Describe your personal, educational, and professional experiences and how they informed your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
I grew up in a chaotic home, both parents were addicts and did not have a healthy relationship. I knew very young that I wanted my grown up life to be different. I saw education as my only way to break the family cycle and be able to have a career where I could support myself and provide for my family. I have always been a helper/fixer and psychology seemed like the perfect fit. I didn’t realize how much growth and healing I would experience in graduate school. In my academic and professional career I struggled to fit in because no one looked like me. I knew I needed to finish graduate school so I could later help someone else pursue their dreams. I learned to embrace and celebrate being young, brown and educated. I make it a point to encourage and empower other people of color to get out there, get educated, start businesses, create and give back to the communities we grew up in. I have and continue to mentor in programs like Puente in community colleges and La Comadre to inspire others to pursue a degree.
What challenges did you encounter along your educational trajectory? How did you overcome those challenges?
Not seeing myself represented in my bachelors and master programs was challenging. Being a first generation student added extra challenges, I had to seek a lot of help and support from my professors. I wondered if I belonged in academia and the professional world. I had a lot of personal family issues that tried to take my attention away from my schooling. I went to therapy and did some personal liberation work. I found support and healthy relationships that could keep me motivated and inspired to finish what I started. I also struggled with believing in my abilities to succeed in school. I read books, watched YouTube videos, and read quotes to help get me back on track. I still feel these things creep up from time to time but use it as fuel to inspire others. I’ll volunteer, or give back and reflect often on how far I’ve come. I acknowledge that I have overcome everything that I believe stood in my way.
What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree?
Do it! Find a mentor, guide or someone you trust to help you along the way. Research grants/scholarships (something I wish I did) to save money on student loans. Imagine the life you want for yourself and use that to motivate you until you accomplish it. Enjoy the process of learning and growing in your program of choice. You will not be the same person when you finish…but someone better, stronger, wiser with a wealth of knowledge and life experience that no one can ever take from you!
What did you enjoy most about your graduate/professional program?
The personal growth/healing, it was ted. I enjoyed finally sharing my feelings and learning that ALL of my classmates felt similar. None of us knew what we were doing. I learned to embrace the unknown and realized that you will never know everything. Learning is a lifelong process.
Dr. Elise Sanchez is a Xicana, first generation college student, born and raised in So. California. She is a licensed clinical psychologist who also provides coaching, mentoring, and consultation regarding life transitions, education, sexuality, love, friendships, identity, mental health, diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Sanchez is starting a podcast for people with a passion for growth and healing that will share real, raw, honest stories of overcoming obstacles and finding success.
