Diamond Price

As a single mother of five, I feel that I have exhausted and overcome every challenge in my personal and professional life. However, I am still left desiring to give more to the field of clinical psychology taking into consideration the existing factors regarding the highest level of education teen moms can attain. For example, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (NCPTUP) reports that only 51% of young mothers earn high school diplomas. Moreover, only 38% of the teen moms graduate with high school diplomas. Incredibly motivated by my children and the focus I obtained from being a single mother has created a passion in me for patient care. I have since been determined to show the world that a statistic should not be used to define a person. An understanding of the mind, brain and behavior motivates me towards ensuring that I put my actions behind my desires. I hope to acquire more intellectual capacities, so I can lead, support and mentor colleagues someday. By increasing my knowledge, I hope to be competent and a valuable contributor to the field of psychology. I am convinced that I will be able to offer my clients quality services with the relevant and vast experience I will gain from your program. Currently, I have not ruled out the possibility of venturing into other branches of psychology.

During the early years of my career development, I had access to the support of various professionals in the field of psychology and research such as my father, who is a researcher. My passion in mental health and research was driven by the continuous exposure to my background in the medical field and my father’s working environment. The patterns and behaviors(habits) I had developed at the early age of 17 was instrumental in guiding me on my path to Psychology. After taking several courses in psychology during in my undergraduate program, I gained knowledge in research methods, development of lifespan, and the analysis of the biological aspects of behavior, which provided me with an idea of the skills necessary to become a well-rounded Psy.D. For some months now, I have been assisting in analyzing data in neuropsychology, and I am expected to carry out further research in the future with the department of neuropsychiatry at Texas Tech University. The desire to learn clinical psychology is also personal to me due to my direct exposure to my son’s brain injury. I am also passionate about Veterans with brain injuries since I am a spouse of an army combat veteran. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, I have spent my extra time preparing in the development of my career in clinical psychology and research by expanding my knowledge in continuing education webinars where I can learn more about various topics such as dealing with trauma, multicultural perspectives and integrative cognitive rehabilitation. I feel that I am ready and strongly motivated to achieve my academic and career goals. I acknowledge the fact that there is always ample room and time to improve.

Graduating in 1999, as a registered medical assistant. I have 20 years’ experience in the medical field where I have worked as a medical assistant in a variety of fields. My goal was to become a medical doctor, where I was accepted to Belize Medical School until I became passionate about psychology. I have worked as a Veterans Administration Contractor, where I sat with psychologists to review veterans mental and medical disability claims. I have been featured in various media platforms including Women of Distinction Magazine, and El Paso’s City magazine, which I believe is a great achievement for a single mother, at the time. I chose to dedicate my life to volunteering and leading my children by example. I also spearheaded a project with the City of El Paso to approve a proclamation to recognize Veterans Day, which is celebrated as a national holiday. I have been a motivational speaker at my Alma mater where I spoke to High School Seniors of my road to success. In 2013, I appeared on the dean's list at Capella University and on September 2018, I graduated with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Applied Research. My GPA upon graduation was a 3.5. Currently, I am volunteering at Texas Tech University in the Psychiatry department where we are in the process of publishing an epidemiological study in suicidal attempts and ideations in the US/Mexico border.

The undergraduate courses and my interaction with my father have prepared and equipped me with critical thinking skills for success. The volunteer work at Texas Tech University and my 20 years of experience in the medical field proves my passion and has provided me the essential knowledge and experience, thus preparing me for the program. Also, as an activist for the rights of the veterans who have suffered head injuries, I have come to the realization that some of the challenges the military face can be solved through clinical psychological services and well-rounded psychologist who have knowledge of multiculturalism and military families.
TBI’s are a major cause of death and disability among the military and civilians. In addition, many victims in underprivileged cities. Therefore, I aspire to build a center for TBI and PTSD patients one day. I also want to carry out further research in clinical psychology and a post doctorate in Neuropsychology where I can become an expert in the field with the aim of improving the lives of those people who are living with mental illness, brain injuries and are underprivileged.