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I’m originally from Colombia, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduating, I worked for nearly two years in a prison setting, primarily with male individuals convicted of sex offenses and those in the substance use rehabilitation unit. I also taught a certification course in penitentiary psychology for prison staff and practitioners. 

Over time, I realized how deeply broken and corrupted the system was. I knew that if I truly wanted to make a meaningful impact, I needed to pursue broader opportunities, which led me to seek a master’s degree in the United States. That’s how I found 91��Ƶר�� College.

At first, it was challenging to find a program that truly aligned with my passion for working with vulnerable communities. 91��Ƶר��’s clinical mental health counseling program stood out because of its practical and human-centered approach, plus the research opportunities it offers.

Currently, I’m completing my internship at Catoctin Counseling Center, where I provide both individual and group therapy to Latin American and American clients navigating substance use disorders, anger management and legal challenges. I also serve as a graduate assistant for the Graduate School, focusing on social media communications, and as the secretary of Counselors for Social Justice, where I continue to advocate for equity and systemic change in the counseling field.

One of the things I value most about the clinical mental health counseling program is the self-awareness it fosters. Through my studies, I’ve learned so much about my biases, strengths and areas for growth—not just as a counselor, but as a person.

Growing up, I never saw a problem with people from the LGBTQ+ community. I was proud to defend their rights and always considered it completely normal. I never understood why someone would discriminate based on sexual or gender identity.

But over time, I realized that by “normalizing” it too much, I also failed to acknowledge the painful, often brutal realities they face just to be accepted. Ignoring that struggle can itself be a form of microaggression. That was a powerful realization for me.

After that, I felt a deep responsibility—as both a counselor and a human being—to learn more about this community’s lived experiences. That’s when I saw the opportunity to join this research project with Professor Samuels. It became a meaningful chance to both learn and contribute something valuable to others.

Time management was definitely one of the biggest challenges I faced. For the first time, I had to learn how to prioritize and organize my responsibilities effectively.

Every Monday, I create a checklist of achievable goals for the week. I try to complete at least one important task per day so that by the end of the week, I’ve accomplished the essentials. I also prioritize getting enough sleep—without it, I find it really hard to focus or function well.

For this research, I was lucky to have an amazing team and the guidance of Professor Samuels. My peers were incredibly experienced and supportive, and they mentored me through each step of the process. It was truly a collaborative effort with constant communication, group meetings and shared accountability. I’m especially grateful for Professor Samuels’ support, patience and care—this project wouldn’t have been possible without her.

I hope this research raises awareness not only among mental health professionals, but also among society more broadly. We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves about the evolving realities of the LGBTQ+ community. These are real human experiences, and it’s up to us to decide how we’re going to respond—with acceptance, empathy and knowledge.

Change can be difficult to process, but people in these communities deserve to be treated with dignity. Preventing microaggressions is essential. I hope this research serves as a resource, not just for understanding microaggressions and how to prevent them, but also as a guide for providing ethical, affirming and healing therapy.

The study shows that many LGBTQ+ individuals seek mental health support, but not all have had positive experiences. That is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Now that we have the data and tools, it’s our responsibility to take action.

I highly encourage students to present at the SPIRE Symposium. It’s an incredible opportunity to share your interests, challenge yourself through research and learn from the feedback of others. Plus, it’s fun! 

I was nervous at first, but the experience flew by. I had amazing, insightful conversations and felt proud to share our findings and journey.

Research is often seen as exhausting or overly complex, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right team, a topic you’re passionate about and a methodology that excites you, research can be deeply rewarding. Events like SPIRES make all the hard work worth it. Contributing to knowledge and social change feels truly meaningful.

We are currently finishing the article writing process and hope to publish our research in an academic journal. I’m also seeking more opportunities to present our work in spaces similar to SPIRES. I really enjoy engaging with others in discussions about the research—it’s where growth and impact happen.

Research is worth the work. Let’s keep working to make the world a better place.

Inspired by Mariana's story? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about 91��Ƶר�� College’s graduate programs, such as counseling, by clicking here.