Hi!

My name is Xochilt Aguiniga! I am a junior at Northern Arizona University! I am a Psychological Sciences Major with an emphasis in Clinical and Mental Health Psychology. My university will be hosting a summer program to study the psychology of community and culture in Dublin, Ireland.

My dream career is to start my own counseling practice in my hometown of North Hills, California, an area densely populated by Hispanic and Latino families and home to a large population of veterans. After a few years in practice, I would love to return to the community college that help set me on my path and become a professor.

I am a first generation college student and first born daughter to Mexican immigrants. I graduated from Los Angeles Mission Community College with three Associate degrees in June 2019 and transferred to Northern Arizona University this fall to study full-time and pursue my Bachelors degree in Psychology. I also work full-time at Petco to support myself, my education, and to save.

Being Chicana and growing up in Mexican culture, I understand how much culture can effect a person's self identity and mental health, so a goal of mine is to immerse myself in as many different cultures as possible to better understand my future clients and better help them.

NAU International Studies has itemized all of the expenses . The program fee of $5,130 includes: tuition and fees for 6 credits, $100 application fee, lodging, in-country transportation, international health insurance, guided excursions and experiential learning activities, and a couple group meals. All expenses must be paid by May 29, 2020.

In addition to this fundraiser, I have been applying to as many scholarships as possible. Ones offered by the Center for International Studies and NAU's College for Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Anything more than the program total raised would be used as a safety net and for any unexpected expenses. Any amount given would help me grow my experiences and towards my future goals and anything given would be immensely appreciated.

Thank you reading and helping me reach my dream!