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Portrait of Ariana Ortiz

Honor Society® member

Ariana Ortiz

  • Psychology
  • Class of 2027
  • USA

Member since January 2026

About

My name is Ariana Ortiz, and I am currently studying Psychology with a strong interest in adolescent psychology and counseling. Before pursuing psychology, I developed a passion for criminology because of my interest in law, sociology, and human behavior. I have always been fascinated by understanding why people commit certain acts, how society perceives them, and the psychological and social factors that influence behavior.

Through my academic journey, I hope to make a positive impact by helping adolescents navigate challenges, improve mental well-being, and feel supported in their personal growth. One of my biggest goals is to help my community by providing resources, guidance, and support to those around me. I want to create safe and welcoming spaces where people feel understood, encouraged, and empowered to grow.

In the future, I also hope to open a creative sanctuary and library that brings together learning, creativity, and community. I envision it as a comforting space where individuals can explore art, literature, self-expression, and personal development while having access to helpful resources and a supportive environment.

Outside of academics, I enjoy expressing my creativity through art, photography, fashion, reading, and writing. I also love cooking, listening to music, and traveling, as these experiences allow me to connect with different cultures, perspectives, and forms of self-expression. My hobbies continue to inspire both my personal and professional growth while encouraging creativity, empathy, and curiosity about the world around me.

Education

  • Southern New Hampshire University

    Psychology

    2024 – Present

  • Eastern Connecticut State University

    Criminology

    2020 – 2024

Honors and awards

  • honor roll

  • Dean's List

Goals and interests

Career goal

I’m studying psychology with a focus on adolescent development, counseling across the lifespan, and faith-based mental health support. My intended career path is to become a counselor or psychologist who helps individuals navigate emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges through evidence-based psychological practices combined with Christian values such as compassion, guidance, healing, and personal growth. I am especially interested in supporting adolescents during critical stages of identity formation and mental wellness, while also providing counseling services for people of all ages in a supportive and spiritually grounded environment.

Graduate school interests

My graduate school interests following my psychology studies include adolescent psychology, clinical mental health counseling, developmental psychology, and faith-based counseling approaches. I am especially interested in programs that combine evidence-based therapeutic practices with Christian principles to support emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. My goal is to become a counselor or psychologist who can support adolescents, young adults, and individuals of all ages through compassionate, Christ-centered care and professional counseling services.

I am particularly interested in flexible online or hybrid graduate programs that allow students to pursue counseling and psychology careers while integrating faith into practice. Some examples of schools offering online or partially online Christian counseling and psychology programs include Eastern University, Moody Bible Institute, Messiah University, Regent University, Grand Canyon University, and Divine Mercy University. These schools offer graduate programs in counseling psychology, clinical mental health counseling, Christian counseling, and related mental health fields with online learning options.

Outside the classroom

Passionate about reading and writing as creative outlets for learning, reflection, and self-expression
Enjoy creating art through oil pastel drawing, gouache painting, watercolor painting, and sketching/drawing
Interested in exploring creativity and emotion through visual arts and mixed artistic styles
Love cooking and experimenting with new recipes, flavors, and cultural dishes
Enjoy photography as a way to capture meaningful moments, scenery, and artistic perspectives
Interested in fashion, personal styling, and creative expression through clothing and design aesthetics
Appreciate hobbies that encourage creativity, mindfulness, and personal growth

Experience

  • Administrative Assistant

    Willimantic Fire Department

    Feb 2025 – Present

  • Library Technician II

    Willimantic Public Library

    Dec 2022 – Feb 2025

  • Library Technician I

    Willimantic Public Library

    Oct 2022 – Dec 2022

  • Library Aid

    Willimantic Public Library

    Nov 2021 – Oct 2022

Volunteering

  • Gathering and Donating hygeneic products, non-perishable food items, clothing, shoes to soup kitchen

    Covenant Soup Kitchen

    Apr 2021 – Oct 2024

Languages

  • Spanish Advanced
  • Japanese Beginner
  • English (US) Advanced

Additional information