In my time spent teaching I gained a strong sense for my ability to touch the lives of others, by discovering many students carry emotional hardships that threaten their progress as students and need mental support. My vision gradually evolved to become a mentor in public service, who could empower other individuals in need by enabling them to overcome their emotional obstacles. I attained another Masters degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, and began working as a mental health specialist at the Department of Mental Health (DMH). In this role I conducted therapy with adolescents who suffer from depression, substance abuse, and various mental disorders.
The main experience that made a significant contribution to my personal development and further shaped my career goals was my trip to Africa in 2005. As a volunteer with the Kenya Voluntary Development Association (KVDA), I assisted in a program of Peace Building and Conflict Transformation with the Maasai and Kuria tribes. I then traveled to various villages in Kenya & Tanzania interacting with the locals, and engaging with the people. Other than severe poverty, I realized the lack of education among children and adults dealing with sanitation and prevention of disease by maintenance of sanitary conditions.
