MY STORY

 

             Growing up in a lower-middle-class family in the tougher parts of Los Angeles, I experienced firsthand what it’s like to live with limited financial stability and adverse educational support. I was denied access to resources because I did not meet the criteria that my district considered necessary for aid. Thankfully, my father was a “military brat,” and the resilience of my immigrant grandmother shaped my upbringing, instilling in me the importance of hard work and creativity. My mother was one of my biggest supporters. She did not want us to experience the hardships of addiction that had afflicted her academic development, nor follow in the footsteps of limited education. These generational curses led to a life of struggle, survival, and broken family bonds, plagued by mental health issues and poor decisions.

            As I grew older, college was never a welcome conversation in our home. There was no money for SAT prep courses, and no one knew how to navigate the world of higher education. Blue-collar work was seen as the only stable option for someone from my background. However, it was my school guidance counselor, Mr. Calhoun, who pushed me to stop limiting myself. He and my mother were determined to help me, pushing me out of the comfort zone, and propelling me forward even when I felt lost or invisible. Along the way, other key mentors saw potential and offered encouragement that helped propelled me forward in my professional development.

           It took several years, but I finally graduated with a degree in Psychology and continued on into my Masters. The passion to gain knowledge  is still strong and I now have a love for pursuing education to this day.  I truly believe that education can help anyone, and it is a gateway to understand our calling. It should also be stated that this success was not accomplished alone. My spouse and children have always been pillars of strength, encouraging my growth, and supporting my journey. The strength they provide, along with that consistent support, drives my continued commitment to become the person who helps other in need, especially youths, both personally and professionally. I want to show students, especially those from underserved communities, that their background does not define your future.

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MY DRIVE

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            I hope to leave behind a legacy of hope. The goal of becoming a school counselor is not just a mission to find a vocation; it is fueled by lived experience to help guide future generations to find their purpose. I know what it’s like to be a student who feels like no one is listening to them. I want to be that support — silent or direct — who listens and walks alongside them to achieve the goal ahead. Students need a steady presence to encourage them to rise above circumstances they didn’t choose. Although the journey can be long, success is not only about the gifts and talents that are bestowed to us, but also about how someone can begin to believe in themselves through meaningful relationships that develop with proper support, access, and resilience.