[MUSIC PLAYING] My biggest thing that I wanted to do as a school counselor was give back to my own community. I already had a motivation and determination. I knew that USF would be the one to provide me the proper tools for it. 

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So I'm not from San Francisco at all. But what drew me to it was the fact that it's such a diverse community and that I am able to get these experiences and connections with so many different people that I normally wouldn't interact or engage with outside of my own comfort zone. 

My professors are very much diverse in ethnicity and background, which I love so much because it allows for different perspectives. In different type of counseling incidences that come up, we get to hear their perspective, and they are able to bring up stories from their background, which are different from my own. 

Personally, as a woman of color, it makes me feel heard. It makes me feel seen. It makes me feel like I can relate to the issues that are real, that are out there in the school systems. So being a USF student and being around that environment, hearing that is kind of refreshing and realistic. 

One of the things that the professors at USF really talked about, too, is if something does come up with life, just let them know. It was the first time at school where I was like, whoa, these professors really care about you. I share with any students that ask me about USF-- I'm like, the professors are just so understanding. They're knowledgeable. And they treat you like you're human. 

Again, the diversity within the community, but also the way in which they own conversing about privilege and how committed they were to make a difference. I don't think I have seen students like the ones I have seen at USF. 

I'm in my second year of grad school. And one of my professors actually messaged me about this job opportunity because my principal at this school site is alumni from USF. And so when I am interviewing for those positions, they understand what kind of quality education I am getting here at USF, and they already think highly of it. 

From the program, I felt I was right there with some of the veteran counselors with my district. I came in just like, exactly this is what our school needs. 

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