I am a second year Master of Education student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. I would like to work towards becoming a practicing school psychologist within the local education system. Ideally, my career goals involve trying to shift the focus from assessments to universal interventions while focusing on working with teens and adolescents in various contexts within the educational system. I’m originally from the Middle East but grew up in Surrey, BC. I completed my undergrad in psychology with an honours thesis focusing on mindfulness and gratitude interventions aimed at improving individual’s well-being. I had always wanted to utilize my degree to help children and adolescents after working as a youth coach and tutor for many years. I realized that there was a lot of opportunity within the field of education and the school system to help students that did not necessarily involve teaching and mentorship. As a result, I really enjoyed the idea of the role and responsibilities that those in this field are given. I like how supportive and encouraging the faculty are in their commitment to helping students within the program. In my spare time I enjoy playing various sports (hockey, badminton, soccer) at different competitive levels. As a result of the pandemic, I have also enjoyed individual pursuits such as watching and discussing movies and TV as well as playing numerous board games and participating in monthly trivia league. Advice I have for incoming grad students is to always be curious and never be afraid to ask questions. Most importantly, take time for yourself as everyone needs to take care of themselves in order to be the most productive person they can be.