About Me

Majors

A sophomore at IUPUI, I am double majoring in psychology and journalism. Through this combination, I am hoping to use the understanding I gain of the human brain and behavior to effectuate change in society. By concentrating in public policy, I seek to gain the requisite skills to promote social justice and influence public policy. I believe this will equip me to pursue a PhD in community psychology after graduation.

Experiences and Skills

Although I would not realize it until my senior year, my interest in psychology was ignited my freshman year of high school, when my younger siblings were adopted from Bulgaria. Where others saw problems that needed to be fixed, I saw potential that had yet to be reached.

I set out to help unlock the potential I saw in them, believing trauma to underlie their behavior problems, knowing they needed someone to ask questions, not provide answers. Although I was ill-equipped for this task at fourteen, it taught me much about how I saw life and what I wanted to spend mine doing.

My heart for psychology began with my siblings. As I have progressed further in my studies, my understanding of the field has grown. While I have learned to leave some of my misconceptions behind, I have also learned to remember where I started—to guard my heart for psychology—to protect my passion for people.

Teamwork

From collaborating with classmates to partnering on community projects, I have learned that a team does not always have to agree to be effective. In fact, it is the differences in a team that determine the strength of that team. When we are united by a shared purpose, differing perspectives do not pose a threat to the stability of a team but offer an opportunity for the growth of that team.

In college, I am pursuing psychology because I believe that it is a discipline that will equip me to advocate for and serve those around me. Through my studies, I have encountered still more individuals who have been denied a voice, victimized and abused. This has only strengthened my resolve and made me more sure that I am where I belong.

So inescapable are the needs in our community that I come across them even in my work as a cashier. Often all I can do is listen. Nonetheless, I try to help in whatever small way I can. In volunteering, I hear about the medical care so many go without in other countries. It is not uncommon for those in remote villages to travel miles on foot over a period of seven days to get medical care, sometimes for a broken leg. The further damage that is done along the way can be catastrophic, not to mention the risk of infection.

Here in Indianapolis, I have seen women and children with little to call their own, grateful to receive whatever assistance is provided. Living in temporary accommodations, they are often fleeing domestic abuse or human trafficking, and struggle to know how to move forward. These families require care and protection that many are ill-equipped to provide. They rely primarily on volunteers who donate much-needed supplies and give of their time to watch the children or host game nights for the families.

It is no surprise I have encounter so many in need. They are everywhere. Everyone is in need at some point in their lives. So, why should I not do my part and help if I can? I am only one person. I know any impact I make can only be small, but that is inconsequential. People don't need me or any one else.

What every person needs is for their inherent value to be acknowledged. What they need is to be treated with the respect and dignity every human being is due. What they need is to be heard. Anyone can do those things; it is not unique to me or any singular individual. It is not a gift that is bestowed; it is an obligation that is fulfilled. My aim for my life is to do the little I can for as many people as possible. I am not going to wait on someone else to act first.

It is in my power and it is my responsibility to use the gifts I have been given to give to others, so I am going to do just that. Starting now.

The Ronald McDonald House (2015-2017)

A house that some come to call home for years, the Ronald McDonald house provides a place to live for families seeking medical treatment. As a volunteer, I helped serve these families dinner. I listened to one emotionally and physically weary mother describe how her 13-year-old daughter had suffered burns on 98% of her body after being doused in gasoline and set on fire. She detailed their journey across the country to get her child much-needed medical treatment. Only 13 myself, all I could do was listen. The impact this had was palpable, however. I began to realize that even though I did not know what it would entail, I wanted my life to center around people. I want to help ease human suffering. This experience showed me that I am people-focused.

The Bridge Community Center (2018)

Working to meet the needs of refugees and the homeless, the Bridge Community Center offers support by teaching English, hosting a food pantry, and tutoring grades 2-12 among other things. As a volunteer I helped clean their center and repair the broken furniture. My aim was to clean thoroughly and repair effectively. Although many thought it unnecessary, I even scrubbed the kitchen floor several times to try to get it as clean as possible. I wanted to attend to the needs of this building as I would a place of my own. This experience showed me that I am detail-oriented.

FAME (2021-2022)

Standing for the Fellowship of Associates of Medical Evangelism, FAME has three goals: to help establish clinics, to provide medical supplies, and to provide much-needed medical training to areas around the world. As a volunteer, I have helped sort and inventory medical supplies, checking for any potential defect or flaw in the equipment. Although the mission of FAME is global, they also help meet local needs, sending masks and gloves to Indiana hospitals when they were facing shortages in 2020. Seeing and participating in their work has helped me understand what I care about. I have learned I am advocacy-driven.

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