205: Becoming a Doctora and First-Gen Professional with Dr. Mayra Gaona

<p>This week I interview Dra. Mayra Gaona who discusses the topic of how she became a doctora and first-gen professional. Mayra Gaona is a school psychologist. She received her PhD in School Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. She is currently completing a postdoctoral experience in a hospital/university setting in the Chicagoland area. She is also serving as an adjunct professor. Her research interests include trauma-informed schools, multi-tiered supports for EL students, and the experiences of newcomer immigrant youth. She is also the founder and creator of the IG page @becomingadoctora where she shares tips and inspiration for first-gen students whose hope is to pursue graduate school.</p> <p><br></p> <p>In this episode, Dra. Mayra shares her background as a first-gen Mexicana and the strong influence her immigrant parents had on her education. She shares how she discovered her passion for psychology and what school psychology is. She also reveals how and why she launched her “Becoming a Doctora” platform during the early part of the pandemic to provide inspiration and build community. And she acknowledges the feelings of uncertainty and doubt that come with transitioning into life after the PhD when you do not immediately land your dream job.</p> <p><br></p> <p>You can connect with Dra. Mayra on Instagram: @becomingadoctora and Twitter: @MayraAGaona</p> <p><a href="http://gradschoolfemtoring.com/academy/">Sign up⁠⁠⁠</a> for my group coaching program to start working on your personal growth and gain sustainable productivity skills. </p> <p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzrsR0Bc1O9F49e3JAIdCK5G7ktPP7ZY_AAb_N08bi0q-aIw/viewform">⁠Book me⁠</a> to speak at your upcoming professional development event. </p> <p>Follow me on your favorite social media platforms: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gradschoolfemtoring/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvettemartinezvu/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@gradschoolfemt