Back in 2020, I quit my first school counseling job, gave up alcohol, and started a blog to document and share my sobriety journey. These decisions created the biggest changes in my life, in ways I was not expecting or imagining.
During this time, I began to question my purpose, identity, and the school counseling career I had chosen, which led me to experience feelings of confusion, overwhelm, and doubt.
This process was difficult because I had made being a school counselor the center of who I was. I realized that making a career the center of my identity prevented me from exploring other aspects of who I am.
Through sobriety, I discovered so much about myself—both the beautiful and the messy parts.
I eventually returned to school counseling for a few years but found myself feeling so disappointed and frustrated that it brought me to tears.
I continued in the career despite feeling this way and thought about leaving numerous times.
A lot of what held me back, I believe, was the comfort and security the job gave me, which ultimately became the two reasons I stayed.
However, in 2025, I left school counseling. It wasn’t on my terms, but God/The Universe knew what they were doing. I believe, in some ways, it happened for me—because who knows how much longer I would have stayed.
You may wonder: What now? What is next?
I am figuring things out.
But, in the meantime…
Today, I’m Anina—a dancer, blogger, and writer.
My journey has not been simple as it sounds. I am giving you a shorter version of how I’ve gotten till this point in my life. I share in more detail of what I’ve experienced the past couple of years in the following posts in case you are interested:
“Don’t Live For The Finish Line” – Emmanuel Acho (Quote Reflection)
I hope that through my blog, sharing my journey, and coaching I can help you in some way.
Now A Little About Me + Some Interesting/Fun Facts:
I was born and raised in NYC.
I am Ecuadorian and Peruvian.
I am 4 feet 11 inches. #shortie
I am a sensitive, deep, open minded, and self-reflective person.
I am a big dreamer.
I LOVE dancing!
I’ve performed salsa dancing in my early 20s.
I am a proud sober AF babe (no alcohol ever since September 2020).
I openly shared my 1st year of sobriety on a blog and social media.
I’ve experienced trauma during my childhood & teenage years.
I struggle with anxiety. I’ve been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
I have a capital T scar on my stomach from major surgeries.
I’ve modeled on a runway showing my scar to promote body positivity & self love.
I am the first one in my family to receive a Bachelor’s degree (psychology major) & Master’s Degree (school counseling).
I love learning about all things personal growth & life.
I love a good conversation and can talk for hours.
I love pizza with pepperoni.
I am a J.LO fan.
My favorite t.v shows are Friends and New Girl.
I can go on and on. There is so much to say about ourselves since we are complex and deep human beings with so many stories to share. I am sure through this blog you will be able to get to know me and hopefully I can get to know you!
If you got to this point, from the bottom of my heart…thank you for being here! I look forward to connecting!