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From Student to Counselor — Building a Foundation for Mental Health Advocacy and Practice.
Spring Break 2024
Study Abroad in the Dominican Republic
Outside a private mental health clinic.
introduction
introduction
As a soon-to-be graduate of the Psychology B.S. program at IU Indianapolis and an incoming Mental Health Counseling graduate student, I’ve spent my undergraduate years actively building the skills and mindset I’ll need to thrive in clinical settings. The following experiences represent three key pillars of my emerging expertise: cultural competency, research literacy, and peer mentorship. Through studying abroad in the Dominican Republic, engaging in research across three psychology labs, and mentoring first-year honors students in HON-H 200, I have developed a foundation rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and compassion.
Spring Break 2024
Outside a public mental health clinic.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad
My study abroad experience in the Dominican Republic was a transformative opportunity that expanded my understanding of diverse cultural perspectives, particularly in relation to health and wellness. During my time there, I engaged with local communities, learning about their healthcare systems, mental health challenges, and resilience in the face of socio-economic disparities.
This experience pushed me to step outside my academic and cultural comfort zones, allowing me to explore the intersection of psychological well-being and cultural identity in a real-world setting. It deepened my empathy, enhanced my cultural competence, and gave me the skills to adapt and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds—qualities that are essential in mental health counseling.
Presented a poster at the 2024 Center for Research and Learning (CRL) Summer Research Symposium.
Analyzed data from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey to examine the relationship between social determinants of health and pain management strategies among U.S. adults with chronic pain.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research
Although I do not plan to pursue research long-term, my experience working in the CLASP and Pain Labs has provided me with valuable skills that enhance my understanding of academic research. Through tasks like data cleaning, transcription, and literature reviews, I gained a deeper understanding of how research is conducted and how to critically evaluate findings.
This exposure has made me more confident in reading and interpreting research articles, which will be essential as I continue my studies in mental health counseling. I plan to incorporate evidence-based practices and research findings into my treatment approach, using them to inform my work with clients. This experience also helped me develop problem-solving skills and attention to detail, which will aid in my work as a counselor.
I mentored for H200 both spring 2024 and spring 2025 semesters.
H200 Mentoring
H200 Mentoring
I was an H200 (Intro to Honors) mentor for two semesters. As a peer mentor for first-year honors students, I had the opportunity to lead discussions, model academic success strategies, and provide personalized support to students navigating the transition to college. This role taught me how to create inclusive spaces for reflection, share resources with sensitivity, and respond to students’ needs with both confidence and compassion.
I often found myself drawing on my own experiences with imposter syndrome and adjustment to help students feel seen and supported. This experience helped me solidify my identity as a helper and reinforced my interest in working one-on-one with clients in a therapeutic capacity.
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