I like to travel, it’s something I started about two years ago. I definitely wanted to travel to become more knowledgeable of other cultures, their food, and what they are known for…so definitely, traveling has become a part of me, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Of course, because of the pandemic, it’s a little bit limited now but definitely it’s a way for me to unwind. 

I’m also a big Mickey Mouse fanatic. You’ll see me with mickey shirts, mickey backpacks, mickey pillows, mickey everything.

I choose Mount Saint Mary’s University because I was intrigued by the two-year GCP (General Counseling Psychology) program. I think the flexibility that it was providing and the many options it had – whether I wanted to take on an internship or write a thesis, and the fact that it was flexible to students and how accommodating it was – that’s what was intriguing to me, and why I accepted the Mount. 

Also, the flexibility the Mount offers allows me the opportunity to continue my work with families at a local regional center while furthering my skills and enhancing my professional knowledge. 

Graduate school has definitely been a transition, given the fact that it took 5 years to apply to graduate school after earning my bachelor’s degree was rigorous but manageable. One of the biggest adjustments was balancing my new routine of work and school – the critical reading assignments, the projects, writing papers, and identifying new de-stress tactics to disconnect such as go for a walk, taking a drive, listening to music, going to the beach and releasing all that stress from work, from school, from home, from everything; the beach is a very peaceful place. 

Given the circumstances of COVID-19, the professors have done such a wonderful job at connecting with us via Zoom, and with our classmates. What has surprised me the most about being at the Mount is the amount of resources available to students and the small class sizes. I was used to classes running with a lot of students; that was difficult. Coming here, with smaller class sizes, it really provides an opportunity for me to communicate with my professors and build that student-teacher relationship with them; it’s something impressive to be able to have that accessibility to my professors. It really makes a difference as opposed to having 40-60 students in a class. 

Being in class, I’m able to collaborate and learn from others, and able to see different perspectives. As a future counselor, I’m able to be more culturally competent, which plays a big role in working with others…how they think…how they work, and getting constructive feedback from my peers. The class projects really helps you to understand others. It really provided me with an opportunity to really know my classmates interests and learn from them. 

As a first-generation graduate student, I want to say, it’s okay to make mistakes and to not be too hard on ourselves – take it one day at a time. To be honest, it took me five years to consider applying to a master’s program after earning my bachelor’s degree, and although graduate school has proven to be challenging at times, at the end of the day, I’m getting closer to my career goal. Again, take it one day at a time and allow yourself time to adjust to a new routine. 

I will start by sharing that I earned my bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Whittier College. Currently, I am an administrative clerk for the City of Los Angeles, and I have been there for five years. I love going to the beach and reading a good book, preferably fiction or autobiographies. Plus, I am an avid listener to Audible. I love being a plant mom, and right now, I have six plants. 

I was attracted to Mount Saint Mary’s University because of the small class sizes and being able to connect to the professors and students. I always wanted to get into psychology because I wanted to help people and my contribution would be through mental health therapy. One of my goals is to change the negative stigma that mental health has in the African American community. Also, I like the location of MSMU, and it’s so close to my job that I would be able to get to class on time. Plus, the option of evening and daytime classes is great. 

My first-year experience has been interesting. I started the master’s program in the middle of the pandemic, fall semester of 2020, and that alone is a lot. I do miss the face-to-face interaction, however; remote learning has not been that bad. I have only completed nine units, and currently, I am working on nine units in my spring semester. I feel that the program has been helping me prepare to be a clinician. Equally important, I feel that the topics I am learning have forced me to reflect on my own life. I am constantly evaluating my mannerisms and how they have come about. I am proud that I took the step to earning my master’s. It has taken some time to get here, and when I get discouraged, I remind myself of that journey. 

I would tell anyone to keep going towards their dreams. It does not matter how long it takes; just keep going (but remember that you have to pay tuition each semester). I will be honest; it will be challenging and time-consuming, but it will be worth continuing your education. You are making the decision to better yourself and increase your productivity. Lastly, I would say that you will find so much support and assistance when you come to the Mount. 

I am an undocumented first-generation Latina that strongly believes in the power of storytelling as a form of unity, vulnerability, and strength to empower the next generation. During my undergraduate years at San Francisco State University, I interned at their Dream Resource Center where I was able to help other undocumented/AB 540 students through the process of applying and navigating higher education. I am also a community leader via social media handle MujeresxPsych on Instagram. I noticed a gap in networking between those who are graduating/recent graduates and those who are already out in the professional field in psychology and decided to make a platform for women of color specifically in psychology where we can provide guidance, network, share insights and advice one another.

Mount Saint Mary's University provides the graduate program that checked off all the boxes on my list when searching to continue my education. I wanted a graduate program that would help me strengthen my skills as a bilingual potential therapist to better communicate, assist and guide my community. I was looking for a graduate program that offers classes that are bilingual material in psychology and would provide me with the skills and knowledge to address mental health concerns within the Latinx community. The Mount offers the Enlaces program where I was amazed at the course descriptions, materials, and the professors that look like me and share the same passion for moving mental health forward within the Latinx community. 

My first semester at the Mount was amazing. I remember being so nervous, excited, and surprised at the same time. I was so surprised that I had professors of color teaching the material, being able to speak Spanish, and ultimately learning the material in my native tongue. I remember always leaving class so in awe and the reassurance that I picked the right program for myself. 

Continuing my education at the Mount and furthering my therapeutic skills in the field, I continue to reassure myself that the Latinx community is the central focus of my career ambitions. I have become an expert in intergenerational trauma, depression, and anxiety that I see within my clients of color and within the research, I have conducted with Professor Helu and my femtors. I am excited to announce I was also able to become trained in EMDR during my last semester at the Mount. This would help me develop my skills as a future trauma therapist of color. 

You are your biggest advocate. Your voice matters and deserves to be heard. Lean into your fear and trust that you will succeed. Remember that you can be happy, hurting, and healing at the same time.