My name is Gabriella Milagros Linares; I am a nineteen-year-old Dominican-American college student at an HBCU. Although this is the foundation of who I am, I am much more than my labels. I am an ambitious young woman attending Prairie View A&M University with a passion for psychology, helping others and civil rights. As a young Afro-Latina woman with a deep love and connection to my community in Houston, Texas, I am committed to taking action to bring about positive change and empowerment for its residents. Houston is a city known for its diversity and vibrant culture, and I believe that by leveraging this richness and focusing on education, social justice, community engagement, and environmental sustainability, I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those around me. First and foremost, one of my long-term life goals is to combine my love for psychology and education to create a non-profit organization that will reach out and actively help black children who are at a financial disadvantage, come from a single-parent household, have a lack of support in the home, or just require more support at school. I plan to collaborate with local schools and community centers to establish a guidance counseling and mentorship program that provides academic support, guidance, and inspiration to young students. By connecting them with successful role models and offering resources to support their educational journey, we can empower them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Health and wellness are vital to the overall well-being of the community. I plan to collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations to increase access to quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas. Mental health awareness and support will be a priority, as addressing the stigma around mental health is crucial to fostering emotional resilience and healthy living. I also recognize the significance of supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in Houston, especially in historically Black areas such as Third Ward. I plan to work to create opportunities for them to thrive by connecting them with resources and networking events, to expand their business and reach greater audiences. Empowering local businesses will not only boost the economy but also foster a sense of community pride and ownership. Preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage is integral to building a strong sense of identity within the community. I will organize cultural festivals, art exhibits, and workshops that showcase the richness and diversity of Black culture. These events will not only foster a sense of pride but also promote cultural exchange and understanding among all residents. Returning to the original question, upholding and improving my community is important to me simply because it's a part of me. I grew up in Southwest Houston, specifically Missouri "Mo City", Texas, and experienced a community of people who looked like me supporting me. I have friends who grew up on other sides of Houston, such as Third Ward, and I am always supporting the small, black businesses from those areas in Houston. No matter where I travel to, I always rep my city and love being from Houston. In conclusion, as a young Afro-Latina woman in Houston, I am committed to driving positive change in my community. By prioritizing education, social justice, community engagement, and environmental sustainability, I aim to uplift and empower the residents of Houston. Through collaboration, advocacy, and celebration of my cultural heritage, I hope to foster unity and create a brighter future for all. Houston's vibrant diversity is its strength, and by working together, we can build a more equitable, inclusive, and thriving community that cherishes the contributions of every individual.

I am Gabriella Milagros Linares; A nineteen-year-old Afro-Latina college student at an HBCU. Although this is the foundation of who I am, I am much more than my labels. I am an ambitious young woman with a passion for psychology, helping others, and an immense desire to make the world a better place. As I embark on my journey in the healthcare field as a clinical psychologist, my passion for understanding the complexities of the human mind and the desire to make a meaningful impact on people's lives have ignited a fire within me. Throughout my academic and personal experiences, I have come to realize that my path lies in the field of clinical psychology, where I can merge my empathy and knowledge to help others navigate the challenges they face in their mental and emotional well-being. In my pursuit of excellence, I plan to specialize in certain areas of clinical psychology, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and trauma-focused therapies. These areas align with my core values and interests, and I firmly believe that they can offer effective solutions to those dealing with anxiety, depression, and the aftermath of traumatic experiences. I envision myself developing tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs of each client, fostering a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship where they feel heard and understood. Coming from both an immigrant and Black American family, mental health is not always taken seriously or viewed as something significant to a person's overall health. In my own family, I have relatives who have struggled or currently struggle with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, autism, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Because of how closely mental health impacts my life, I am motivated to gain knowledge to become an expert in my field and reach back into my community and spread awareness and offer resources that will help those and their families in need. I also plan to actively participate in mental health advocacy initiatives, conducting workshops, and providing educational resources to empower individuals and families to seek help without fear or shame. Additionally, I am committed to continuous learning and professional development. The healthcare field, especially psychology, is ever-evolving, and staying updated with the latest advancements and research is crucial. I will actively attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to refine my skills and broaden my horizons, ensuring that my practice remains grounded in the latest evidence-based interventions. In conclusion, my path in the healthcare field as a clinical psychologist is driven by a profound desire to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. With a dedication to evidence-based practice, specialization in specific therapeutic approaches, contribution to research, community engagement, and a commitment to continuous learning, I hope to pave a path that will not only fulfill my aspirations but also serve the greater well-being of the community I aim to serve. As I embrace this journey, I look forward to the transformative experiences that await, as I strive to be a compassionate and effective healer for those in need.

My mom always says, “conversation, not confrontation.” If there is a problem, she approaches it with openness and understanding to get to the root cause. With her as an example, I have naturally become the mediator among my friends. Whenever someone gets angry, I am usually the one that helps to fix the problem. I have always been intrigued by ways that people process information and how that processing directly impacts their behavior and how they interact with others. Unsurprisingly, when applying to college I choose psychology as my major. Studying psychology was the obvious choice given my interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the human condition and my career goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. Another motivating factor for this career choice is representation. According to APA, in 2019 only 17% of psychologists were a racial/ethnic minority compared to 83% who were White. I believe this lack of diversity is detrimental to Black people’s mental health and well-being and contributes to us feeling invisible. Being Black and Dominican, I understand the desire to be seen and heard and that was my primary reason for choosing Prairie View A&M University. Being black for me means being spiritually connected to a community that supports, uplifts, and validates my very existence. And being a student at an HBCU feels like a warm hug that assures you that you are loved. Being Black means existing in truth and a shared experience that only I can feel and understand because of my Blackness.

The most important quality I find in myself was not an easy question to answer. I found myself thinking of the things I tend to admire most in the world and the people around me, and how or why those things could possibly reflect the kind of young woman I am. Then, the answer became crystal clear. I am a compassionate person who is constantly looking to find and create more beauty in the world around me, and I view my compassionate nature as my best quality. As an only child growing up in a single-parent household, it was always my Mom and I essentially taking care of each other. Whenever my Mom were to get sick, I would have to temporarily take on the role of caretaker for her and myself; Whenever she would have to work late into the evening, I would make sure the house was clean, dinner was taken care of, and that I got all my schoolwork done and ready for the next day. Growing up in a single-parent household gave me a beginning sense of responsibility and allowed me to remain humble in all that I do, but it also made me grateful for my situation because I knew some of my peers were not as fortunate as I, financially or emotionally, in their own single-parent households. Because of this, I have always felt strongly about specifically Black and Brown communities, and Black and Brown families, being given equal access to sufficient resources such as healthy food, good home environments, and advanced education. I know that although my Mom was able to work extremely hard, go back to school, and make miracles happen for me, this is not the reality of the majority of Black and Brown children with single mothers and fathers. It has always been my goal to create my own nonprofit organization to give back to my community and provide resources to lower-income communities. I believe my compassion is my best quality because it fuels my passion and desire to help people, and take the necessary steps to get there. This quality will help me immensely on my journey because I believe having a genuine compassion for others will allow me to relate easier to people, helping me establish long-lasting connections with others, including peers, mentors, and professors. I believe having compassion in my heart will motivate me to become more disciplined with my vision and make me more successful in the future.