slide appeared on stage and the group created a fun and energetic environment. This part of the concert was the most memorable because everyone in the crowd was out of their seats, and the light sticks in the crowd were shining different colors. In addition, I was very excited to participate in the ARMY wave, where everyone raises their lightstick per section. By doing so, the light sticks create an illusion of a wave. The group had us do the wave multiple times as the first attempts were uncoordinated. Being part of the wave in person became a core memory of the concert. I was grateful to attend this concert because I had the opportunity to enjoy it with my best friend. The concert experience was truly magical. Music has the power to connect people, and it can transcend through language barriers. Fans became a family by seeing BTS in concert. The fans are diverse, from youth to elders. Everyone was there to enjoy the concert alongside 7 boys from South Korea. I could not have asked for a better first concert experience, and that concert weekend will forever be my favorite memory.

I want to pursue school counseling because I have witnessed how students can change resulting from teachers or support staff that uplift students outside of their academic performance. My goal is to become a school counselor in the high school setting, specifically focusing on first-generation students' success. Additionally, as a first-generation student, I understand that many challenges arise in high school, and I am passionate about exploring different ways that I can assist students who will come into my office. When I was in high school I had to learn how to navigate the college application process and it was challenging to learn about different opportunities that could build a college resume. From middle school until my sophomore year in college, I always thought that extracurriculars such as sports, clubs, or volunteer work were for students unlike me. However, as a junior in high school, I realized the importance of extracurriculars in not only building a college resume, but in building important skills such as leadership, time management, and teamwork. For this reason, I want to become a school counselor to help future first-generation students navigate the college application process. In addition, I am excited to promote different opportunities for success among students and their families. Increasing awareness about volunteer opportunities, summer programs, or dual enrollment classes is a way that I can help make a real difference in students' lives in the future. My passion for assisting others in their education also stems from conducting peer reviews for my friends in college. In study groups, we would often re-read each other's essays and provide feedback before final submissions. My passion for investing in student success amongst my peers solidified my decision to become a school counselor because I felt joy playing a part in helping others feel more confident about their schoolwork. Furthermore, when I drive past my old high school, I think about my seventeen-year-old self and realize that if it weren't for the encouraging and supportive teachers and counselors I had during the college application process, I would not be in the same position I am now. I believe that past me would be proud to know that I am on the way to making my professional dreams as a school counselor come true. This fall I will begin my master's degree in guidance and counseling at San Jose State University and am adding a clinical track to my degree. In this manner, I can help students in their academics, but also be a licensed mental health professional to assist students who are facing mental health challenges.

I chose to pursue a career in school counseling because I am interested in advocating for student mental health awareness in educational settings. Cases of mental health issues have been on the rise, and it is imperative to address student mental health so they can learn healthy coping habits and receive treatment early on. I decided that working as a school counselor was the right career for me because school counseling is rooted in increasing equity and access to resources. A primary role of a school counselor is to oversee student emotional well-being. In this manner, I can assist students who may require more support during the school year. I chose school counseling as a career because teachers and counselors on my team were encouraging and motivated me to keep my head held high when my mother fell ill and was unable to work. I am very grateful for the staff that supported me and helped me navigate my feelings of high-stress levels and anxiety during a tough time in my adolescence, and I am eager to do the same for students in the future. I hold a BA in Psychology and am a prospective student for the MA in Counseling and Guidance + PPSC+ LPCC program offered at San Jose State University. My future goals as a counselor are to receive my LPCC license and use my knowledge to provide mental health counseling to students in the K-12 setting. I believe that providing mental health counseling in schools may help mitigate student feelings of anxiety, depression, or high stress associated with being a student. Specifically, I am interested in creating initiatives to establish stronger ties between first-generation students, parents, and the school counseling team at the high school level. Addressing stressors early on and helping first-generation students navigate a new college environment, financial struggles, and high academic pressure will help make the college process easier and less discouraging for students and their families. As a first-generation low-income student, I understand the immense pressure of managing time to complete schoolwork while being employed to help pay for school-related expenses. Furthermore, as a VITA volunteer in a community college, I assisted students in filing their taxes. During this time, I realized how many students at my community college or surrounding college areas struggled to pay for college and how finances placed a toll on students' mental health. Although I did not directly provide mental health services, I assisted students by sharing information on scholarships they could find on campus, or any other grants they may be eligible for. I realized how impactful a conversation is in helping others around me feel better after being listened to. In this manner, I knew that pursuing a career in mental health in an educational setting is the right fit for me.

As a low-income first-generation student, my parents taught me the value of education from a young age. I fell in love with learning and improving my academic skills. Education as I knew it, was the way I would help my family in the future. I am eager to pursue a career in education as a school counselor because of my own experiences with staff and volunteer opportunities amongst schools in the Milpitas Unified School District. Moreover, this Fall 2024 semester I will be starting my MA in Counseling and Guidance + PPSC credential at San Jose State University. This career will allow me to pursue both my interests in working in the field of education, but also assisting students who are struggling with mental health. Educators during my K-12 journey inspired my decision to pursue a career in education. The first person who inspired my decision was my fifth and sixth grade math teacher, Ms. Nijjar at Robert Randall Elementary School in Milpitas, Ca. She was the first teacher that had truly listened to me and took the time to best help me in a subject that I struggled in. I had a strong relationship with Ms. Nijjar because she never gave up on me as a student and always pushed me to be better. She recognized my needs as a shy student and always encouraged me to ask for help without fear. I admired Ms. Nijjar because she was also bilingual, and became one of the first teachers who my parents could communicate effectively with and also form a relationship with. She is an extraordinary teacher who cares for the whole student, and I am very thankful to have studied under her. Additionally, during my senior year at Milpitas High School, my pre-calculus teacher, Ms. Nguyen also gave me support. During High School my mother had fell ill and I was in charge of helping my father pay bills when my mom was in recovery. Ms. Nguyen was understanding of my situation and also uplifted me when I was struggling to keep up with work, school, extracurriculars, and college applications. She allowed me to work on college applications in her classroom when we both had free periods, and was very flexible with allowing me to make test corrections. I admire Ms. Nguyen because she always went above and beyond to help her students not only in math, but also listened to student struggles and became a trusted adult. I thank Ms. Nguyen because witnessing her build trusting relationships with students of all backgrounds also solidified my own decision for pursuing a career in education. Lastly, when I began dual enrollment classes at San Jose City College, my counselor, Benjamin Grainger, also gave me the best advice on how to attain my dream career as a school counselor, and encouraged me to pursue this career in the future. My educators from the MUSD school district and counselor in San Jose Evergreen Community College District inspired me to never give up and helped me unleash potential that otherwise would have not come to light. In this manner, pursuing a career in education as a school counselor will help me pay forward the support and encouragement I received in my educational journey. In this field, I will be a resource for students needing an adult in their corner to support them emotionally and academically, and I cannot wait to help students become the best versions of themselves.

One way that I have been helping others with their mental health is by practicing active listening when in need. Combining active listening with a calm attitude, I have created safe spaces for friends to express their feelings. I find that those around me are more willing to express their emotions when neutral environments are established. Therefore, I continue to ensure those around me are promptly provided listening ears when concern is expressed. I currently hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and will be pursuing a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling this upcoming fall. My goal is to become a mental health professional and work as a counselor in K-12 education. Furthermore, learning about child and adolescent mental health will allow me to make an impact in the lives of youth who are struggling, and make changes early on in their lives both on and off campus. During my own K-12 journey I am grateful to have had supportive staff in my corner when I needed more support. Therefore, I am eager to be in a position where I can grow my knowledge on the curriculum taught in my undergraduate career to become an expert in the field. In this manner, I can make real change amongst youth of all backgrounds. Nonetheless, by becoming a mental health professional I will have practice in looking for warning signs that indicate struggles in mental illness amongst others in my personal life. I will be more prepared in case of a crisis scenario for friends, family, and community members. I understand that many people struggle with mental health issues, and some never get the chance to open up to others in fear of appearing weak and evoking shame. In this manner, I hope to leave a positive influence amongst those around me while I am supporting their mental health needs, whether that is through direct services or helping others around me locate resources to help get them in their desired direction.

My ideal bookshelf inspired by #BookTok will include the titles, Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, and both titles by Brianna Wiest: The Mountain is You, and 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think. These books are must haves for youth navigating their twenties within the #BookTok community. Everything I Know About Love details the authors relationships and love experiences growing up in her 20's. This book opens the conversation on #BookTok to the lessons learned about love and female friendships during a self discovery period of life. Those who have completed their twenties may use this title to reflect on their personal experiences on love. But, those who are currently in their 20's may read this title to better understand how to handle changing relationships and potential heartbreak. Everything I Know About Love creates a community where wisdom can be passed down from one generation to the next, and opens the door to creating new connections along the way. Next, the titles of Brianna Wiest are rooted in personal development and self growth. In 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think, Wiest highlights how our thoughts and perceptions of our day to day experiences impact the way we view our lives. As the title suggests, readers on #BookTok can take the advice of Wiest to change their negative thoughts to unwanted or unpleasant experiences, and manage the negative way of thinking. The #BookTok community can use this book to create a safe space for self reflection and learning to become elevated versions of themselves by being courageous enough to face their thoughts. Furthermore, in The Mountain is You, Wiest calls attention to how the act of self sabotage is detrimental. Wiest highlights how readers have to the power to transform their lives, but have to find it within to make changes in order to overcome blockages and live the life they want. The #BookTok community is impacted by the work of Wiest as strategies within the book can be used for readers to see analyze their current lives, and consider whether or not they are living to their true and authentic selves. Creators on #BookTok share this title is essential for self growth, and this read will help the reader create their version of a perfect life. The three titles: Everything I Know About Love, 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think, and The Mountain is You, are beneficial for those on #Booktok who are navigating youth, as the lessons learned in the three titles can be used for the remainder of life. All three titles encourage readers to analyze situations in their daily lives, and reflect upon what lessons are being taught through the ups and downs of life. All three titles foster increased emotional intelligence, and encourages #BookTok to take life one day at a time.

At the age of seventeen, I was embarking on the beginning of my senior year. As a first-generation student, the greatest achievement that I was looking forward to was being recognized at my high school graduation as the class of 2020. However, little did I know that my greatest achievement was supporting a household while also completing my senior year. During the fall of my senior year, my mom became sick and was not able to work. It was unclear how long she was not going to be able to work. Because of this, I had to take on the responsibility of helping my dad financially to support the household. I then realized that my senior year was about to become much more occupied than I originally thought. Although I had a part-time job, it was not enough to help my dad make ends meet. I needed to at least complete 20-25 hours of work a week. In addition, As my parents have a house cleaning business, I helped my dad as my mom could not go with him. During the week, I would to go school in the morning, and if I was not working at the ALDO shoe store, I was helping my dad clean houses. On the weekends, I would clean houses in the morning with my dad, work at the shoe store in the afternoon, and complete my homework at night. I had to step up and show my family that I could handle new responsibilities, while also showing up for myself to see how much I was truly capable of managing. I had to learn how to become self-motivated and resilient in order to keep myself on top of my responsibilities, extracurriculars, and navigating the college application process. I had continued this busy schedule right up until we had to shelter in place due to the pandemic. It was a very critical time, where I often felt that I had to please everyone. I had to be perfect. However, my parents always reminded me that school came first, and although I was now given more responsibilities, my first priority was being a student and staying on top of my school work. It was not always easy, as I also worried about my mom's well-being constantly. This experience introduced me to adulthood. I learned about personal finance. I learned how to budget my money. Instead of saving money for things that I wanted, I had to save for things that I needed. I learned about self-control in the midst of this time. I had to learn how to control my emotions, and also remind myself that I was still a child, and doing the best that I could with what I had. Not only that, but my biggest takeaway was learning about how much I could handle. I learned about time management and explored how to improve my mental health. I learned that in order to take care of my family, I also need to take care of myself. Two years ago, I hoped that I would continue to be self-reliant and independent. Now that I am finishing my bachelor's degree, I am working to improve my ability to manage my finances, my time, and my mental health. In order to sustain me after I graduate and start working in my field of study, I intend to keep improving these talents.