Elisa Coronado
Capacity Builiding Intern
Social Justice Practicum (Adler University)
I believe in the mind, body, spirit connection being an important essence of balance within us and to our well-being. I also believe that as rich and diverse our society is, we each have something of beauty to offer the world, both culturally and personally. Our place in this world is similar to a symbiotic relationship, providing society with the richness of who we are and being impacted by the world around us further impacting our worldview. Our minds, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are in an interconnected relationship that we ourselves must learn to understand and that is why I decided to pursue my Bachelor’s in Psychology. We all have to offer ourselves, others, and society, looking to our strengths of how we got to be here today. We are resilient beings that can take on the toughest of challenges and find our purpose in each new experience.
In August of 2023, I started my studies at Adler University to pursue my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I was drawn to Adler for its focus and promotion of social justice and advocacy in the community and by partnering with various institutions nationally for internship opportunities for students during our first year. Being a Latina woman, second generation in the US, has given me experiences to be here today and in search of what I can do to give back to those from my community. Coming from such a rich culture full of life and history and hearing the stories of family members and people in the community pushed me to want to pursue a degree in counseling and be able to create a space where Latino people can have culturally sensitive support and resources for them specifically. I am caring, genuine, and organized. I believe in the power of listening, that it can allow us to connect on a deeper level and create a space of empathy for us. I also enjoy connecting with colleagues and professionals who can challenge me to grow in a personal and professional manner.
I believe in the chance for change, the ability to heal, and the opportunity to foster emotionally equipped persons to support others in their well-being journey. Because of this, I chose to do my Social Justice Practice through my university at Phoenix Clinic Chicago, because they, too, believe in the healing power of community and creating change. I joined Phoenix Clinic as their Capacity Builder Intern and have found myself engulfed in the work I am doing. With each new tasks assigned, I am finding myself to think critically, connect my ideas to assisting the Board of Directors, and create resource material that connects new coming members, sponsors, and clients to the work that Phoenix Clinic continues to do. I am here, as part of Phoenix Clinic, to grow as a professional but also to learn from an outstanding team about what social justice, equity, and advocacy can do for the community.