Career Planning

As I mentioned in my “About Me” section and my statement of purpose below, my passion for psychology began during my freshman year of college. I took a general psychology course that introduced me to theories about the human brain and behaviors. That course sparked a deep interest in understanding others, and the material felt meaningful and relevant. I had a wonderful professor who brought those lessons to life, making me even more enthusiastic about the field. From that point on, I knew psychology was more than a major for me — it was a purpose and a path worth pursuing.

I went on to complete my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I built on those foundational ideas and strengthened my understanding of the human experience. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I realized that I wanted to apply this knowledge in a way that could make a meaningful difference. I have always been an empathetic person by nature and found purpose in helping others.  Pairing these qualities with my passion for psychology made the decision to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling a clear next step. Returning to UTSA for my graduate studies felt right, and I entered the program with a clearer sense of direction and a sincere commitment to growth.

This program has both challenged and inspired me. There have been stressful moments, and it has pushed me outside of my comfort zone many times, but every class, assignment, reading, and clinical encounter has taught me something valuable. I have gained knowledge and new perspectives on people’s lived experiences. I have deepened my empathy and developed more confidence in my professional identity. Through my internship work, I have witnessed the resilience of clients and have learned to sit with people through their pain while providing support and a safe space for healing.

I believe my growth has been supported by both my academic journey and my previous professional experiences. Working in customer-facing positions has taught me how to build rapport quickly, communicate clearly, manage conflicts calmly, and protect sensitive information. These roles gave me real-world practice in skills that counselors rely on every day, like active listening, empathy, problem-solving, and collaboration. My experience as a graduate intern, providing trauma-informed, client-centered counseling in a community setting, has further developed these abilities and given me confidence in applying theory to practice. Even my volunteer work in a senior activity center expanded my appreciation for working with diverse populations and adapting to different needs.

I feel closer to my dream every day, and while there is still so much to learn, I am proud of the progress I have made. Looking ahead, I can envision myself working in private practice. I am especially interested in working with children and adolescents. As a mother, supporting young people is very close to my heart, and I hope to build on my skills through future training in play therapy. I am also open to working with adults, families, and couples and value the chance to connect with people across different backgrounds and experiences. No matter where I land after graduation, I plan to continue growing, learning, and showing up authentically for my clients. This work is challenging, but it is profoundly meaningful. I am committed to pursuing lifelong learning and remaining grounded in empathy, ethical practice, and cultural humility. I am grateful for the people and experiences that have shaped me so far, and I look forward to continuing this journey as an aspiring counselor and an advocate for positive change.