My Multicultural Journey

            When I first entered graduate school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I had a limited understanding of what

multicultural competence truly meant. I knew it was important, and I understood the basic concept of being respectful and aware

of cultural differences. However, I now realize that my early understanding was surface-level. Through coursework, direct

supervision, and hands-on experience during my internship, I have developed a much deeper and more nuanced awareness of what

it means to be a culturally competent counselor.  In the beginning, I often relied on generalizations and "cultural knowledge" that

came from textbooks or lectures, rather than truly exploring the unique cultural identities of each client. I believed I was being

open-minded and inclusive, but I was still viewing culture as something external rather than something deeply internal and

individualized. As my graduate program progressed, I began to understand that cultural competence is not just about knowing

facts about various ethnicities, religions, or traditions. It is about practicing humility, continuously self-reflecting, and recognizing

the power dynamics and biases, both personal and systemic, that can influence the counseling process.

            One pivotal moment in my development came during a cultural immersion assignment, which challenged me to interact

deeply with a community very different from my own. I began to notice my assumptions, judgments, and areas of discomfort. This

experience helped me realize how crucial is it to engage in ongoing reflection about my cultural identity, privilege, and worldview.

i learned that to build a genuine therapeutic alliance, I needed to be willing to explore difficult conversations about race, identity,

and oppression without defensiveness or avoidance. During my internship, I had the opportunity to work with a highly diverse

population, including adolescents from various racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and spiritual backgrounds. Many of the youth

were also navigating issues related to immigration, family separation, LGBTQ+ identity, and intergenerational trauma. Through

supervision and training, I learned to practice cultural humility—asking open-ended questions, acknowledging when I don’t know

something, and avoiding the assumption that I “get it” just because I’ve read or heard about a particular group. I learned to adapt

my communication style, to listen for cultural meaning in my clients’ stories, and to be transparent about my intention to create a

safe and affirming space. One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is that multicultural competence is not a destination—it’s

a lifelong journey. It requires a commitment to listening, unlearning, advocating, and standing in solidarity with clients whose

lived experiences may be vastly different from my own. As I move forward in this profession, I carry with me the understanding

that cultural competence is not just about being aware—it’s about being accountable.

        I am proud of the growth I’ve experienced in this area. While I know I still have much to learn, I am entering the field with a

strong foundation and a deep respect for the complexity of human identity. I am committed to honoring each client’s culture,

context, and truth in every session I conduct.