My passion for nursing is deeply rooted in my 15 years of volunteering in the mental health field, working with various non-profits and organizations. This extensive experience has shown me the profound impact that dedicated, compassionate care can have on individuals and communities. Most recently, I have served two terms with AmeriCorps, working with His House Children’s Home and Easter Seals in Miami, FL. These roles have reinforced my commitment to addressing the pervasive mental health crisis, particularly in underserved communities. My current goal is to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and pursuing a degree in nursing is the pivotal step in achieving this aspiration. This degree will equip me with the necessary skills to serve diverse populations by integrating counseling and medication optimally. Academically, I have prepared diligently for this path. I recently completed the prerequisites for the Nursing program at Miami Dade College with a 3.9 GPA and will be entering the Accelerated BSN program at Florida International University (FIU) in Fall 2024. As an alumnus of FIU, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I have continued to build my expertise in mental health. I hold over a dozen certificates from the Department of Children and Families, completed the Registered Behavior Technician 40-hour training with the Autism Foundation, and volunteered at the Center for Children and Families at FIU and the Cognitive and Neuroscience Department. These academic and volunteer experiences have solidified my commitment to nursing and prepared me to contribute meaningfully to my community. As a nurse, I hope to contribute to my community by developing and implementing community-based mental health programs that provide comprehensive care to underserved populations. My goal is to address the high patient-to-psychiatrist ratio and prolonged intervals for medication monitoring that I have witnessed firsthand. By advocating for policy changes and leveraging technology to improve access to care, I aim to create a more inclusive and accessible mental health care system. However, achieving these goals requires overcoming significant financial challenges. Scholarship assistance is crucial at this stage in my life. While I have always balanced work and study, this might not be possible during the Accelerated Nursing Program due to its intensity. FIU advisors have noted that no one has completed the AO BSN program while maintaining a full-time job due to the demanding classes and clinical practice. Additionally, my family circumstances have changed. I live with my husband, who has recently developed a spinal condition that limits his work hours and ability to contribute meaningfully to our household, including my studies. My 15-year-old daughter works at a restaurant and contributes as best she can. Despite these challenges, I remain determined to fund this dream in any way possible, but scholarship support is essential to its fulfillment. In conclusion, pursuing a degree in nursing is not just a career choice for me; it is a calling driven by a deep-seated commitment to improving mental health care in underserved communities. My extensive volunteer experience, academic achievements, and unwavering dedication to public service have prepared me to make a significant impact as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With the support of a scholarship, I can overcome the financial barriers that stand in my way and achieve my goal of creating a more inclusive and accessible mental health care system for all.

The nursing industry interests me as a career choice because it allows me to combine my passion for mental health advocacy with my desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. My goals include becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and developing community-based mental health programs. Personal accomplishments, such as volunteering and community outreach, have helped me pursue these goals, and my past medical experiences have provided valuable insights into the complexities of mental health care. I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the mental health field and creating a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system for all. The nursing industry interests me as a career choice because it offers the unique opportunity to provide compassionate care and support to individuals facing health challenges. Nursing combines my desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives with my passion for mental health advocacy. As a nurse, I can directly impact patient outcomes and contribute to a more inclusive and effective healthcare system. My goals for a successful career include becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and developing community-based mental health programs. I aim to advocate for policy changes that allocate more funding to mental health services, particularly in underserved areas, and leverage technology to improve access to care. Ultimately, I aspire to create a more inclusive and accessible mental health care system that serves everyone in need. To date, several personal accomplishments that have helped me pursue these goals. I have dedicated over 15 years to volunteering and serving in various mental health entities. Working with homeless youth in foster care who have severe trauma histories and significant diagnoses has been particularly eye-opening. The high patient-to-psychiatrist ratio and prolonged intervals for medication monitoring underscored the urgent need for more mental health professionals. Additionally, I have been actively involved in community outreach programs focused on mental health education and support. These experiences have allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the mental health needs within diverse communities and the importance of culturally competent care. Through volunteering, I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for mental health support across various ethnicities and generations in our community. This experience has inspired me to advance my education and equip myself to serve these communities with all the tools at my disposal. My identity as an immigrant and first-generation student has also played a significant role in shaping my career aspirations. The challenges I faced as an immigrant taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of advocating for marginalized communities. These experiences have fueled my passion for public service and reinforced my commitment to improving mental health care for all. The nursing industry captivates me because it uniquely allows me to merge my passion for mental health advocacy with my commitment to making a tangible difference in people's lives. My aspirations of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and developing community-based mental health programs are driven by my desire to address the urgent need for accessible and inclusive mental health care. My personal accomplishments in volunteering and community outreach have fortified my resolve and provided invaluable insights into the complexities of mental health care. These experiences have shaped me into a compassionate advocate dedicated to public service. As I advance in my career, I am committed to leveraging my skills and experiences to create a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system that serves everyone in need. Through unwavering dedication and a holistic approach, I aim to make a profound and lasting impact in the mental health field.

Growing up in Colombia, I faced significant adversity that profoundly shaped my goals and dreams. The most impactful challenge came from witnessing my family members struggle with mental health issues, particularly schizophrenia. The limited resources, inadequate medication, and lack of awareness about mental health care in Colombia made their battles even more daunting. Watching my loved ones experience seizures in public and endure stays in under-resourced mental health facilities was heart-wrenching. These experiences ignited a passion in me to improve mental health care and serve those in need. As an immigrant and first-generation student, moving to the United States presented additional challenges. The transition to a new country was marked by cultural and language barriers, financial constraints, and the pressure to succeed academically and professionally. Balancing these demands while grappling with the emotional toll of my family's mental health struggles was overwhelming. Determined to turn adversity into a driving force, I sought ways to make a difference. I dedicated my adult life to volunteering and serving in various mental health entities. Working with homeless youth in foster care, who have severe trauma histories and significant diagnoses, was particularly eye-opening. The high patient-to-psychiatrist ratio and prolonged intervals for medication monitoring underscored the urgent need for more mental health professionals. To address this, I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with the goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse. This decision was influenced by the scarcity of mental health professionals, particularly in the non-profit sector, and the even smaller number willing to volunteer their time. Achieving higher education became a pivotal step toward serving efficiently and proactively in the mental health field. Overcoming these challenges required resilience, perseverance, and a strong support network. I sought mentorship from professionals in the field, took advantage of educational resources, and built a community of like-minded individuals passionate about mental health advocacy. These strategies helped me stay focused on my goals despite the obstacles. Throughout this journey, I learned invaluable lessons. First, adversity can be a powerful catalyst for growth and change. The hardships I faced motivated me to pursue a career that aligns with my passion for mental health advocacy. Second, resilience and perseverance are crucial in overcoming challenges. Despite the setbacks and difficulties, maintaining a positive outlook and staying committed to my goals was essential. Lastly, community support and mentorship are invaluable. Surrounding myself with supportive individuals and seeking guidance from experienced professionals provided the encouragement and knowledge I needed to succeed. Today, these lessons continue to impact my life. As a current nursing student, I am more determined than ever to make a difference in the mental health field. My experiences have shaped me into a compassionate advocate, committed to making mental health services more accessible and inclusive. I am dedicated to developing community-based mental health programs, advocating for policy changes, and leveraging technology to improve access to care. My identity as an immigrant and first-generation student played a significant role in this journey. The challenges I faced as an immigrant taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of advocating for marginalized communities. These experiences have fueled my passion for public service and reinforced my commitment to improving mental health care for all.

My experience with mental health in my family has profoundly shaped my life and career aspirations. Growing up in Colombia, I witnessed the significant challenges faced by my family members diagnosed with schizophrenia. Limited resources, inadequate medication, and a lack of awareness about mental health made their struggles even more daunting. Seeing my loved ones have seizures in public and being committed to under-resourced mental health facilities was heart-wrenching. This adversity ignited a passion in me to serve in the mental health field and improve the quality of care for those in need. To overcome these challenges, I dedicated my adult life to volunteering and serving in various mental health entities. I am currently pursuing a BSN to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse. This journey has been driven by the realization that addressing mental health requires prompt, evidence-based treatment and a compassionate approach. My decision to pursue higher education is a pivotal step toward serving efficiently and proactively in the mental health field. Facing this adversity has taught me the importance of resilience, empathy, and advocacy. It has shaped me into someone who is deeply committed to public service and improving mental health care. I believe in the power of community-based programs, policy advocacy, and leveraging technology to make mental health care more accessible and affordable. My advice to someone facing similar circumstances is to stay resilient and seek support from community resources. Advocate for better mental health care and educate yourself about available options. Remember, you are not alone, and with determination and support, you can overcome these challenges and make a meaningful impact. In summary, the adversity I faced growing up in Colombia with family members struggling with mental health issues has fueled my dedication to improving mental health care. It has shaped me into a compassionate advocate, committed to making mental health services more accessible and inclusive for everyone in need. In conclusion, the adversity I faced growing up in Colombia with family members struggling with mental health issues has profoundly influenced my life's path. It has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and a commitment to public service. Pursuing a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse is not just a professional goal, but a personal mission to improve mental health care for those who are often neglected and misunderstood. My journey has taught me the importance of community support, advocacy, and the power of education in overcoming challenges. I am dedicated to making mental health care more accessible and affordable through community-based programs, policy changes, and the integration of technology. To anyone facing similar adversities, I offer this advice: stay resilient, seek support, and never underestimate the impact you can have. Together, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive mental health care system that serves everyone in need.

My experience with mental health in my family has fueled my dedication to making mental health care more affordable and accessible. In Colombia, limited resources and awareness highlighted the need for better mental health services. Witnessing my family members struggle with schizophrenia and inadequate care has driven me to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse. To address the scarcity of mental health professionals and the prolonged wait times for care, my unique contribution would be to develop community-based mental health programs. These programs would utilize local resources and volunteer networks to provide comprehensive services. By training community members to offer basic mental health support and forming partnerships with local healthcare providers, we can create a sustainable model to increase access to care. Additionally, I would advocate for policy changes to allocate more funding to mental health services, particularly in underserved areas. This includes increasing scholarships and loan forgiveness programs to encourage more professionals to enter the mental health field. Combining grassroots community efforts with systemic policy changes can create a more inclusive and accessible mental health care system. I also envision integrating technology to broaden access. Telehealth services can provide remote counseling and psychiatric consultations, reaching those in rural or underserved areas. By developing a robust telehealth infrastructure and offering subsidized or free services to low-income individuals, we can further bridge the gap in mental health care access.

My experience with mental health in my family has profoundly influenced my career and personal aspirations. In my native country, Colombia, research and aid in mental health are limited, and awareness and compassion are often lacking. Witnessing close family members diagnosed with schizophrenia experiencing seizures in public due to limited or incorrect medication, and being committed to mental health facilities that lack the necessary education and resources, has ignited a passion in me to serve in this field. This drive has led me to spend 15 years volunteering and serving in various entities, and I am currently seeking to obtain a BSN to then transition into the DNP or MSN program and become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse. The scarcity of mental health professionals, particularly in the non-profit sector, and the even smaller number willing to volunteer their time, is a critical issue. When working with homeless youth in foster care who have severe trauma histories and significant diagnoses, it is heartbreaking to see the high patient-to-psychiatrist ratio and the prolonged intervals for medication monitoring. The suffering resulting from fragile mental health does not discriminate, and addressing this crisis requires prompt, evidence-based treatment by professionals. Whether serving foster children, caregivers, or seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the demand for educated and experienced mental health providers is immense. I believe that public service and higher education are intrinsically linked, as obtaining the necessary degrees will empower me to serve and train teams to make a profound impact. Achieving a higher education is a pivotal stepping stone toward serving more efficiently and proactively in the cause closest to my heart: mental health. Becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner will equip me with the necessary skills to serve diverse populations by integrating counseling and mental health medication optimally. Through volunteering, I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for mental health support across various ethnicities and generations in our community. This experience has inspired me to advance my education and equip myself to serve these communities with all the tools at my disposal. Public service in the mental health field is my life’s purpose. It is a privilege to serve populations that are often neglected and misunderstood. In my experience, trauma-informed care combined with a holistic family approach has revolutionized treatment responses, and I believe I can make a more transcendent impact by pursuing higher education as a nurse. My goals once I become a PMHNP are to lead in my community through service and address the inadequacies in our healthcare system by affecting policy. I would advocate for increased funding and resources dedicated to mental health services. This includes hiring more mental health professionals, ensuring proper training and support for these professionals, and implementing policies that make mental health care more accessible and affordable. By doing so, we can provide timely and effective treatment to those in need, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and ultimately improve the overall well-being of our communities.

My experience with mental health in my family has profoundly influenced my career and personal aspirations. In my native country, Colombia, research and aid in mental health are limited, and awareness and compassion are often lacking. Witnessing close family members diagnosed with schizophrenia experiencing seizures in public due to limited or incorrect medication, and being committed to mental health facilities that lack the necessary education and resources, has ignited a passion in me to serve in this field. This drive has led me to spend my adult life volunteering and serving in various entities, and I am currently seeking to obtain a BSN to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse. If I could change one aspect of our current healthcare system, it would be to significantly increase access to mental health services. The scarcity of mental health professionals, particularly in the non-profit sector, and the even smaller number willing to volunteer their time, is a critical issue. When working with homeless youth in foster care who have severe trauma histories and significant diagnoses, it is heartbreaking to see the high patient-to-psychiatrist ratio and the prolonged intervals for medication monitoring. The suffering resulting from fragile mental health does not discriminate, and addressing this crisis requires prompt, evidence-based treatment by professionals. Whether serving foster children, caregivers, or seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the demand for educated and experienced mental health providers is immense. I believe that public service and higher education are intrinsically linked, as obtaining the necessary degrees will empower me to serve and train teams to make a profound impact. Achieving a higher education is a pivotal stepping stone toward serving more efficiently and proactively in the cause closest to my heart: mental health. Becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner will equip me with the necessary skills to serve diverse populations by integrating counseling and mental health medication optimally. Through volunteering, I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for mental health support across various ethnicities and generations in our community. This experience has inspired me to advance my education and equip myself to serve these communities with all the tools at my disposal. Public service in the mental health field is my life’s purpose. It is a privilege to serve populations that are often neglected and misunderstood. In my experience, trauma-informed care combined with a holistic family approach has revolutionized treatment responses, and I believe I can make a more transcendent impact by pursuing higher education as a nurse. To address the inadequacies in our healthcare system, I would advocate for increased funding and resources dedicated to mental health services. This includes hiring more mental health professionals, ensuring proper training and support for these professionals, and implementing policies that make mental health care more accessible and affordable. By doing so, we can provide timely and effective treatment to those in need, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and ultimately improve the overall well-being of our communities.

"The Office" is a masterclass in clever humor and showcases how diversity and inclusion can be effectively portrayed in the workplace. Michael Scott, the well-meaning but often clueless regional manager of Dunder Mifflin, has significantly influenced my perspective on humor and empathy. Initially, it is easy to judge and discredit someone based on their immediate behavior. However, as the show progresses, it becomes evident that when people are given a chance, their ignorance can be accounted for, and they often possess a big heart capable of genuine acts of kindness. Michael exemplifies an individual who, despite being sheltered from diverse experiences and opinions growing up, demonstrates remarkable growth, change, and evolution throughout the series. His character teaches us that there is hope for everyone to become more open-minded and empathetic. By tackling stressful and sensitive topics with humor, the show alleviates the burden of semantics, allowing for a more relaxed and open dialogue. "The Office" has profoundly shaped my sense of humor by presenting diversity in all its glory, encompassing a wide range of personalities, ethnicities, gender orientations, and more. Humor serves as a unifying force among the characters, particularly in moments that could otherwise be divisive. Jim and Pam's shared glances at the camera or private laughs illustrate how humor can diffuse tension and prevent offense at each ignorant but non-malicious remark. The show celebrates diversity and inclusion in a profound way by demonstrating that we do not need to change individuals to fit our perspectives. Instead, it highlights the importance of pragmatism, acceptance, and respect for differing opinions in the workplace. In essence, "The Office" not only entertains but also educates its audience on the significance of empathy, growth, and the power of humor in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Through its characters and their interactions, the show underscores the value of looking beyond initial impressions and embracing the richness that diversity brings to our lives.

My experience with mental health in my family has highlighted the importance of mental health deeply. Not only am I privy to the severe suffering it can cause a person but the transcendent impact it can have in an entire family and community. Back in my native country, Colombia, research and aid are very limited as is awareness and compassion when it comes to this field. Having close family members diagnosed with schizophrenia, seeing them have seizures in public (due to limited or incorrect medication), committed to mental health facilities lacking the education and resources and other valuable life experiences have set a fire in my heart to serve in this field. I have therefore spent my adult life volunteering and serving in different entities and currently seek to obtain a BSN to be able to become in the future a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse. Maintaining my mental health wellness has been possible given the education that provided for the necessary awareness. You cannot focus on wellness when you neglect this aspect of yourself due to the way you were raised or simple ignorance. Meditation and passion to serve others has been crucial in maintaining my mental wellness. Witnessing the suffering of others and being of service allows me to put my own in perspective. My decision to pursue a degree in mental health has further been influenced by the scarcity of professionals in the non profit field and the even smaller number of professionals willing volunteer their time. When working with homeless youth in foster care who have severe trauma histories and significant diagnoses, it is heartbreaking to see the high patient-to-psychiatrist ratio and the prolonged intervals for medication monitoring. The suffering resulting from fragile mental health does not discriminate, and addressing this crisis requires prompt, evidence-based treatment by professionals. Whether serving foster children, caregivers, or seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the demand for educated and experienced mental health providers is immense. I believe that public service and higher education are intrinsically linked, as obtaining the necessary degrees will empower me to serve and train teams to make a profound impact. Achieving a higher education is a pivotal stepping stone toward serving more efficiently and proactively in the cause closest to my heart: mental health. Becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner will equip me with the necessary skills to serve diverse populations by integrating counseling and mental health medication optimally. Through volunteering I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for mental health support across various ethnicities and generations in our community. This experience has inspired me to advance my education and equip myself to serve these communities with all the tools at my disposal. Public service in the mental health field is my life’s purpose. It is a privilege to serve populations that are often neglected and misunderstood. In my experience, trauma-informed care combined with a holistic family approach has revolutionized treatment responses, and I believe I can make a more transcendent impact by pursuing higher education as a nurse.

In my estimation being a leader is being able to serve and through that passion in service inspire others to rise and pursue to serve in their truest form. Leadership is setting a bar, an example that allows people to aim higher, I believe that industriousness, drive and conscientiousness make me a leader. But above all, to is the desire to use the fire that burned me and my family in the past to light up the world in the future and relieve suffering, inspiration, in my life translates to leadership. My experience with mental health in my family has influenced my career and personal aspirations deeply. Back in my native country, Colombia, research and aid are very limited as is awareness and compassion when it comes to this field. Having close family members diagnosed with schizophrenia, seeing them have seizures in public (due to limited or incorrect medication), committed to mental health facilities lacking the education and resources and other valuable life experiences have set a fire in my heart to serve in this field and pave a way as a leader to inspire others to serve as well. I have therefore spent over a decade volunteering and serving in different entities and currently seek to obtain a BSN to be able to become in the future a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse. My decision to pursue a degree in mental health has further been influenced by the scarcity of professionals in the non profit field and the even smaller number of professionals willing volunteer their time. When working with homeless youth in foster care who have severe trauma histories and significant diagnoses, it is heartbreaking to see the high patient-to-psychiatrist ratio and the prolonged intervals for medication monitoring. The suffering resulting from fragile mental health does not discriminate, and addressing this crisis requires prompt, evidence-based treatment by professionals. I have served as a leader by inspiring and guiding different volunteers in the mental health niche. Whether serving foster children, caregivers, or seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the demand for educated and experienced mental health providers is immense. I believe that public service and higher education are intrinsically linked, as obtaining the necessary degrees will empower me to serve and train teams to make a profound impact and transcend my current leadership. Achieving a higher education is a pivotal stepping stone toward serving more efficiently and proactively in the cause closest to my heart: mental health. Becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner will equip me with the necessary skills to serve diverse populations by integrating counseling and mental health medication optimally. Through volunteering I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for mental health support across various ethnicities and generations in our community. This experience has inspired me to advance my education and equip myself to serve these communities with all the tools at my disposal. Public service in the mental health field is my life’s purpose. It is a privilege to serve populations that are often neglected and misunderstood. In my experience, trauma-informed care combined with a holistic family approach has revolutionized treatment responses, and I believe I can make a more powerful impact by pursuing higher education as a nurse and leading future generations to address this chronic issue that impacts each human being in a different way and is worthy of urgent attention.

My experience with mental health in my family has influenced my career and personal aspirations deeply. Back in my native country, Colombia, research and aid are very limited as is awareness and compassion when it comes to this field. Having close family members diagnosed with schizophrenia, seeing them have seizures in public (due to limited or incorrect medication), committed to mental health facilities lacking the education and resources and other valuable life experiences have set a fire in my heart to serve in this field. I have therefore spent my adult life volunteering and serving in different entities and currently seek to obtain a BSN to be able to become in the future a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse. My decision to pursue a degree in mental health has further been influenced by the scarcity of professionals in the non profit field and the even smaller number of professionals willing volunteer their time. When working with homeless youth in foster care who have severe trauma histories and significant diagnoses, it is heartbreaking to see the high patient-to-psychiatrist ratio and the prolonged intervals for medication monitoring. The suffering resulting from fragile mental health does not discriminate, and addressing this crisis requires prompt, evidence-based treatment by professionals. Whether serving foster children, caregivers, or seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the demand for educated and experienced mental health providers is immense. I believe that public service and higher education are intrinsically linked, as obtaining the necessary degrees will empower me to serve and train teams to make a profound impact. Achieving a higher education is a pivotal stepping stone toward serving more efficiently and proactively in the cause closest to my heart: mental health. Becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner will equip me with the necessary skills to serve diverse populations by integrating counseling and mental health medication optimally. Through volunteering I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for mental health support across various ethnicities and generations in our community. This experience has inspired me to advance my education and equip myself to serve these communities with all the tools at my disposal. Public service in the mental health field is my life’s purpose. It is a privilege to serve populations that are often neglected and misunderstood. In my experience, trauma-informed care combined with a holistic family approach has revolutionized treatment responses, and I believe I can make a more transcendent impact by pursuing higher education as a nurse.

I have volunteered for over 15 years in the mental health field, working with various non-profits and organizations. Most recently, I have served two terms with AmeriCorps, working with His House Children’s Home and Easter Seals in Miami, FL. My current goal is to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, aiming to address the pervasive mental health crisis in the most underserved communities. This degree will equip me with the necessary skills to serve diverse populations by integrating counseling and medication optimally. My experience with mental health in my family has influenced my career and personal aspirations deeply. Back in my native country, Colombia, research and aid are very limited as is awareness and compassion when it comes to this field. Having close family members diagnosed with schizophrenia, seeing them have seizures in public (due to limited or incorrect medication), committed to mental health facilities lacking the education and resources and other valuable life experiences have set a fire in my heart to serve in this field. Academically, I recently completed the prerequisites for the Nursing program at Miami Dade College with a 3.9 GPA. I will be entering the Accelerated BSN program at FIU in Fall 2024. As an alumnus of FIU, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I have continued to build my expertise. I hold over a dozen certificates from the Department of Children and Families, completed the Registered Behavior Technician 40-hour training with the Autism Foundation, and volunteered at the Center for Children and Families at FIU and the Cognitive and Neuroscience Department. Achieving a higher education is a pivotal stepping stone toward serving more efficiently and proactively in the cause closest to my heart: mental health. My current goal is to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This degree will equip me with the necessary skills to serve diverse populations by integrating counseling and mental health medication optimally. Whether serving foster children, caregivers, or seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the demand for educated and experienced mental health providers is immense. I believe that public service and higher education are intrinsically linked, as obtaining the necessary degrees will empower me to serve and train teams to make a profound impact. Public service in the mental health field is my life’s purpose. It is a privilege to serve populations that are often neglected and misunderstood. In my experience, trauma-informed care combined with a holistic family approach has revolutionized treatment responses, and I believe I can make a more transcendent impact by pursuing higher education. My volunteering opportunities in mental health have been instrumental in providing me with incredible experience.

My experience with mental health in my family has influenced my career and personal aspirations deeply. Back in my native country, Colombia, research and aid are very limited as is awareness and compassion when it comes to this field. Having close family members diagnosed with schizophrenia, seeing them have seizures in public (due to limited or incorrect medication), committed to mental health facilities lacking the education and resources and other valuable life experiences have set a fire in my heart to serve in this field. My decision to pursue a degree in mental health has further been influenced by the scarcity of professionals in the non profit field and the even smaller number of professionals willing volunteer their time. When working with homeless youth in foster care who have severe trauma histories and significant diagnoses, it is heartbreaking to see the high patient-to-psychiatrist ratio and the prolonged intervals for medication monitoring. The suffering resulting from fragile mental health does not discriminate, and addressing this crisis requires prompt, evidence-based treatment by professionals. Whether serving foster children, caregivers, or seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the demand for educated and experienced mental health providers is immense. I believe that public service and higher education are intrinsically linked, as obtaining the necessary degrees will empower me to serve and train teams to make a profound impact. Achieving a higher education is a pivotal stepping stone toward serving more efficiently and proactively in the cause closest to my heart: mental health. My current goal is to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This degree will equip me with the necessary skills to serve diverse populations by integrating counseling and mental health medication optimally. Through my service with AmeriCorps, I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for mental health support across various ethnicities and generations in our community. The considerable resources and training provided by AmeriCorps to all its members underscore the power of education and preparedness. Throughout both of my terms with AmeriCorps, the constant influx of educational materials enabled me and my fellow volunteers to serve more conscientiously and industriously. This experience has inspired me to advance my education and equip myself to serve these communities with all the tools at my disposal. Public service in the mental health field is my life’s purpose. My life experiences have allowed me to live first hand the personal agony it causes the person diagnosed and the potential hell that can open up to all the family members if there is not a solid support network that has the education and resources to provide assistance in moments of crisis. It is a privilege to serve populations that are often neglected and misunderstood. In my experience, trauma-informed care combined with a holistic family approach has revolutionized treatment responses, and I believe I can make a more transcendent impact by pursuing higher education. My desire is to use all the fire that burned me and those I love in the past to light up the lives of others and provide hope when sometimes there is none. My volunteering opportunities in mental health have been instrumental in providing me with incredible experience.