The Power of Support:

My Journey Toward a Doctoral Degree in Psychology

June 18 1:25am thoughts: August 2025 will be the end of my 1st year as a student in a doctoral program. This journey has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. While the coursework is demanding and the emotional load heavy, the unwavering support of my family and community has kept me grounded—and moving forward.

Family First: My Source of Strength

As a mother of three, every decision I make is rooted in love and responsibility. My children are my world, and everything I do is for them. My oldest daughter embodies resilience and courage. Her strength through tragedy motivates me to keep pushing, to be an example of hope and healing not only for my family, but for other families affected by trauma.

My husband—an Iraqi Freedom veteran and my high school sweetheart—has been my anchor through it all. Our story hasn’t always been easy, but our growth as individuals and as partners has shaped us into a strong team. We’ve weathered changes, challenges, and now, the chaos of balancing school, work, and parenting. This past weekend, he shared something that moved me deeply: he realized that he wanted to be better than his parents and more like my parents. They showed affection, supported thier children and a team in any obstacle they encountered. My husband said it occurred to him that although he was content with our life he never considered that maybe I wanted to be better than my parents. He said he finally understood why I wanted to get a doctoral degree to become a psychologist. That my pursuit of this doctoral degree isn’t just ambition—it’s a dream rooted in healing, growth, and purpose. His support, love, and belief in me make this journey possible.

The Community That Fuels My Purpose

Outside of my family, my community has also played a huge role in shaping who I am. As the former president and current service and public image chair of our local Rotary Club, I’ve seen firsthand the power of collective effort to make lasting change. Whether advocating for underserved neighborhoods or organizing wellness events, these experiences have strengthened my desire to serve through psychology.

Through initiatives like No Excuse Mom—where I lead free fitness workouts for mothers and their children—and my work past work with SilverSneakers for seniors, I’ve learned that wellness is a full-circle effort. In the past I co-facilitated The Happy Kitchen a nutrition class at our local health clinic, teaching healthy habits in a way that’s accessible and culturally relevant. These experiences continue to inform my belief that mental health is deeply connected to physical wellness, family structure, and cultural context.

Embracing My Roots, Defining My Future

Being a Hispanic woman means carrying generations of strength, sacrifice, and resilience. I’m proud of my roots—and I hold tight to the values of family, service, and perseverance that were instilled in me growing up. But I also want to be part of the change. I want to be a role model not just for my children, but for the youth in rural communities who don’t always see themselves in higher education or in professional leadership roles.

Maintaining a 3.8 GPA while juggling motherhood, service, and graduate school hasn’t been easy. Some days I wonder if it’s okay to want a countdown to the end of the program—not because I’m giving up, but because the weight is real. It started with the excitement of getting accepted, followed by the surreal feeling of being among so many brilliant minds, and then the self-doubt. But through every high and low, I’ve had people in my corner. My husband, my kids, my community—they remind me why I started.

Why This Matters

I’ve noticed the glaring gaps in rural mental health services—especially for Spanish-speaking families. I’ve felt the stigma, seen the isolation, and witnessed the resilience of people who just need someone to see them, hear them, and offer real help. That’s why I’m here. I’m not just earning a degree—I’m building a platform for advocacy, access, and culturally competent care.

Yes, it’s overwhelming. Yes, it’s emotional. But it’s also beautiful. I’m growing not just academically, but personally. I’m becoming the person I needed when I was younger—the person my kids and community need now.

Looking Ahead

I don’t expect my children to be “better” than us—I just want them to be happy and fulfilled, in whatever path they choose. And I want them to know that pursuing your dreams, even later in life, is always worth it. That asking for help, leaning on your support system, and pushing through self-doubt are signs of strength—not weakness.

With every class I complete, every paper I write, and every story I hear, I am reminded why I chose this path. It’s not about perfection—it’s about purpose. And I am grateful for the love, strength, and support that carry me forward.

Closing Thought:To anyone chasing a dream while juggling real life—whether it's family, work, or healing from your past—know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. What matters is that you keep going. You don’t have to do it alone.