About Me

I first became interested in psychology during my senior year of high school, after I began attending therapy for the first time. Growing up, I faced many challenges at home that deeply impacted my mental health and sense of self. School and work became my outlets—spaces where I could focus, feel capable, and escape from the instability around me.

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When the COVID-19 lockdown hit during my junior year, I had to complete school from home, which meant spending more time in an environment that had always been difficult. I was on the full IB track at the time, but due to my declining mental health and the stress of my situation, I chose to step back and focus on my core credits. During the beginning of my senior year, an incident at home led me to reach out to my school counselor. She helped me connect with a therapist, and that decision became a turning point in my life.

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In those therapy sessions, I learned things I never had the chance to practice growing up—like setting boundaries, letting go of guilt, and learning that not everything is my responsibility. These skills, while they may seem simple, were transformative. I started to understand myself better and see a future where I could help others do the same.

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Mental health has not always been a topic that is prioritized or openly discussed in my South Asian community. There is often a stigma around seeking help, and therapy is sometimes seen as unnecessary or shameful. Navigating my own healing journey made me realize how important it is to have counselors who understand the cultural nuances that shape our experiences. Representation matters—and I want to be part of the change.

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Through my education in psychology and my future as a mental health counselor, I hope to bring more diversity into the field, challenge stigma, and create space for people from all backgrounds—especially those in underrepresented communities—to feel safe seeking support. I want to empower others, just as my therapist empowered me, to believe that healing is possible and that they are never alone in their journey.