It all starts with the journey...

As I write this I am weeks away from graduating. I can't believe how fast time has flown by, it was just two years ago that I transferred to FIU to finish my bachelor's degree. A lot has changed since the time I started, I began with a biological sciences degree in a pre-med path and although the degree has not changed my path has. I thought that medical school was my journey and afterward I'd specialize in psychiatry but I realized that wasn't the path that I was meant to take. Deep down I have always loved psychology and have had a deep interest in mental health in a more clinical aspect. After graduation, I plan on pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. Therefore I didn't know how I would fit in as a global learner since I am a science major. I believed that this department was more targeted toward social or political sciences but I couldn't be more wrong. Through a friend, I was able to learn about what it means to become a global learner and become part of this department. I have learned so much with them, experienced different topics that I would have never been exposed to before, and gained perspective of different ideas and cultures that come with learning how others view and define global issues. Understanding how others define global issues and what those issues signify for them is an incredible experience especially being part of a discussion with dignitaries from different countries and getting their perspective on global issues going on in their homes. Hearing how much we have in common is one of the things that I always find shocking because I'd expect to have more differences but everyone one way or another deals with the same obstacles and through conversations you are able to see that.  Therefore being a global learner not only has provided me with friendships and connections but also different perspectives and most importantly it has made me more aware.

 

A breakthrough moment for me was losing someone I deeply love due to mental health illnesses. This was my drive in the project that I was able to do through the Millennium fellowship. Researching how much mental health has increased in the last few years especially when covid hit has made me more eager to become more informed, bring awareness to others, and be part of the journey to alleviate people from it. 

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I am very thankful for all of the things I have learned while being a global learner. They opened my eyes to issues that are very relevant and important to discuss to start looking for solutions. As I continue with my education and become a clinical psychologist one day I hope to have my own practice where I can help more those in my communities that deal with mental illness and create a safe space for conversation. I also would like to talk about mental well-being on a global level in a seminar one day and bring education to others on issues going on in our communities and how to deal with them.