My Growth Blueprint

sharing a few of my adventures and other stuff toward personal growth I can look back on one day

[prsimmon]

I'm on the path; it's dark but illuminated enough for me to keep going. Finished the second year of my master’s program with a 4.0 GPA, zero debt, and no need for loans, and now I’m on a break to finally tackle some things I’d been putting off while I still have the time before practicum and year three (my last year) start, and I begin seeing clients for the first time. Everything is lined up, and I’m in a very fortunate place overall, but emotionally I’m in this strange in‑between space.

Summer 2026

[prsimmon]

Essential Lessons from 2025

Karma, or manifestations, often takes time, sometimes months or even years, before anything happens.

Engaging with emotionally intelligent and balanced people has helped me tell the difference between those who are dysfunctional or symptomatic and those who aren't.

Sometimes you cross paths with people without knowing it, only to meet them years later in a meaningful way.

Speaking as a prospective MFT, don’t believe what you see on social media about relationships. You never truly know what’s happening behind closed doors, and many people create all sorts of stories to make you believe anything, but shit ends up hitting the fan eventually.

Also...

Although it started off rough and the semester was demanding, I managed to accomplish a lot over the past 15 weeks, both in grad school and personally. I bought the most gorgeous bed frame and other furniture for my room, was selected as the recipient of another scholarship, received two letters of recommendation for my upcoming practicum placement, wrote a research proposal, faced some fears, and, through that, really impressed my professors and colleagues. I also maintained my overall 4.0 GPA. Looking back at last fall's past semester, I actually experienced significant personal and professional growth and have become capable of having more nuanced, thoughtful conversations. Now, I just have to build and maintain a few more things.

Winter 2025

[prsimmon]

Just finished my first year of grad school with a 4.0 GPA. After that, I’ll have about two months off to focus on other goals before starting my second year.

I am now on the LPCC track, working toward obtaining two clinical mental health licenses.

Apart from that, I’ve been exploring some deeper spiritual questions lately. I’m in a phase of curiosity and uncertainty, where things I used to read or believe don’t quite resonate the same way because they don't make any logical sense. I guess you could say there’s been a quiet shift in how I view the bigger picture. I did end up seeing some type of synchronicity earlier, but I’m still not sure about the origins or validity of that.

Summer 2025

[prsimmon]

Essential Lessons from 2024

Your voice matters, and even your smallest contribution eventually makes a difference.

In many cases, you must trust your experience over the inner dialogue in your mind.

The same patterns and experiences will keep repeating until you learn the lesson they’re meant to teach.

Rather than seeking what fulfills them, most people often settle for who or what’s right in front of them. In other words, never take things at face value. More often than not, out of fear, people often choose to stick with what is comfortable and familiar rather than move forward into the unknown, where they must be vulnerable.

A year is plenty of time to achieve significant progress.

Winter 2024

[prsimmon]

First semester, already have tons of writing and reading.

Ending my first semester of grad school with a 4.0 GPA. Soon, I'll be a psychotherapist trainee.

Onward I go.

*A special shout-out to ColourPop Cosmetics for hosting the Out of Darkness Advocacy event and providing all the free products.

[prsimmon]

I'm making amends for past lapses.

Summer 2024

[prsimmon]

Will this factor into my future? We'll see how it unfolds. I have a lot to figure out by then.

Summer 2024

[prsimmon]

I passed the exam! I am a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS) in California via CalMHSA. My career shift or interest in clinical psychology and family systems began when I participated in an 80-hour Peer Support Specialist training program through a referral scholarship. I wouldn't have considered taking on this type of profession had I not attempted to change certain personality traits and dispel the echoes of past negativity.

I’m never going to forget what my instructor told me: "You inspire me, Katherine. I'm very glad our paths have crossed!" I also wouldn’t have decided to pursue this path without her.

With privilege comes responsibility. My objectives are to empower others, assist them in overcoming trauma, defeat their inner demons, and realize their potential and self-worth.

Summer 2024

[prsimmon]

Since my previous check-in, things have started to look up.

I'm now a licensed behavioral clinician in the making.

Despite my anxiety, I was able to remain persistent throughout the two-hour interview and the intimidating graduate school application process.

Soon, I'll be working remotely at my current job while going to school and getting clinical training toward licensure. I was also awarded the Master's Merit Scholarship. From all the financial planning I've done, I think I'll be able to graduate debt-free or have my master's degree fully funded like I did with my other undergraduate degrees. I've decided to pursue this particular professional graduate degree after doing a lot of self-work and from the events leading up to this point. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve individuals and the community through my clinical training hours and practice. One day I might even go for a PsyD.

Besides getting into grad school, I finally got the surgery I needed out of the way. I also have my exam for the MCPSS certification coming up. All I need to do is keep pushing myself and concentrate on my schoolwork. I'm fully aware that I have to keep building a positive identity for myself while deconstructing any transgenerational trauma so that I can one day lead as an effective therapist.

Checking the goals off my list...

✔ one ✔after ✔the other

Spring 2024

[prsimmon]

New situation, new predicament. It's a slow process when it comes to moving on from this.

After that prospect was lost, I did manage to get a sidekick, though.

Summer 2023

[prsimmon]

I’m searching for an answer. I’m back to my usual grind that involves moving two steps forward and one step back.

Spring 2023

[prsimmon]

The first journey on my path to healing and clarity started in late 2015–2020, which sustained me until the end of a certain stage in my life—when I graduated from UCLA. A new path is beginning to lead to healing, clarity, and positive changes in other areas.

I need faith that impacts circumstances.

Winter 2022

[prsimmon]

Graduation, initiation, and other celebrations are here. I’m going to miss UCLA. It has been a productive and eventful 2 years. I guess I'm back at square one again, but at a different phase. For every step back, I try to take two steps forward. Onward I go.  

Spring 2022

[prsimmon]

Back at the place of hope.

I will follow the advice I gave myself back in 2018 which I found to be really rewarding to this day. Essentially, it’s to take calculated risks and get out of my comfort zone. Then, I can either celebrate my successes or learn from any lessons taken from rejections. 

Winter 2022

[prsimmon]

Currently working on strengthening my design and psych research methods skills at a new internship I secured! 

I completed my Summer classes too. That will be the last time I take four science classes in one quarter. I’m also finishing up some projects I usually have going on at home. 

Less turbulence for the time being despite the previous setbacks.

Fall 2021

[prsimmon]

Here at UCLA. Waiting for the spring quarter to be over. Then, I get to declare my major and specialization and be eligible for a bunch of other things. I’m working on multiple projects while running errands at the same time. I’m definitely utilizing my resources and reaching out whenever I can.

It’s the season of blue bannisters.

Spring 2021

[prsimmon]

Since we are still stuck in this pandemic while working and/or schooling from home, here are some desk goals of mine for a hint of inspiration.