Andrea Echeverria 

Why continuing an education is so important to her:

"I come from a low-income immigrant household whose parents only reached grade school. I am the first in my family to earn a bachelor's degree and continue pursuing a master's and education specialist degree. Throughout my life, I saw the transformative power of education and the barriers faced by those without access to it. I have always been inclined to work in education, and through research and mentorship, I discovered the field of school psychology. Pursuing my master's in this field became my goal as I have learned about the challenges students with disabilities and their families face, even more so when there are many societal barriers such as language, cultural, and economic disparities. Therefore, continuing my education is important because it will allow me to support students' mental health, behavior, and their overall learning by building a community among families, teachers, and administrators."

Andrea proudly supports:

Chapman University of School Psychologists (CUASP) 

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Andrea, what does the term “Golden Women” mean to you?

“As I hear the term “Golden Women,” my mind goes to women who are resilient. Even though they have faced many hardships, they do not let those negative experiences define who they are and what they are capable of. “Golden Women” are incredibly dedicated in everything they do, determined to achieve what they set their minds to, and have a big heart. They will protect their loved ones and embrace others with such care, kindness, and empathy. A “Golden Woman” does not only work hard for herself but also with the intention to help others.”

Andrea, describe something that is plaguing young women today and explain what can be done to turn it around? What can you do to help?  

“In today's society, it is evident that social media has become ubiquitous, spanning across all age groups. Young females are particularly affected by the beauty standards perpetuated on social media, leading to detrimental effects on their mental well-being. The pressure to conform to these standards is so pervasive that even girls as young as eight years old are preoccupied with their appearance, documenting their cosmetic purchases and skincare routines. Furthermore, the representation of women of color on social media is a pressing issue. There is a concerning trend of young Latino influencers glorifying dropping out of high school, prioritizing appearance over substance, and perpetuating stereotypes that influence impressionable audiences.

The impact of social media on children and adolescents is profound, with studies linking its usage to attention deficits, sleep disturbances, and heightened risks of depression and anxiety. As social media continues to evolve, it is crucial for both young individuals and their parents to be cognizant of the potential risks associated with excessive social media consumption. Schools play a pivotal role in fostering these discussions with families, especially considering the increasing integration of technology in educational settings. As a future school psychologist, I aim to address these pressing issues by collaborating with fellow professionals to organize workshops for parents and students, creating a platform for dialogue and raising awareness on these critical topics.”