I have always been deeply passionate about understanding others and helping those in need. I am currently working towards a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology, with the goal of earning a PsyD and developing new, person-based treatment methods that incorporate somatic therapy. My commitment to mental health stems not only from academic interest but also from personal experience. Growing up as the son of a preacher, I struggled a lot to accept my own identity and who I am with the doctrine of the church and the expectation placed on me by my father. When I came out, it was met with plenty of rejection and scripture; I felt like I had no choice but to leave. I ran away to California, where I lived for two years, and in those two years, I was able to grow into who I am, challenge myself, and ultimately give myself permission to grow into the person I am today. During that time, I longed for community, of having a space where I could be myself without fear, and of receiving the support I had not been able to experience. I know that many LGBTQIA+ persons do not have that opportunity and also long for it. Too many people are left to navigate their pain and rejection alone, without access to the care and understanding they deserve. This is why my ultimate goal is to work with LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly those who have been overlooked, underserved, or unable to access therapy due to financial or social barriers. I want to give them the support that I did not have. I aim to create a space where people can feel seen, heard, and valued; a space where they don’t have to fight to justify or explain their existence, but instead can focus on healing, growing, and thriving. Also, I hope to address the silent struggle of passive suicide, recognizing that many people experience immense pain but do not actively seek help because they have no immediate plan or intent to act on it. The suffering in our community is real, and we deserve validation and support. Mental health is not just about overcoming struggles; it is about growth, self-acceptance, and learning to live a fulfilling life, embracing our authentic selves. I want to break down the stigma surrounding therapy and make it more accessible, welcoming, and affirming—especially for those who have been made to feel like they do not belong or that they should feel ashamed of what or who they are. No one should have to heal alone, and I am committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the care and support everyone deserves.

I have always been deeply passionate about understanding others and helping those in need. I am currently working towards a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology, with the goal of earning a PsyD and developing new, person-based treatment methods that incorporate somatic therapy. My commitment to mental health stems not only from academic interest but also from personal experience. Growing up as the son of a preacher, I struggled a lot to accept my own identity and who I am with the doctrine of the church and the expectation placed on me by my father. When I came out, it was met with plenty of rejection and scripture; I felt like I had no choice but to leave. I ran away to California, where I lived for two years, and in those two years, I was able to grow into who I am, challenge myself, and ultimately give myself permission to grow into the person I am today. During that time, I longed for community, of having a space where I could be myself without fear, and of receiving the support I had not been able to experience. I know that many LGBTQIA+ persons do not have that opportunity and also long for it. Too many people are left to navigate their pain and rejection alone, without access to the care and understanding they deserve. This is why my ultimate goal is to work with LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly those who have been overlooked, underserved, or unable to access therapy due to financial or social barriers. I want to give them the support that I did not have. I aim to create a space where people can feel seen, heard, and valued; a space where they don’t have to fight to justify or explain their existence, but instead can focus on healing, growing, and thriving. Also, I hope to address the silent struggle of passive suicide, recognizing that many people experience immense pain but do not actively seek help because they have no immediate plan or intent to act on it. The suffering in our community is real, and we deserve validation and support. Mental health is not just about overcoming struggles; it is about growth, self-acceptance, and learning to live a fulfilling life, embracing our authentic selves. I want to break down the stigma surrounding therapy and make it more accessible, welcoming, and affirming—especially for those who have been made to feel like they do not belong or that they should feel ashamed of what or who they are. No one should have to heal alone, and I am committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the care and support everyone deserves.

I have always been deeply passionate about understanding others and helping those in need. I am currently working towards a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology, with the goal of earning a PsyD and developing new, person-based treatment methods that incorporate somatic therapy. My commitment to mental health stems not only from academic interest but also from personal experience. Growing up as the son of a preacher, I struggled a lot to accept my own identity and who I am with the doctrine of the church and the expectation placed on me by my father. When I came out, it was met with plenty of rejection and scripture; I felt like I had no choice but to leave. I ran away to California, where I lived for two years, and in those two years, I was able to grow into who I am, challenge myself, and ultimately give myself permission to grow into the person I am today. During that time, I longed for community, of having a space where I could be myself without fear, and of receiving the support I had not been able to experience. I know that many LGBTQIA+ persons do not have that opportunity and also long for it. Too many people are left to navigate their pain and rejection alone, without access to the care and understanding they deserve. This is why my ultimate goal is to work with LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly those who have been overlooked, underserved, or unable to access therapy due to financial or social barriers. I want to give them the support that I did not have. I aim to create a space where people can feel seen, heard, and valued; a space where they don’t have to fight to justify or explain their existence, but instead can focus on healing, growing, and thriving. Also, I hope to address the silent struggle of passive suicide, recognizing that many people experience immense pain but do not actively seek help because they have no immediate plan or intent to act on it. The suffering in our community is real, and we deserve validation and support. Mental health is not just about overcoming struggles; it is about growth, self-acceptance, and learning to live a fulfilling life, embracing our authentic selves. I want to break down the stigma surrounding therapy and make it more accessible, welcoming, and affirming—especially for those who have been made to feel like they do not belong or that they should feel ashamed of what or who they are. No one should have to heal alone, and I am committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the care and support everyone deserves.

I am pursuing a BS in Psychology with a minor in Biology, driven by my passion for understanding others and helping those in need. My interest in psychology has been present since high school, when I independently would read about trauma and somatic therapy techniques, wanting to understand how the mind and body are connected in processing and healing. My personal experiences with therapy have further shaped my goals; the support I received in therapy helped me navigate difficult life events, inspiring me to extend that same helping hand to others who may feel alone, unheard, in pain, or just shattered. My ultimate goal is to earn a PsyD and develop new person-based treatment methods, incorporating somatic therapy to create a more individualized approach to healing. In 5 to 10 years, I hope to work with LGBTQIA+ youth and people who have never had the opportunity to grow or heal with therapy; those who have been overlooked, underserved, or unable to seek help due to financial or social barriers. I also want to focus on the widespread but silent struggle of passive suicide. Many people are experiencing overwhelming pain but do not actively seek help because they have no plan or intent to act, so they don’t seek help. However, their suffering is still real, and they are deserving of support, validation, and a space where they feel safe enough to be heard. Mental health is my passion. As someone who has struggled and continues to struggle, I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help or even to get out of bed to face the world. Sometimes, even getting through the day can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why I want to dedicate my future career to creating a space where people feel safe, understood, and supported without fear of judgment. People are struggling, and we often fail to see it, not because we don’t care, but because their pain is masked. I want to make therapy less daunting, more accessible, and welcoming, so that no one feels like their struggles are too small to be acknowledged or that they must heal or struggle alone. It is also important to me that therapy is not just viewed as a space to heal, but also as a space to grow. You don’t need to wait until you are struggling or need help, to reap the rewards of therapy. It is a place for everyone, where they can heal, but also grow. Finally, I want to contribute to normalizing seeking help, break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensure that everyone, regardless of any barriers, receives the healing and support they are deserving of.

I have always been deeply passionate about understanding others and helping those in need. I am currently working towards a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology, with the goal of earning a PsyD and developing new, person-based treatment methods that incorporate somatic therapy. My commitment to mental health stems not only from academic interest but also from personal experience. Growing up as the son of a preacher, I struggled a lot to accept my own identity and who I am with the doctrine of the church and the expectation placed on me by my father. When I came out, it was met with plenty of rejection and scripture; I felt like I had no choice but to leave. I ran away to California, where I lived for two years, and in those two years, I was able to grow into who I am, challenge myself, and ultimately give myself permission to grow into the person I am today. During that time, I longed for community, of having a space where I could be myself without fear, and of receiving the support I had not been able to experience. I know that many LGBTQIA+ persons do not have that opportunity and also long for it. Too many people are left to navigate their pain and rejection alone, without access to the care and understanding they deserve. This is why my ultimate goal is to work with LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly those who have been overlooked, underserved, or unable to access therapy due to financial or social barriers. I want to give them the support that I did not have. I aim to create a space where people can feel seen, heard, and valued; a space where they don’t have to fight to justify or explain their existence, but instead can focus on healing, growing, and thriving. Also, I hope to address the silent struggle of passive suicide, recognizing that many people experience immense pain but do not actively seek help because they have no immediate plan or intent to act on it. The suffering in our community is real, and we deserve validation and support. Mental health is not just about overcoming struggles; it is about growth, self-acceptance, and learning to live a fulfilling life, embracing our authentic selves. I want to break down the stigma surrounding therapy and make it more accessible, welcoming, and affirming—especially for those who have been made to feel like they do not belong or that they should feel ashamed of what or who they are. No one should have to heal alone, and I am committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the care and support everyone deserves.

I am pursuing a BS in Psychology with a minor in Biology, driven by my passion for understanding others and helping those in need. My interest in psychology has been present since high school, when I independently would read about trauma and somatic therapy techniques, wanting to understand how the mind and body are connected in processing and healing. My personal experiences with therapy have further shaped my goals; the support I received in therapy helped me navigate difficult life events, inspiring me to extend that same helping hand to others who may feel alone, unheard, in pain, or just shattered. My ultimate goal is to earn a PsyD and develop new person-based treatment methods, incorporating somatic therapy to create a more individualized approach to healing. In 5 to 10 years, I hope to work with LGBTQIA+ youth and people who have never had the opportunity to grow or heal with therapy; those who have been overlooked, underserved, or unable to seek help due to financial or social barriers. I also want to focus on the widespread but silent struggle of passive suicide. Many people are experiencing overwhelming pain but do not actively seek help because they have no plan or intent to act, so they don’t seek help. However, their suffering is still real, and they are deserving of support, validation, and a space where they feel safe enough to be heard. Mental health is my passion. As someone who has struggled and continues to struggle, I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help or even to get out of bed to face the world. Sometimes, even getting through the day can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why I want to dedicate my future career to creating a space where people feel safe, understood, and supported without fear of judgment. People are struggling, and we often fail to see it, not because we don’t care, but because their pain is masked. I want to make therapy less daunting, more accessible, and welcoming, so that no one feels like their struggles are too small to be acknowledged or that they must heal or struggle alone. It is also important to me that therapy is not just viewed as a space to heal, but also as a space to grow. You don’t need to wait until you are struggling or need help, to reap the rewards of therapy. It is a place for everyone, where they can heal, but also grow. Finally, I want to contribute to normalizing seeking help, break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensure that everyone, regardless of any barriers, receives the healing and support they are deserving of.

I am pursuing a BS in Psychology with a minor in Biology, driven by my passion for understanding others and helping those in need. My interest in psychology has been present since high school, when I independently would read about trauma and somatic therapy techniques, wanting to understand how the mind and body are connected in processing and healing. My personal experiences with therapy have further shaped my goals; the support I received in therapy helped me navigate difficult life events, inspiring me to extend that same helping hand to others who may feel alone, unheard, in pain, or just shattered. Without my own journey with therapy, I can confidently say that I would not be the person I am today. Therapy has shaped who I am and has inspired me to grow and thrive, to embrace myself and passions; above all, it has given my the motivation and confidence to pursue the goals I have for myself. My ultimate goal is to earn a PsyD and develop new person-based treatment methods, incorporating somatic therapy to create a more individualized approach to healing. In 5 to 10 years, I hope to work with LGBTQIA+ youth and people who have never had the opportunity to grow or heal with therapy; those who have been overlooked, underserved, or unable to seek help due to financial or social barriers. I also want to focus on the widespread but silent struggle of passive suicide. Many people are experiencing overwhelming pain but do not actively seek help because they have no plan or intent to act, so they don’t seek help. However, their suffering is still real, and they are deserving of support, validation, and a space where they feel safe enough to be heard. Mental health is my passion. As someone who has struggled and continues to struggle, I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help or even to get out of bed to face the world. Sometimes, even getting through the day can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why I want to dedicate my future career to creating a space where people feel safe, understood, and supported without fear of judgment. People are struggling, and we often fail to see it, not because we don’t care, but because their pain is masked. I want to make therapy less daunting, more accessible, and welcoming, so that no one feels like their struggles are too small to be acknowledged or that they must heal or struggle alone. It is also important to me that therapy is not just viewed as a space to heal, but also as a space to grow. You don’t need to wait until you are struggling or need help, to reap the rewards of therapy. It is a place for everyone, where they can heal, but also grow. Finally, I want to contribute to normalizing seeking help, break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensure that everyone, regardless of any barriers, receives the healing and support they are deserving of.

I am pursuing a BS in Psychology with a minor in Biology, driven by my passion for understanding others and helping those in need. My interest in psychology has been present since high school, when I independently would read about trauma and somatic therapy techniques, wanting to understand how the mind and body are connected in processing and healing. My personal experiences with therapy have further shaped my goals; the support I received in therapy helped me navigate difficult life events, inspiring me to extend that same helping hand to others who may feel alone, unheard, in pain, or just shattered. My ultimate goal is to earn a PsyD and develop new person-based treatment methods, incorporating somatic therapy to create a more individualized approach to healing. In 5 to 10 years, I hope to work with LGBTQIA+ youth and people who have never had the opportunity to grow or heal with therapy; those who have been overlooked, underserved, or unable to seek help due to financial or social barriers. I also want to focus on the widespread but silent struggle of passive suicide. Many people are experiencing overwhelming pain but do not actively seek help because they have no plan or intent to act, so they don’t seek help. However, their suffering is still real, and they are deserving of support, validation, and a space where they feel safe enough to be heard. Mental health is my passion. As someone who has struggled and continues to struggle, I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help or even to get out of bed to face the world. Sometimes, even getting through the day can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why I want to dedicate my future career to creating a space where people feel safe, understood, and supported without fear of judgment. People are struggling, and we often fail to see it, not because we don’t care, but because their pain is masked. I want to make therapy less daunting, more accessible, and welcoming, so that no one feels like their struggles are too small to be acknowledged or that they must heal or struggle alone. It is also important to me that therapy is not just viewed as a space to heal, but also as a space to grow. You don’t need to wait until you are struggling or need help, to reap the rewards of therapy. It is a place for everyone, where they can heal, but also grow. Finally, I want to contribute to normalizing seeking help, break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensure that everyone, regardless of any barriers, receives the healing and support they are deserving of.

I have always been deeply passionate about understanding others and helping those in need. I am currently working towards a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology, with the goal of earning a PsyD and developing new, person-based treatment methods that incorporate somatic therapy. My commitment to mental health stems not only from academic interest but also from personal experience. Growing up as the son of a preacher, I struggled a lot to accept my own identity and who I am with the doctrine of the church and the expectation placed on me by my father. When I came out, it was met with plenty of rejection and scripture; I felt like I had no choice but to leave. I ran away to California, where I lived for two years, and in those two years, I was able to grow into who I am, challenge myself, and ultimately give myself permission to grow into the person I am today. During that time, I longed for community, of having a space where I could be myself without fear, and of receiving the support I had not been able to experience. I know that many LGBTQIA+ persons do not have that opportunity and also long for it. Too many people are left to navigate their pain and rejection alone, without access to the care and understanding they deserve. This is why my ultimate goal is to work with LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly those who have been overlooked, underserved, or unable to access therapy due to financial or social barriers. I want to give them the support that I did not have. I aim to create a space where people can feel seen, heard, and valued; a space where they don’t have to fight to justify or explain their existence, but instead can focus on healing, growing, and thriving. Also, I hope to address the silent struggle of passive suicide, recognizing that many people experience immense pain but do not actively seek help because they have no immediate plan or intent to act on it. The suffering in our community is real, and we deserve validation and support. Mental health is not just about overcoming struggles; it is about growth, self-acceptance, and learning to live a fulfilling life, embracing our authentic selves. I want to break down the stigma surrounding therapy and make it more accessible, welcoming, and affirming—especially for those who have been made to feel like they do not belong or that they should feel ashamed of what or who they are. No one should have to heal alone, and I am committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the care and support everyone deserves.

I am pursuing a BS in Psychology with a minor in Biology, driven by my passion for understanding others and helping those in need. My interest in psychology has been present since high school, when I independently would read about trauma and somatic therapy techniques, wanting to understand how the mind and body are connected in processing and healing. My personal experiences with therapy have further shaped my goals; the support I received in therapy helped me navigate difficult life events, inspiring me to extend that same helping hand to others who may feel alone, unheard, in pain, or just shattered. My ultimate goal is to earn a PsyD and develop new person-based treatment methods, incorporating somatic therapy to create a more individualized approach to healing. In 5 to 10 years, I hope to work with LGBTQIA+ youth and people who have never had the opportunity to grow or heal with therapy; those who have been overlooked, underserved, or unable to seek help due to financial or social barriers. I feel strongly that BIPOC often do not have access to mental health resources due to socioeconomic boundaries, but primarily due to cultural blocks, like the outlook and view on mental health within BIPOC communities. I also want to focus on the widespread but silent struggle of passive suicide within the BIPOC community. Many people are experiencing overwhelming pain but do not actively seek help because they have no plan or intent to act, so they don’t seek help. However, their suffering is still real, and they are deserving of support, validation, and a space where they feel safe enough to be heard. Mental health is my passion. As someone who has struggled and continues to struggle, I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help or even to get out of bed to face the world. Sometimes, even getting through the day can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why I want to dedicate my future career to creating a space where people feel safe, understood, and supported without fear of judgment. People are struggling, and we often fail to see it, not because we don’t care, but because their pain is masked. I want to make therapy less daunting, more accessible, and welcoming, so that no one feels like their struggles are too small to be acknowledged or that they must heal or struggle alone. It is also important to me that therapy is not just viewed as a space to heal, but also as a space to grow. You don’t need to wait until you are struggling or need help, to reap the rewards of therapy. It is a place for everyone, where they can heal, but also grow. Finally, I want to contribute to normalizing seeking help, break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensure that everyone, regardless of any barriers, receives the healing and support they are deserving of.

I am pursuing a BS in Psychology with a minor in Biology, driven by my passion for understanding others and helping those in need. My interest in psychology has been present since high school, when I independently would read about trauma and somatic therapy techniques, wanting to understand how the mind and body are connected in processing and healing. My personal experiences with therapy have further shaped my goals; the support I received in therapy helped me navigate difficult life events, inspiring me to extend that same helping hand to others who may feel alone, unheard, in pain, or just shattered. My ultimate goal is to earn a PsyD and develop new person-based treatment methods, incorporating somatic therapy to create a more individualized approach to healing. In 5 to 10 years, I hope to work with LGBTQIA+ youth and people who have never had the opportunity to grow or heal with therapy; those who have been overlooked, underserved, or unable to seek help due to financial or social barriers. I also want to focus on the widespread but silent struggle of passive suicide. Many people are experiencing overwhelming pain but do not actively seek help because they have no plan or intent to act, so they don’t seek help. However, their suffering is still real, and they are deserving of support, validation, and a space where they feel safe enough to be heard. Mental health is my passion. As someone who has struggled and continues to struggle, I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help or even to get out of bed to face the world. Sometimes, even getting through the day can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why I want to dedicate my future career to creating a space where people feel safe, understood, and supported without fear of judgment. People are struggling, and we often fail to see it, not because we don’t care, but because their pain is masked. I want to make therapy less daunting, more accessible, and welcoming, so that no one feels like their struggles are too small to be acknowledged or that they must heal or struggle alone. It is also important to me that therapy is not just viewed as a space to heal, but also as a space to grow. You don’t need to wait until you are struggling or need help, to reap the rewards of therapy. It is a place for everyone, where they can heal, but also grow. Finally, I want to contribute to normalizing seeking help, break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensure that everyone, regardless of any barriers, receives the healing and support they are deserving of.