By: Anais Lopez

      Joining the WELCOME Program has been a blessing. Not only have I found my footing better than most students, but it has allowed me to take courses, such as this Composition class. From the beginning of this course I would say I was experienced in writing. I have been writing in school since forever. I can’t really pin-point the time I started getting better at writing,but it definitely took all throughout those years. This course has challenged me by incorporating ideas of what I learned in combination to my Psychology class. I found myself wanting to challenge myself more. So, I wrote topics on ideas I didn’t believe were possible. This course forced me to be more coherent with my work.Everything I learned before became more of a review.There were many ways that this class helped me review to be a better writer . One of those moments was when my class and I were introduced to the CUNY Library. The lesson that talked about Purdue OWL was a nice refresher and helped me research properly for my research paper , and lastly the way our work was broken down when it came to posting on the discussions part of Brightspace. Overall, this course was okay and seemed like a review, with a few challenges here and there.

      Looking back at the first ever analysis essay , I would say my confidence grew in this class. This analysis essay tied in with a presentation and to this day I think of standing in front of class as a horrid experience. I remember being so nervous and so lost. Although I prepared for this presentation, there was  no reason for me to flunk the way I did. My slides were in connection to this exact essay, so till this day I don’t understand why I didn’t use my full potential. I remember liking the idea of choosing my essay on a topic I was learning in Psychology. Psychology was a fairly new subject to me . However this assignment made me understand psychology more. I did my analysis essay on the biopsychosocial model and being able to make presentations was so fun. I recall thinking of all different templates. Especially, how could I transform my essay into a presentation, without copy and pasting everything. In the process of it all, my understanding of Psychology was not just from my own essay and presentation, but also from my other peers’ presentations. I can vividly remember what neuroplasticity meant because my peer Daniel’s presentation visually looked so cool and it was a new topic I was finding hard to conceptualize at the time. In reality, my peers did say they understood my topic and my presentation was good, but not hearing it was “really good” shattered me. I grew up as a shy kid, but nobody would ever think that is true now . Over the years, I have built courage and attempted to be a lot more open. This assignment being my first college presentation will be one for the books.

    Further into the course, more assignments were being assigned. That next assignment was a personal essay. I saw this as my opportunity to vent and doing so, I felt like I was re-writing my college essay. Not only did this take me down memory lane,but it made me wish I didn’t try to be unique for my actual college essay. I wish I wrote deeper about my feelings, but this assignment showed me I had the ability in me to do so. I connected myself to the Evil Queen and was extremely emotional with it. This personal essay became really personal and I started to reflect on my culture. Since, culture was one of the topics we were allowed to connect to.  The truth is everyone’s culture affects the way they perceive things. In my way, I realized my culture has fed into my insecurities and made me less confident. This seemed like a free for all assignment. So, writing this essay made me time travel back to the 1st grade. The grade where we were allowed to make up whatever stories and even make a happily ever after ending. The same time period where I became obsessed with writing about princes and princesses. Ultimately, this can be the main reason I compared myself to the Evil Queen. The way this essay allowed me to roam in my thoughts, have fun, and honestly not stress over an assignment was alleviating.This assignment has to be my favorite assignment of the entire course. 

       As for the Research Paper assignment, this is the part of the course that had me rethinking my topic an immense amount of times. I kept overthinking ,since I chose a topic that wasn’t the easiest to write about. Personally, when I hear “Research Paper”  I automatically think I must challenge myself. I felt like I set myself up for failure, that the topic I chose was not even a good choice to begin with. However, I pulled through and saw the light at the end of the tunnel. My frustration for the topic took a huge turning point when we were told we must incorporate “peer reviewed articles”. Earlier that day we had a presentation using the CUNY Library in depth, something I didn’t even know existed. I can definitely see myself using that certain resource for the rest of my time at City College. With these peer reviewed articles becoming mandatory , I pushed myself and saw how credible ,as well as how possible my topic actually is. I would be lying if I didn’t say I left a lot of things last minute. I truly believe this is due to my poor management skills. So, if I could re-do anything it would be to stay confident with the challenge I put upon myself. Overall, this Research paper was fun, stressful , but was useful because I had to write something due to my Psychology course again. 

      Looking back on each of these assignments, I can say this course has shaped me not only as a writer, but as a student and a person. Every essay and presentation pushed me in a different way.Whether it was building the courage to speak in front of a class, allowing myself to write vulnerably, or learning how to navigate academic research with confidence. I walked into this course sure of my abilities in writing, but I am walking out with a clearer understanding of my strengths and potential. From psychology-inspired analysis, to deeply personal storytelling, to a research paper that challenged my discipline, each task became a stepping stone toward growth. Even in moments of frustration or self-doubt, I discovered that I am capable of more than I initially believed. 

By: Anais Lopez

  As one habitualizes alcohol the more they drink the more intoxicated and unsteady they can become.They tend to do and say things they wouldn’t normally do, due to the lack of control they have on their own body, or brain.This is what we refer to as alcoholism. Diagnosed as AUD, Alcohol Use Disorders.A disorder many claim to be hereditary. It is no secret that the genes we inherit from our parents determine our physical traits ,such as your hair color or even your height. However, when it comes to more complex human features, the connection to our genes become a little blurred. Although this happens to be a scientific debate, alcohol dependency doesn’t stem purely from genetics: it is a psychological issue. 

    Genetics tend to influence someone’s likelihood of drinking,yet the psychological factors of alcohol happen to be a lot more significant. To which, many others see alcohol as their coping mechanism.Since, alcohol can help for stress, trauma, or even emotional pain. According to the American Psychological Association, an individual often numbs emotional distress by experiencing anxiety,depression, and low self-esteem allowing them to be more vulnerable to alcohol dependence. This is because drinking temporarily numbs emotional distress. Over time, the brain begins to associate alcohol with relief and comfort, creating a harmful cycle of dependency. Demonstrating that alcoholism is deeply not just a biological issue. Yet, just a warm rooted psychological struggle driven by emotion and mental state.

     It’s a complex process because the dependency for alcohol must be taken into many factors and one of those factors happens to be the gender of an individual. Women are more likely than men to report coping motives, such as drinking. According to Psychology Today, McKee states “Men are more likely to drink to experience pleasure and social connections, while women are more likely to drink to manage stress and anxiety. “So, we are developing medications that target stress pathophysiology”. Biologically , alcohol may confer a risk to metabolism, but the continuation for the usage of alcohol is primarily driven by the environment around a person. Yet again, making this a psychological choice. Which happens to be driven by psychological and social factors, shaping gender roles and expectations. 

         The argument whether  Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is truly driven by psychological forces can be strongly supported through the rates of trauma as well. Studies have shown that as empirical support for a way of self-medication people who have experienced trauma growing up has led to an increase for alcohol cravings. In fact not only has this heightened the usage for alcohol ,but has also increased the effect of posttraumatic disorder (PTSD) through coping motives. “Further, moderation analyses exploring the influence of coping motives on the PTSD-alcohol use association suggest that a 1-unit increase in PTSD severity was associated with a 35% increase in alcohol consumption among participants who endorsed a high degree of coping-related drinking.” (Simpson et al.,2014).When an individual uses substances to cope with internal states ,this is called Self-Medication Hypnosis. Although the use of alcohol can begin in a minor state the dependency can increase causing negative reinforcement. Creating a dependency cycle. 

          A nuanced prescription is that alcohol becomes a psychological dependency. Which requires exploring its impact on the brain’s emotional regulatory systems. Alcohol Use Disorder , all starts within the brain and the dependency can be observed through a neurotransmitter called GABA.  For example, stated in a peer reviewed article it states “ it is well known that the GABA-mediated neurotransmission plays a crucial role in anxiety (Millan, 2003). GABA receptor-deficient mice are more anxious than their wild-type counterparts in several anxiety-related tests (Mombereau et al., 2004). Not only have studies compared a mice’s brain with us humans, but past studies have developed the idea on how similar mice are to humans . In this case, alcohol increases GABA activity. GABA is the chemical responsible that happens to  slow our brain signals and produce feelings of calm, relief, and reduced anxiety. Psychologically, this creates a powerful escape from distress,or so we think. In another peer reviewed article it says “ Chronic alcohol consumption affects the GABA-A receptors, reducing the number on each neuron. This induces tolerance to alcoholic beverages and contributes to the process of dependence (Mihic and Harris, 1997). Therefore in other words , alcohol temporarily numbs painful emotions, but over time, it  also rewires the brain to depend on drinking for basic emotional stability. To a point, when someone who has Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is sober they can’t regularly function. This neurological shift strengthens the argument that Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)  is not merely a genetic trait. Simply because it is a deeply rooted psychological disorder fueled by the brain’s altered ability to cope with stress.

        However, some might say that Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is heavily enhanced by genetics. This complex disorder can be developed from the womb. In our body we have something called Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS).Genome -Wide Association Studies (GWAS) is a research method that allows professionals to identify specific genetic variations, particular diseases, as well as traits. According toNational Library of Medicine ,

 “ Advancements in technology over the decades have elevated research from early candidate gene studies to present-day genome-wide scans, unveiling numerous genetic and epigenetic risk factors for AUD.” Scientists use this methodology to help understand certain genetics ,which can further develop ways to treat patients. These downstream analyses happen to  correlate with brain tissues and drug-gene that interact with Alcohol Use Disorder. With these advanced technology, ethanol metabolism was broken down, a primary component being alcohol. Yet, even though genetic studies reveal biological risk factors, research consistently shows that genes alone do not determine whether someone develops Alcohol Use Disorder.

            According to a peer-reviewed article by the NIAAA,  the article develops the idea that psychological influences account for a highly significant portion of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), simply within those individuals who have genetic vulnerabilities. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse, “genetic predisposition increases risk, but environmental factors such as stress, trauma, and coping behaviors play a major role in whether the disorder actually emerges.” This means that a person may inherit genes associated with Alcohol use Disorder (AUD), but those genes require psychological triggers such as emotional distress, anxiety, or trauma for the disorder to fully develop in an individual. In other words, genetics may load the gun, but psychology pulls the trigger. This reinforces the argument that while biology influences, the force behind Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) ,is psychological dependency shaped by emotional regulation and coping mechanisms. The social environment that influences an individual can cause a major increase in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

        Beyond genetics, an individual’s environment plays a crucial role in shaping psychological motivations for alcohol use. Studies show that exposure to family alcoholism, peer pressure, and normalization of drinking in culture increases the likelihood of using alcohol to become a  coping mechanism. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stress and unstable environments strongly interact with a person’s mental health, raising the risk of substance use as a form of emotional relief. For example, growing up in a household where alcohol is used to cope with conflict teaches children, through modeling, that drinking is an emotional strategy. Even environments like college campuses or high-stress workplaces reinforce the idea that alcohol can provide comfort, escape, and  connection. These social conditions create a reliance that cannot be explained by only  genetics alone, showing how deeply Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is rooted in emotional learning.

         A strong indicator that Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) comes from the effectiveness of psychological treatments. If alcoholism were mainly genetic, therapy would have limited success , but research shows the opposite. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing are among the most effective treatments for reducing alcohol use because they target emotional triggers, negative thinking patterns, and maladaptive coping behaviors. According to the American Psychological Association, individuals who receive psychological interventions show significant reductions in alcohol cravings and improvement in emotional regulation compared to those who receive only medical or biological treatments. This demonstrates that the root of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) lies not in genetics but in the mind’s relationship to distress. When therapy helps someone learn new coping strategies, their dependency weakens something that would not occur if Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) were strictly biological. Which is why this evidence further proves that alcoholism is fundamentally a psychological disorder shaped by emotion, thought patterns, and personal history.

        In conclusion, while genetics may influence a person’s susceptibility to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), the disorder itself is overwhelmingly shaped by psychological, emotional, and environmental factors. The evidence shows that people turn to alcohol not because of predetermined biology but because of trauma, stress, coping motives, and altered emotional regulation within the brain. Gender differences, trauma studies, and neurochemical research all point toward the same truth: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) develops through learned behaviors and psychological reinforcement, not simply inherited traits. By understanding alcoholism as a psychological struggle rather than a genetic destiny, society can focus on compassionate, effective treatments that address the real roots of dependency. Ultimately, Alcohol Use Disorder AUD is not just a biological condition it is a deeply human struggle tied to emotion, experience, and the mind’s need for relief.

Bibliography:

American Psychological Association. “Alcohol Use and Mental Health.” APA, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/07-08/alcohol-mental-health.

Mihic, S. James, and R. A. Harris. “GABA-A Receptor Modulation in Alcohol Dependence.” Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 1997.

Millan, Mark J. “The Neurobiology of Anxiety.” Trends in Neurosciences, vol. 26, no. 10, 2003.

Mombereau, C., et al. “GABA-B Receptor-Deficient Mice Display Increased Anxiety.” Molecular Psychiatry, 2004.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Genetics of Alcohol Use Disorder.” NIAAA, https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/health-topics-genetics-alcohol-use-disorder.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Risk Factors and Vulnerability to Alcohol-Related Harm.” NIAAA, https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/risk-factors-varied-vulnerability-alcohol-related-harm.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Stress and Substance Use.” NIDA, https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/stress.

Psychology Today. McKee, Sherry. “Why Women Drink: Stress, Coping, and Biology.” Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-and-behavior/201908/why-women-drink.

Simpson, Tracy L., et al. “PTSD Symptoms, Alcohol Use, and Coping Motives: A Moderation Analysis.” Journal of Traumatic Stress, vol. 27, 2014.

By: Anais Lopez

“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” asks the Evil Queen, gazing into the mirror, yet she doesn’t see herself. Instead, she sees Aurora, the princess. As a young girl, I constantly heard, “my princess,” “oh, she’s gorgeous,” and “look at her hair so nice and long.” Compliments like these echoed around me, nurturing a sense of confidence and self-love. The household you grow up in can either encourage misery or shape you into the best version of yourself. In my case, I was surrounded by love and still am to this day. Everything changed when puberty began. It’s something every child experiences, yet we treat it like a taboo subject. Puberty made me feel lost, uncertain of my place in my own skin, an experience I believe most girls share.Except, in this case my culture expectations made this more difficult. In that sense, I began to understand the Queen.

   The mirror became my greatest enemy. When I looked at my reflection, I no longer saw the confident girl everyone praised. Instead, I noticed back rolls, acne, and the lingering image of the chubby kid I once was. I wondered, Will I ever fit in? Will I ever be the “normal girl”?.At the ripe age of nine, eating became a comfort, and running felt like a punishment. That same summer, my family and I traveled to Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad was home. From the warm island breeze, the swaying palm trees, and most importantly, my family. For as long as I can remember, stepping through the airport’s automatic doors and running into my Grandpa Y’s arms marked the true start of my visit. His tall figure was able to see him, even if he was a mile away. As well as the sound of his horn blaring into the air from  his huge pick-up truck.But this time was very different. Frowning, I caught myself dragging my feet, silently wishing he would scoop me up as he used to. What felt like a moment of imagination quickly became my reality.

     Grandpa Y didn’t hug me right away.Instead, he just stared  frozen , as if he was  seeing a stranger. The silence between us thickened. I could’ve sworn I heard invisible crickets waiting to fill the space he left empty.Then, finally, he spoke. His voice cracked through the quiet ,“Like yuh puttin’ on some weight.”The words hit harder than I expected. Who was this man standing in front of me? The sweet grandfather who once carried me on his shoulders, who smelled like tobacco and warmth has now vanished. At that moment, I felt something inside me shut off. My care slipped away like air leaving a balloon. All I wanted now was to see my cousins , maybe I’d still belong.The airport wasn’t far from their house, so we arrived quickly. Usually, they’d rush out to greet me, laughter spilling down the driveway before I could even step out. But this time was different. As the car slowed, my tall, fit cousin Chloe met my eyes through the window. She smiled  but it was the kind of smile that hides something sour underneath.I stepped out, my heart already shrinking. She looked me up and down with quiet disgust

     And then, from behind her, Uncle Kevin’s voice boomed, light and careless:“Hey, Chubby!”The word echoed. I laughed or tried to  but something in me cracked. That was the moment I realized who I was to them now: the fat kid who came back from America.They always called me the “American cousin”,but now the fat one. I wanted to go in a corner and bawl my eyes out,but they might judge me even more.Inside, my other cousins barely looked at me. Their eyes didn’t meet mine; they met my stomach, my cheeks , everything but me. And in that house filled with family, I had never felt more invisible.Like the odd one out. 

       As time went on, others continued to notice my imperfections and comment on them. I was hurt and confused, yet I eventually realized this painful honesty was often an inevitable part of the “brown people” culture. After leaving Trinidad, I gained five pounds, and what felt like eating simply to nourish myself became fuel for the cruel comments adults had made about a nine-year-old girl’s body. I remember going to the river for a “lime,” where my cousins judged how “fat” I looked in my swimsuit, saying, “No wonder you’re wearing a one-piece instead of a bikini.” A tradition was hanging on a swing, jumping off the swing into the water, even in the rain it was a must. Instead , I got up, went to a corner of the river and bawled my eyes out. The bashing felt never-ending. Not only was my weight mocked, but the fact that I didn’t know how to ride a bike, or even jump off a swing ; due to my weight was a very clear sign of my American culture coming out. It was more than just being overweight. 

      I just found myself  carrying the label of “The American Cousin,” and in their eyes, that title came with the typical obese American. The entire situation from my clothes to my inability to master  riding a bike was very clear. Being claimed to have a lazy, unhealthy culture they associated with America. It was the culture of obese people, and I was its representative. This realization solidified my position as the odd one out, the girl who didn’t belong, who couldn’t even have a Trini accent, let alone look the part. I was the obese girl, the one who didn’t fit in. It was hard going out seeing my cousins play, yet this time I was uninvited. The mirror had not only stopped seeing the princess I was once told I was ; it had started reflecting the cruel, collective judgment of my own family and the culture I thought was home.

Our behavior and mental processes have biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences. Biological influences can be based on our hormonal influences and brain mechanisms. Psychological is due to our conscious thinking, our experiences we went through as children, and even our cognition. Lastly, social-cultural is heavily influenced by the presence of others. Additionally, our culture influences our behaviors too. The bio psycho-social model can be observed through our everyday lives. As a human, your next move is the outcome of such a model. However, this concept can be disrupted if an individual has certain disorders. An incorporation of one’s way of growth in the womb childhood, trauma, and critical thinking plays a significant role in how this model pertains to them. This can be analyzed through many certified professionals in the psychology field.

Genetically, an individual is influenced by genetic traits they have no control over. Our behavior and mental process are based on one’s prenatal development, as well. A pregnant woman tends to be restricted from a lot of things, to ensure their baby is in good health condition. However, nobody’s perfect and some women refuse to live this lifestyle. In doing so instead, they indulge in smoking, drinking, or anything else they are forbidden from. Especially alcohol. If a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, this can cause fetal alcohol syndrome. For example, “The fetal damage may occur because alcohol has an epigenetic effect: It leaves chemical marks on DNA that switch genes abnormally on or off”. This leads to a serious consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure. A baby has no say in the womb and with a mother’s actions it can affect them in the long run, both mentally and physically.

There are many types of psychologists that study psychology. They analyze specific characteristics of the brain. Developmental Psychologists professionally study why people act the way they act. These professionals learn about the changing abilities that happen from the “womb to tomb.” A convincing theory mentioned was by Sigmund Freud. This theory proposes that childhood sexuality and unconscious motivations influence personality. As time has continued, while much of Freud’s original theory remains debated, studies have reinforced the significant impact of early life experiences and unconscious thought processes on an individual’s long-term behavior and emotional development.

In addition, the bio-psycho-social model develops beyond the womb. Environmental conditioning is crucial. This can be seen through the social-cultural lens, within behaviorism. After psychologists dug for a deeper definition of psychology, famous behaviorists John B. Watson, then later B.F. Skinner came to the conclusion that the elements of the mind are observable behavior. Both behaviorists reflected how an individual may react to a certain situation. In their realization, both noticed people’s actions are due to how they are conditioned. This means many people will respond differently, while the majority of the studies were based on how an environment influences one’s actions.However, this model is especially relevant with psychological disorders,as an individual’s behavior can be the result of a complexity in between biological, cognitive processes, and social pressures.

In practice, this model is an insightful way to characterize human interactions and behaviors. Yet, the complexity shows many different aspects. With the studies that follow along, it is seen from the womb there is not as much as we can do, but as we get older, we start to learn right from wrong. Which entails using critical thinking and associating ourselves with those who elevate us. Our environments play a gigantic role in shaping who we are as an individual. In addition, analyzing the resources provided, as well as the studies done by professionals in the psychological world can help vividly understand how the brain function

Written By: Anais Lopez

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