Hi! I am a current UCLA senior in the psychology department with a passion for mental health advocacy and resonant interpersonal relations through art and mind-body wellness. I love having the opportunity to listen to people and see them for who they are, while finding ways to honor and support them.

Hometown

Irvine, California

Major(s)

Psychology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

UNRAVEL, TRUST @ UCLA, Cirque de LA, Neurobridge

Describe your college experience

The part of the college transition that stuck out to me the most has been the ability to discover who you are, what you want, and how to get there. College offers one of the first experiences in a persons life in which they are on their own to be the person they are meant to be. For many, including myself, it was the first time I was living away from home. While at times it was challenging, it has also guided me towards looking introspectively and begin to understand how I function. I learned things about myself I never knew before. For example, I learned that I am a morning person, I love exploring new places, and I even created a study strategy that has garnered much success for myself. Being able to form my identity through independence has been and continues to be a formative and often positive experience that I hope for all prospective students.

Tip for future students

My biggest piece of advice for future students is: "push yourself, but don't force yourself to be someone you're not." College is a time to grow and change, but there is so much pressure to become the person everyone expects you to be. During your academic journey, there should be dissonance but not destruction; that is, you will find find moments of discomfort that will force you to push through to succeed, but it should never be at the cost of your own wellbeing and health. Don't force yourself to change to fit into a group, it may take some time, but you will find your people. The right people will come into your life as long as you are open to it. Finally, do not compare yourself to anyone. You are your own unique 'you.' Everyone is on their own unique path, with their own unique challenges and successes. It's great to be inspired by your peers, but there will never be any benefit of comparison. Just be you; do the things you are passionate about and the right doors will open.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been Clinical Psychology: Biological Basis. I absolutely adored this class because it was challenging yet rewarding. I have always been passionate about psychopathology and neuroscience, and this class combined these two subjects. However, the reason why this class resonated with me so much was because it wasn't easy. It was at times very tricky, but every successful quiz, exam, or assignment was all the more encouraging and rewarding. I ended the quarter with a good grade that I was proud of. Not because of the grade itself, but because I worked hard for it.

Career goals

I am on track to pursue a career in Art therapy with a dual licensing in Marriage and Family Therapy. I aspire to use art and advocacy to bring voices to those who are not always heard by most. I believe art to be an extension of the soul, and therefore what better way to bring healing than by going straight to the source.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night is having a cozy hangout with my friends. Me and my friends at UCLA have a monthly "craft night," where one of us comes up with some artistic activity or craft for us to do and we get together after dinner and just spend time together creating things. It has been such a great opportunity for us to be able to slow down, unwind, and catch up with each other after a busy few weeks.

High school or secondary school

I attended Saddleback Christian Academy

Previous college

I transferred from Irvine Valley College

Favorite spot on campus

Favorite spot on campus is Pritzker Hall. It is one of the best study spots on campus in my opinion. It has chargers for every seat at every table and is relaxingly quiet all the time. It's especially nice because the Music Cafe is right next door, so I love getting a drink there, sitting by the inverted fountain, and then going inside to study. If I finish up my work early, I love just sitting on the couches in the lobby or sitting out in the sun in the patio.