Student Ambassador, MA in Counseling, Marital and Family Therapy
Pronouns
She/her
Hometown
Arcadia, CA
When did you begin your graduate program?
Fall 2022
Expected Graduation Date
Spring 2025
What is your educational and professional background?
I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Psychology from UC Berkeley in 2019. In the past, I have worked as a crisis line counselor, paraprofessional counselor in a residential facility, and a case manager in a community nonprofit organization. I have also volunteered as an in-home support assistant for an individual with disabilities, a caseworker at a a community clinic dedicated toward serving houseless people, and a peer counselor and peer-counselor trainer in an undergraduate organization called Student to Student Peer Counseling. My experience working with diverse populations has inspired my passion for serving people with disabilities and other marginalized populations.
Why did you choose USD? What made USD stand out in comparison to other schools with a similar program?
USD provides the education and resources that I knew would propel me in my aspirations to become a therapist for patients in medical settings. With its emphasis on the biopsychosocial model and renowned faculty that have made huge contributions to the field of integrated behavioral health and medical family therapy, I knew that opportunities at USD would be unmatched.
What are your professional goals?
My goal is to work with patients with chronic and terminal illnesses in a medical setting. I am also interested in working with people of minority ethnicities.
Favorite thing about your program:
My favorite thing about my program has been the discussions that take place in class in which people share their opinions and perspectives on complex concepts. My peers and I have found ourselves even applying these concepts into our own lives and relationships.
Have you completed an international experience? What did you do?
For my international experience, I went to Spain for a class called Family Development and attended an international conference. It was a valuable educational and networking experience to be able to learn and talk to practitioners and aspiring practitioners from around the world at the conference. I also found the experience to broaden my perspective on the field of mental health in different cultures.
How would you describe the culture at SOLES?
Friendly, collaborative, responsive
Are you currently working? If so, do you work full-time or part-time, and what do you do? How do you balance work, school, and personal life?
I am currently working part-time as a Therapeutic Recreation Leader in The City of San Diego’s Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS). In my work at TRS, I lead and facilitate recreational programs and provide support to children and adults with disabilities. I try to make sure that I put in some time in my schedule to do things that I enjoy, like playing basketball and getting food and boba with friends.
What internships assistantships, volunteer work, or fieldwork have you done through SOLES? How has it impacted you?
I am the community engagement leader/ Co-Vice President of a SOLES student organization called Counselors Advocating and Pursuing Equity. As a CAPE officer, I coordinate events such as free flows to promote brave spaces for people to discuss difficult topics such as differences, multiculturalism, and identity. I also lead partnerships and events with other community and campus organizations.