Hello, my name is Sarahi Lopez. I’m a current graduate student in Washington State pursuing my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. I come from a first-generation Latinx background, and growing up, I was always taught the value of education. Being the oldest in my family came with a lot of responsibility, and I always felt like I had to set the standard, especially when it came to school. I grew up living in poverty and being part of a low-income household. Those experiences shaped the way I see the world. They taught me that education isn’t just a way to get ahead. It’s survival. It’s opportunity. It’s the one thing no one can take away from you. I’ve worked incredibly hard to get where I am, and I’m proud to say I’m maintaining above a 4.0 GPA in my graduate program. That isn’t just a number to me. It represents my passion for helping others and the commitment I have to this career. Throughout my life, people have told me I’m resilient. I’ve gone through a lot, but I never let it define me. Instead, I use my past as motivation to push forward and create change, not just for myself but for my community. From a young age, I’ve always been the person others come to for support, and now I’m turning that natural ability into a professional path. Growing up in poverty wasn’t easy. There were many times when resources were limited, and I had to navigate challenges that others around me didn’t fully understand. On top of that, I experienced bullying throughout my childhood, which deeply affected my self-esteem and sense of safety. Those moments made me feel isolated, but they also helped me realize how important emotional support truly is. It was during those times that I wished someone would truly listen, validate my feelings, and help me feel seen. Now, I want to be that person for others. One of my biggest goals is to become licensed to provide counseling in Spanish. Where I’m from, there are very few mental health resources, especially in Spanish, and that creates a huge gap in care for the people in my community. I want to be someone who bridges that gap. I want to be able to offer support to Spanish-speaking clients in rural areas who often feel unseen or unheard. This degree is not just about a career for me. It’s about giving back. It’s about becoming the therapist I wish my family and others in my community had access to. I’m here to create space for healing, growth, and empowerment, especially for those who feel like help has never been made for them. In the end my goal is simple, I’m not just chasing a degree. I’m building a future where healing is accessible, culture is respected, and no one feels alone in their journey.

My name is Sarahi Lopez, and I am a first-generation Latinx student with a passion for pursuing a degree in Mental Health for graduate school. I Currently live in Washington state with a family of nine, I proudly became the first member of my family to graduate from a four year university. My journey towards mental health advocacy began during my time at Washington State University, where I enrolled in a college class that provided me with invaluable insights into the role of a mental health counselor. Through engaging scenarios, I honed my skills in motivational interviewing and discovered my calling in the mental health field. Following graduation, I embarked on a path of service as a College Adviser for the University of Washington College Advising Corps, where I dedicated myself to supporting underrepresented students in pursuing higher education. Some of the things I have done while in the program was Volunteering to raise awareness among Spanish-speaking families about mental health services, I delivered presentations on coping mechanisms and accessing support resources. This experience not only deepened my understanding of mental health challenges but also nurtured my abilities in communication, social interaction, and collaboration within diverse communities. Outside of my advising role, I serve as a mentor at Yakima Middle School, guiding at-risk youth towards brighter futures through education. Advocating for students who require extra support has become a cornerstone of my professional ethos, and I am committed to providing them with the tools and encouragement needed to thrive. My decision to pursue Clinical Mental Health Counseling stems from personal experiences growing up in a Latinx community with limited access to mental health services. Enduring hardships due to socioeconomic factors and exposure to crime, I recognize the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health support in underserved communities like mine. By obtaining this scholarship, I aim to further my education and equip myself with the skills necessary to address the mental health needs of my community. I aspire to collaborate with local programs and organizations, leveraging my unique background and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it most. As a first-generation Latinx student, receiving this scholarship would not only advance my career aspirations but also empower me to serve as a great advocate for positive change in the field of mental health counseling.