We were lucky to catch up with Eva Rivera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eva, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

This question stood out to me because I just had a conversation with some of my closest friends about this. I took a risk in applying for a Master’s program here in San Antonio. I lived in the Rio Grande Valley, in a small town named San Juan. I had just graduated with my Bachelor’s in Rehabilitative Services and I secretly applied for a Marriage and Family Therapy program here in San Antonio. When I say secretly, as in I did not tell anyone about this. I wanted to go through the process on my own and just take the risk of moving to another city, 4 hours away, and accomplish this dream of becoming a Mental Health Professional. The only research I did was about the school and program. The thought never occurred to me on: where to live, what area is the safest for me, how bad is traffic from one side of town to the school, or how much everything is going to cost and much less, how I was going to pay for it. I just took a risk. After 2 months of applying and talking with a professor from the program, I finally told my mother, Maria, and boyfriend, Albert. Albert and I had planned a trip to San Antonio for a concert and I took advantage to make some time to visit the school and hopefully chat with some professors and staff. We never made it. We were involved in a horrible car accident on our way to San Antonio resulting in my vehicle being totaled. I was shaken up and did not drive for a month, I even thought “What if this is a sign that I shouldn’t do this?” But no, I kept going. My application was accepted, I was granted an interview at a later date. Fast forward a bit, I received a call a few hours after the interview informing me that I was accepted into the program and an acceptance letter would be sent by end of day. I was in shock. I cried, laughed, and immediately thought, “I am moving to San Antonio!” I am so glad and so proud of myself for taking that risk. If I wouldn’t have believed in myself, I am sure I wouldn’t have accomplished this dream/goal of mine, of becoming a Mental Health Professional. I am glad I took that risk because I have been able to help many children with their anxiety, concerns, emotions, and traumas. I am glad I took that risk because I met my best friend, Elizabeth while in the program. I am glad I took that risk because I have had some wonderful and memorable experiences with my career. I am glad I took that risk because I have the opportunity of exploring this amazing city of San Antonio, and other places in Texas and nationwide. I am glad I took that risk because I have been blessed with so many wonderful opportunities.

Eva, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those that do not know me, my name is Eva Rivera, I am a Mental Health Professional, and I am STX Foodie. I am from the Rio Grande Valley, so I am a 956 girly living in the 210. I have had STXFoodie since 2016, prior to me moving to San Antonio. My goal for this foodie page is to help and support local businesses around Texas. I do have a full time job as a clinician, so foodie duties are left for evenings and weekends. I have a passion for helping others and for building a community.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes, I love my career. I love listening to others’ stories, and I love being able to help them discover their strengths.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Experience and listening.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stxfoodie?igsh=MTJxODh5eHkyanNtaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JQ7tJdXPH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=kbfVn4uOKX9atRjQgiyLGA&utm_source=ishare

Image Credits

Eva Rivera (STXFoodie)