Braves,
My name is Cara Martin, and I'm a senior at UNCP, double majoring in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Substance Abuse. I graduate in May 2024 and am on the path to becoming a Clinical Mental Health Counselor! My undergraduate years have been full of love, growth, challenges, and learning. I wouldn't be here without my mentors, service, and UNCP.
I spent 19 years believing I couldn't be a leader but also 19 years with extreme social anxiety. It wasn't until I found community service that I began recognizing my full potential and became a mentor for others. In 2022, I had the opportunity to attend the Alternative Break experience in New Orleans, Louisiana, where we served at food panties and a therapeutic riding center for disabled children. The owner told us stories about how the horses served a powerful role - children in wheelchairs were high up for the first time when they were on the horse's back, or autistic children stimmed through the movement of riding the horse. I was brought back to the comfort I received from horse therapy, with their calming demeanor yet powerful effect - something I aspire to exhibit. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn, but immensely grateful that the Office of Community & Civic Engagement continuously gave me opportunities to further my growth. I now want to incorporate animals and services into my care plans for counseling patients!
If I could offer one piece of advice, I'd say to continuously challenge your feelings of doubt. I entered college with immense amounts of imposter syndrome, questioning if I was smart or good enough. I was quiet, introverted, shy, and timid, so I already decided I couldn't be a leader or achieve much beyond getting good grades and graduating. However, I didn't realize my quietness could be a great quality of a leader, and all leadership styles matter! I realized I was doing a disservice to myself by remaining in that fixed mindset and selling myself short. It wasn't until I began serving that I found fulfillment, and a sense of belonging, and allowed my true self to shine. As Taylor Swift said, "Take the moment and taste it. You've got no reason to be afraid."
In service,
Cara Martin
