During my fieldwork, I met people from many different backgrounds, and one thing that stayed with me was how many of them were carrying thoughts, emotions, and experiences they did not feel safe sharing anywhere else. I still remember how heavy that felt to witness at times, seeing people go through so much yet holding it in because they did not know where or with whom they could talk. Something shifted when they finally had a space where they felt heard and not judged. Even small moments of opening up and simply saying things out loud seemed to bring a sense of relief and lightness.

Those experiences stayed with me and showed me how powerful it can be to have someone who listens with care and presence. Over time, I began to see therapy not just as a profession, but as a meaningful space where people can feel supported, understood, and gradually move toward change in their own way and at their own pace.

What I enjoy most are those moments when clients notice their own growth, sometimes quietly and almost unexpectedly, and sometimes in very clear and powerful ways. I remember moments in sessions where someone pauses and says, “I didn’t think I could do this,” or reflects on something they handled differently than before. In those moments, you can almost see the shift in how they see themselves. It is not just about progress on paper, but about that real internal recognition of strength.

I also deeply value the connection that builds over time in therapy. As trust develops, conversations become more open and honest, and clients feel more comfortable exploring parts of themselves they may have held back before. Being part of that process and watching someone grow into their own awareness and confidence feels very meaningful to me. Those moments, big and small, are what make this work truly rewarding.

Lately, I’ve been enjoying listening to music, staying connected with people I’m close to, and trying different foods and exploring different cultures and traditions. I especially enjoy building connections outside of my own background, and those experiences help me stay curious, grounded, and open to new perspectives.

I’ve also been making more intentional space to slow down and check in with my own thoughts and emotions. Those quiet moments help me feel more connected internally and bring a sense of calm, balance, and self-compassion.

I feel most like myself when I am fully present in the moment. Sometimes that looks like having long, meaningful conversations with people I trust, where time just passes without me noticing. Other times, it’s quieter, taking space to reflect, reset, and recharge on my own.

I’ve also found myself really enjoying travel, especially to natural places where everything feels calmer and more open. I love going on trails and long walks, where I can just think, breathe, and feel grounded again. There is something about being surrounded by nature that helps everything feel a little clearer. Cooking is another thing I genuinely enjoy. It feels simple, but for me it is a way of taking care of myself, choosing what I eat, slowing down, and being mindful about my health. In a way, these small moments of walking, cooking, connecting, and reflecting help me feel most like myself.

M.S. in Mental Health Counseling, University at Albany, SUNY

M.S.W. in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, Central University of Tamil Nadu

B.A. in English Literature, PSG College of Arts and Science