ABOUT ME

As a first-generation Hispanic-Asian American, I learned at a very young age the beauty and importance of family and community. With the close-knit family bonds I quickly developed, I grew very close to my grandparents and began to foster a special connection with older adults. Additionally, my Mother owns a private-duty homecare agency centered on providing quality and compassionate care for those in our community. After school, I would visit my Mother’s office and sit in during her Certified Nursing Assistant training classes. I recall playing around in her library of medical books, knowing that I wanted to make the same type of impact on others that she has. I would tag alongside my mother in any way I could as a child, from helping to pass out flyers at assisted living facilities to attending business conferences and community events.  

My focus on senior health began to strengthen when my Abuelito (Grandfather) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It was challenging to watch his memory dissipate and his cognitive abilities weaken. In school, I began to gravitate toward psychology courses and started to grow a profound interest in cognition and neuroscience, especially the concepts that relate to aging. The experience of learning about healthcare at an early age while being exposed to the difficulties of aging resulted in a personal connection to clinical geropsychology. 

Through watching both my parents immigrate to the United States and become self-made entrepreneurs, I also developed a strong admiration for leadership. I combined this leadership skillset with my interests in multicultural initiatives and advocacy. I have participated in several Executive Board leadership positions during my undergraduate career, which allowed me to grow more confident in my abilities and become more involved in my culture. Additionally, I worked closely on political initiatives in my community to advocate for minority voices and those who need the most support, a value I developed from my interest in older adults. 

I am currently a Clinical Psychology Major with a Minor in Aging Studies. I am also an Undergraduate Research Assistant with The Adult Development and Decision Lab, which is focused on two grants about behavior and neural mechanisms across the adult lifespan. At the lab, I focus my interests on trust learning in older adults with cultural differences. Additionally, I volunteer for a local non-profit, Seniors First, Inc., which aids older adults in need. Through this organization, I have had the pleasure of meeting incredible seniors in our community and supporting them through meal delivery and wellness calls. 

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Clinical Track) along with double-minoring in Theatre and Aging Studies. My Theatre minor encourages creative processes and forms innovative ways of problem-solving using theatrical arts to facilitate ideas. Additionally, my Aging Studies minor creates a focused learning approach to Clinical Psychology. Following the completion of my Bachelor's Degree, I plan to further my education and receive a Master of Business Administration to pursue a career in healthcare administration. My passion for research inspires me to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology subsequently. I am dedicated to furthering my education to contribute to the healthcare field, improve the quality of life for the geriatric population, and advocate for those in need.