The same sun-faded, painted words had greeted thousands of others before me by the time I stood beneath them in that induction day’s early morning light. I was 19 years old, a thousand miles from home, and had a stranger yelling inches from my face while those around me raced into formation. Looking back, I can see how the journey that began on that first night at boot camp prepared and inspired me towards stepping into a career in clinical psychology. My  experience as a U.S. service member introduced me to the ethos that would become my personal marching orders: honor, respect, and devotion to duty. To this day, I hold myself to the same standard the Coast Guard did: to be Semper Paratus, or always ready. I am ready to use my privileges, my training, and my talent to serve all those within my reach. As a doctoral student in clinical psychology and current doctoral intern, I have had a range of influential experiences in client care that range from victim advocacy to clinical therapy for serious mental illness, trauma, and more.Before pursuing a career in clinical psychology, I knew that people were my passion. From homeless outreach in my own hometown for San Diego to working with communities in the jungles of Indonesia, to interacting with refugees on the streets of Italy - I have been continuously drawn into the human experience in the many forms it takes.Like myself, my clients have their own beautiful story and deserve the opportunity for healing - no matter their background. To that end, I am committed to the continual pursuit of cultural humility and clinical care of diverse people with diverse needs. I am eager to find my next opportunity to come along such wonderful humans!