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Intern Team

“How am I going to afford to live during an unpaid internship?” was the question on my mind before I started, especially in San Diego, recently reported as one of the most expensive cities in the US. My parents help with rent, but I still need money for gas, food, and everything else. I considered picking up a waitressing job on weekends or nights, and that’s still an option. But I’ve found something I enjoy that brings in some cash while allowing me to have more control over my schedule.

About three years ago, I introduced my boyfriend to thrifting–something I’ve done since I can remember. My dad is an antique fanatic and stops at every garage sale he sees. My boyfriend, who’s an entrepreneur, discovered that he could flip thrifted items for profit. He started a company called 220thrift, does flea markets, runs a website, and travels to Pasadena once a month for the Rose Bowl.

Image of my booth at Moonlight Market

Since moving here, I started doing markets with him on the weekends at Moonlight Market in Encinitas (Sat. & Sun., 10am-4pm). I set up clothing racks with clothes, purses, and shoes I’ve thrifted—or pulled from my own closet to get rid of. It’s a mix of what’s trending and what I personally think is cute.

My most recent creations (love this set, perfect colors for fall)

In addition to clothes, I’ve gotten into crafting earrings and purse charms over the past year. I’ve made bracelets and necklaces before, but earrings and charms really stuck with me. All the materials are second-hand—beads from thrift stores or beads and hardware I’ve taken off necklaces. There’s something rewarding about taking an item that I no longer use–or a sad necklace collecting dust at a thrift store–and turning it into something completely new. I’ve always liked making things with my hands and seeing something and thinking “I can make that”, and teaching myself. It’s rewarding to create things I love and share them with others, and it makes me happy to see buyers enjoy my jewelry. The cherry on top is the income 🙂 Stay tuned—I’ll be uploading some of my jewelry pieces to 220thrift’s website. Check them out if you’re curious!

There’s also a bigger reason I love shopping this way. I strongly believe there’s already so much on this Earth that everything you need is already here. Buying second-hand and supporting small businesses at markets helps the environment, cuts down on waste, and goes against fast fashion. And the pieces are usually better quality and more unique than anything mass-produced! On top of helping the planet, you end up with something one of a kind. There are hidden treasures everywhere—thrift stores, garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, etc. You just need the patience to go sourcing and an eye for what you’re looking for.

Thrifting, making jewelry, and flea markets aren’t for everyone, and that’s completely fine! There are plenty of other ways to earn money during an internship. I’m just grateful to have stumbled onto something I’m passionate about that also happens to bring in a little income.

Purse charm and earring layout at market booth

Tried something new! Was a good turn out and sold 3 customized earrings that day.

First customized pair I sold!! Giving Cosmo & Wanda vibes :)

First customized pair I sold!! Giving Cosmo & Wanda vibes 🙂

On day two of my internship, I got to participate in a professional lecture where I learned from Kendra Nicole Petersen, a child and family occupational therapist, parenting coach, and founder of “Authentic Kids Therapy”. She talked about “The Feel to Learn Process” she created, and honestly, it was such an eye-opening lecture. I’ll be thinking about and applying her approach in future sessions with clients and even in daily life too–especially her core reminder:

“First feel, then learn” – Kendra Nicole Petersen

Essentially, we have to understand how we feel and who we are to effectively learn and participate in the world–and that goes for everyone, not just clients.

Kendra recently published “The Authentic SELF”–a 500+ page, clinically grounded, neurodiversity-affirming curriculum that helps school-aged kids tune into their emotions and get ready to learn. It’s packed with resources, methods, ready-to-use visuals, writing activities for ages 4-14, and licensing portals for classrooms and therapists. She even designed her own font! What’s even crazier is that she did all of this in just two years! So impressive!

Kendra’s whole approach is about creating space for kids (and honestly all of us) to feel safe enough to learn and grow. She points something out that’s easy to miss, especially for those of us in helping roles. She puts it like this:

“Participation can come at the cost of authenticity” – Kendra Nicole Petersen

Showing up and playing the part gets rewarded, but nobody stops to ask if it pulls you away from who you actually are. We mask authenticity without even noticing–in daily life, casual interactions, the classroom, sessions with clients, etc. Moving forward, we could all be a little more real and let the people we work with bring their full selves to the table and allow their authenticity to shine through.

Check out Kendra’s website and Instagram Page for more info and while you’re there, look at her custom font too–it’s super cool!

-Jayda Hunstad, MTI

#ProfessionalDay #socio-emotional #regulation #neuro-diverseaffirming

#OccupationalTherapy #tools #learning

Hey everyone! I’m the current intern at MTCCA, wrapping up my fourth week and about a month and a half into San Diego life. Since this is one of the first of many blog posts, let me tell you a bit about myself and how I got here.

I’m from Aberdeen, South Dakota–born and raised, with a population of about 27,857. For perspective, San Diego county is about 103x that size! In other words, the whole county of my hometown spans 16.65 square miles and San Diego county spans roughly 1,000 square miles.

I did my undergrad at Northern State University (right there in Aberdeen) in music performance and psychology. Halfway through, in 2022, I Googled “what can I do with a BA in music?” and music therapy popped up as a bullet point. I’d never heard of it before, but after a quick dive, I was immediately on board.

I found a master’s equivalency program at the University of Iowa–nine hour drive from home, but the closest option. Music therapy isn’t offered anywhere in South Dakota, so moving was inevitable. Which honestly wasn’t a bad thing as I’d always had an itch to go somewhere completely new-far from my tiny Midwest hometown.

The equivalency program flew by (only 4 semesters) and it really throws you right into it. New city, new people, new field, new experiences, new everything. But I met people that I now can’t imagine not having in my life. Not only did I gain coursework and clinical experience, but I made connections that’ll last a lifetime. I’m so grateful for what the University of Iowa brought me and the path it put me on.

Friends from the Iowa music therapy program

During the master’s program, I dove into research on music therapy and pain management for adolescents undergoing spinal fusion surgery—a surgery I went through myself in 2019. I had no idea what I was getting into at first, and yes, it was stressful, but definitely worth it. That personal experience of the pain, limited movement, and loss of independence is a big part of my “why”. The study is still in its final stages of data collection and analysis, which I hope to publish in a professional music therapy journal in the future! The Iowa graduate college wrote an article that goes into more detail if you want to check it out!

Presenting my research poster at the Midwest Regional Conference

(virtual) in Iowa

Daily Iowan newspaper article, written by Ethan McLaughlin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moving along from Iowa, I like to embrace change and try new things, so I looked for internships with variety. I wanted each day to look a little different, with multiple populations and settings, etc. That’s exactly what MTCCA offers and more! So when I got accepted, I was so excited and needed no time to make my decision—MTCCA was the perfect place for me.

My boyfriend Luke and I met during undergrad in the Midwest but he’s originally from the San Diego area. We did long distance for about two years while I finished my master’s in Iowa. So when I was applying for internships, I may or may not have focused on San Diego (:

Luke and I eating downtown

My first trip to SD and the first picture I took on my digital camera—La Jolla Shores 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moving out here was an adventure in itself. My parents helped load up their suburban and my camry–literally to the brim, but no U-Haul needed! I Facebook-marketed most of my furniture once I got here.

I’m a big fan of reusing and reducing and personally believe that second-hand items are often more unique and better quality than new stuff anyway.

I got this side table for $30—such a steal!

The drive took 24 ½ hours, which we somehow did in two days! My dad drove ten hours straight, slept six, then another fourteen…aboslute MVP! My mom and I switched off throughout the drive. We drove through 5 states on the way and passed so many incredible views, especially when we hit the southwest part of Wyoming and Utah.

Beautiful sunset hitting the mountains in Utah

Catalina Highway!! My first time driving through

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My cat Zera slept in my lap or found a random spot on top of everything for most of the drive and handled it like a champ. She’s officially a west coast girlie now. She loves the outdoors–walks, sun bathing, rolling on concrete, grass, dirt, sand. I can’t wait to try and take her to the beach!

Zera and I walking on a trail

Zera on the dashboard as we’re entering San Diego

Another one of Zera’s favorite car spots

I  swear she’s part dog *laughing emoji*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m so excited and grateful to be here. Learning from the professionals at MTCCA, experiencing life somewhere new and so close to the ocean, and being welcomed by an amazing team. Only four weeks in, and I already feel like I’m exactly where I need to be.

My two older brothers, me, and my parents at my undergraduate graduation

 My younger sister and I at her technical school graduation                                                                     And that’s me!

-Jayda Hunstad, MTI

#internship #musictherapy #research #newtoSD #learning #bigmove #midwesttosandiego

I moved to San Diego in September of 2025, and my brother visited me three months into me living here right after Christmas, and here is an itinerary I created to show my brother around all my favorite spots in San Diego! No, I am not afraid of AI replacing my jobs because I am certain my brain is absolutely irreplaceable by a human, let alone a robot.

If you are visiting San Diego or if you are too lazy to create an itinerary yourself, sit back and relax because I have already done the work for you 😉

Day 1 (assuming you have a morning arrival)

  • Lunch: The Lafayette Hotel
  • Drop off bags

Old Town

Sunset cliffs beach, sunset cliffs cave,

4pm Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

Froyo at Cup of Yo

Come home to change, chill

Dorothy’s Wine Bar

8:15pm dinner reservations at Born and Raised in Little Italy

When eating at the Lafayette Hotel, be ready to wait a little before you are able to be seated since they are always so crowded. Additionally, you may have to hunt down a waiter right when you get there too

I love parking at Cornish Dr on Sunset Cliffs for accessible parking and easy access to the cliffs!

I have tried to do a walk in at this restaurant and it is simply impossible during those prime time hours, a reservation is still your best bet. You will still have to wait for a while before you are seated even after checking in for your reservation. Regardless, the atmosphere and food is delicious.

Day 2

Breakfast at Relic Bakery (pastries) and ASA bakery (matcha)

Coronado (but not limited to):

  • Tidelands Park
  • Coronado beach
  • Hotel Del Coronado

I love seeing downtown San Diego from here! I love driving across the Coronado bridge but taking the ferry from downtown to Coronado is also fun for your first time. Lots of restaurants and fun little shops to explore on the island. Preppy-ish vibes, but also watch out for jet skiers, they are ruthless on these waters and you might get splashed on the island or when you are on a boat on these waters!

Day 3

Breakfast Charli’s Landing

Walk around then drive around

Olive’s Cafe for coffee

Annie’s Canyon Trail

Del Mar Beach

Powerhouse Park

Sea cliff coastal trail

Nothing like the calm view along the water for breakfast at Charli’s Landing! You can bring your breakfast to go and park somewhere along mission bay as well for a better view of the water.

If you are exploring Pacific Beach (PB), set your destination to Olive Cafe and there is a large parking lot at the end of that street. Olive Cafe’s food and drinks are delicious! When exploring PB during Christmas, look out for the Christmas trees along the beach!

Del Mar beach is my favorite beach due to how nice Del Mar is, and I also love Powerhouse Park, which is a large grassy area right above the beach. I like to relax by the beach and once it hits sunset, I move to the grassy area and love watching the sunset from higher up.

Day 4

Breakfast: Modern Times

10:30am Sunday service at St. Paul’s Church (my brother is Christan Protestant but I am Buddhist. However, I love attending Sunday service with him).

Explore Balboa Park and have lunch there (also where the spanish village art center is located)

La Jolla:

  • Coast Walk Trail
  • La Jolla’s Cove, Tide Pools
  • Sunset at La Jolla

8:45pm dinner reservations at Fleurette

Modern Times is a safe bet food wise with lovely outdoor seating in downtown San Diego. At night, it turns into a fun little bar!

I swear when I say the La Jolla Coastal Walk transports me straight back to Europe! How stunning are these waters?! Make sure to not touch the cute little seals! I love parking on Park Row in La Jolla to escape the parking mayhem.

Day 5

Midway/Maritime Museum

1:30-3:15pm BRING YO BROTHER TO WORK DAY!

Afternoon snack:

Humberto’s Best tacos all around!

Explore Kearny Mesa: Walk down Convoy Street

7:15pm Dinner at Seneca

Seneca has beautiful downtown views and delicious Italian food. Vinarius in Little Italy has the best Italian food in the city, but the atmosphere in Seneca is unmatched.

Might be interesting to link an article about the restaurant such as this one https://sandiegomagazine.com/food-drink/born-raised-cost-6-5-million-to-build/

The music therapy interns are busy, busy, so eating enough and eating healthy is super important! Here is everything I like cooking for myself as a Chinese person…

Noodle soup:

What a Chinese classic! I love making this for dinner after a day of internship. After the water reaches a boil, I throw the noodles in and two minutes before they are cooked, I will throw my chopped vegetables in too.

After taking the noodles and vegetables out, I will poach an egg in the water. I season the noodles with soy sauce, black vinegar (balsamic will also do), sesame oil, chill crisp, peppercorn oil, white pepper, cilantro, and scallions.

 

Frozen dumplings:

I love buying frozen dumplings from the supermarket, 99 Ranch, and on an online Asian grocery delivery app called Weee!,  and cooking it in the morning to bring into the office for lunch. For the sauce, I use black vinegar and chill crisp.

 

 Rice, sauteed vegetables, tofu salad

Rice is best when it is portioned like this: one cup of jasmine rice, a handful of brown rice, and half a handful of tricolour quinoa. Sauteeing vegetables the Chinese way is actually very easy: wash and cut vegetables, heat up the pan, add oil and a few ginger slices, then throw the vegetables in. If you would like, you can add salt or soy sauce to taste at the end.

Tofu salads are very common in Chinese cuisine, my favorite is to toss tofu strips, sliced cucumber together and to garnish with cilantro with a sesame oil and soy sauce dressing.

 

Nothing like a hearty soup with rice. This is my loose interpretation of the korean soup dish, sundubu-jjigae (soft-tofu stew)

I add scallions, ginger to a pan before adding my vegetable broth or just water. I throw in daikon radishes, napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, soft tofu, vegan kimchi, and Korean chili paste. I try to have it on a simmer for as long as I can before garnishing it with some fresh cilantro. I like scooping a tablespoon of rice and dipping it in the soup!

 

Zucchini with smoked tofu

Nothing like the smell of oil and garlic together! Smoked tofu is versatile in a tofu salad or sauteed. Always add the tofu in before adding in the vegetables so everything can be evenly cooked.

 

 

Red radishes

Northern Chinese people love sauteeing radishes with sugar and vinegar. Sautee sliced radishes before adding sugar and black vinegar into the pan.

I believe our fear of being alone or being perceived as alone holds us back from living our truth or stepping into the life that is truly meant to serve us. Oh gosh, I sound so hippie. But I swear, I am standing on business!

Whenever I tell people that I love solo traveling, or that I moved to San Diego with the intention of being alone and not knowing a single soul prior, they are shocked. Of course I was not born this way, but I would like to share my experiences with you that allowed me to live a fearless life.

As an October baby, I spent my birthday by myself this year since I just moved to San Diego mid September and this kind stranger took a photo of me

When I transferred to my third high school, it was the most alone I have ever felt in my entire life. Most of the students have been at that school since they were single digit ages, and it felt so hard slotting myself into these decade long friend groups. I remember in my first year, I was so embarrassed to eat alone at lunch since I could not find anyone I remotely knew in the cafeteria that I literally pulled a Cady Heron from Mean Girls: I ate my lunch in the bathroom stalls.

I hid in the bathroom stalls during lunch because I cared about what strangers– others students at school thought about me. It became so tiring that I eventually stopped caring about how I was potentially being perceived as a loner and started eating my lunch proudly alone in the cafeteria. Genuinely though, that was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But because of that instance, I was also finally able to let go of what strangers thought of me period, and I just allowed my own moral compass to guide me in life. I became very good at keeping myself company and floating in my own thoughts without losing my mind.

My first solo trip was a week-long trip in Shanghai right after high school graduation, because none of my other friends wanted to travel or go with me. I realized I cannot allow other’s unavailability to prevent me from having a good time, so I went alone! Who knew eating alone at lunch would give me the mental capabilities to spend a week all by myself? That, of course, was only the beginning of my solo travel adventures around the world.

Aside from being alone as a necessity, it allowed me to connect not only deeper with myself, but also with the local culture that I existed in. Of course, I always love traveling with my friends, but the intention of those trips are different. You may be focusing on the friendship you have with someone more than focusing on the nuances of the space that you are in, which is totally fine as well!

As an ambivert, I am able to be a social butterfly when I want to because I love deepening my understanding of the world through interacting with others, but I also looooveeee being in my own cocoon. I feel as though we are only able to think absolutely clearly, make big decisions or be thoroughly creative when we are alone.

Me solo traveling in Porto, Portugal last year

“But Ashley, how???!!!! Where do I begin?!” My close friends would ask me. I always suggest you start small– take yourself out to lunch! If you are still scared of being perceived as being alone, try going during the late afternoon so there are less people eating out. Once you are comfortable with that, try going on a day trip somewhere! Then, a weekend trip somewhere! Start small and slowly build your way up!

Also, strangers are too caught up in their own lives to judge you! Do you even remember the last time you saw someone dining out alone? Did you laugh and judge? I think not! ‘Cause you were probably too caught up in your own bubble anyways.

Solo in NYC

When I attended one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth Gilbert’s talks in San Diego last month, she referenced a quote that completely reflects how I feel about solitude. She mentioned something along the lines of that as women, our solitude is the most sacred thing to us, but the most meaningless thing to others, since other people always want our company and attention, but time by yourself is essential in living a creative and fulfilling life.

For you, reader, I would hate to see you not achieve your dreams, fear doing something, or moving somewhere just because ‘you don’t know anyone there’ or that ‘I will be the only one!’. Do not let that stop you!!!! Well, if you are my worst enemy, then I hope you are eternally stunted and afraid of being alone :P.

Back when I lived in Boston, I was certain I would be doing something extraordinary with my friends every Friday and Saturday night. Nowadays in San Diego, that is not guaranteed, and I am honestly totally fine with it. Sometimes, I will spend Friday and Saturday nights alone at a restaurant, and I am sitting there loud and proud!

Solo in San Diego!

My comfort in being alone or not being afraid of being alone has allowed me to seek my truth and see the wonders of the world on my own timeline, even if no one else I know is able to be on the same timeline as me. However, this has allowed me to make new friends and experience things I would have never imagined I would ever experience!

So, if you see a young Chinese woman dining alone in San Diego on a Friday night dressed in strappy sandals and a flowy dress, that is probably me 🙂

By Ashley Liu 

Here is a day in my life as a new music therapy intern! Every day’s schedule is different, but here is just what one day looks like. 

Please refer to my video reel for the visual aspect of this blog post! 

7:30am: Rise and shine! I spent the first half taking time to myself (scrolling on my phone), doing my oral and skincare routine, and going to the bathroom. I got some free coffee from the coffee dispensary in my building. I used to not be a coffee drinker, but now that I am doing my first ever job, I like a little boost of caffeine once in a while. 

8am: I am off to the local deli to get my lunch and dinner since I will be having both meals on the job and I know for dinner there won’t be a microwave so I want something that doesn’t need to be heated. I am also restocking my snacks because I love nibbling on something between sessions since I exert a lot of energy and I have a fast metabolism so I get hungry often. 

8:30-9:15am: Back at home and I am having breakfast! Afterwards I pack my food and snack bag, get dressed, and I am out the door! 

9:45am-12:30pm: Today I am with our beloved senior intern, Leah, at the memory care unit at a retirement community called Fredricka Manor. We did back to back sessions and she also guided me through her note taking process post session

12:30-1pm: Lunch! The sandwich from the deli is delicious and perfect for a quick lunch. 

1-2pm: Choir rehearsal! 

2-2:15pm: Prep time for the Clavinova class. The Clavinova is an electric piano on steroids! 

2:15-3pm: Clavinova class! 

3-3:30pm: We are driving to the session at Ivy Park Assisted Living & Retirement Community! 

3:30-4:15pm: Session time! 

4:15-5:30pm: Drive time and dinner time to tonight’s jam session! Luckily the jam session is so close to sunset cliffs, I was able to enjoy my dinner with a stunning view. 

5:30-6:30pm: Setting up for the jam session 

6:30-7:30pm Jam session! 

7:30-8:30pm: Tear down + debrief with the volunteers. Free pizza to keep the morale going 

8:55pm: I have finally gotten home! 

11pm: Where has all the time gone?! I caught up with my friends, showered, and now I am off to bed. Goodnight and thanks for spending the day with me! 

Video Reel:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DR5c0PEkk4C/?hl=en

  • Ashley Liu

Hi! Nice to see you here 🙂 

For context, I was born in Vancouver, Canada but I was raised in Beijing, China and I moved to Boston for my undergraduate degree at Berklee College of Music where I double majored in Music Therapy and Film Scoring. My beloved brother lives in Toronto and my cousins live on the east coast, but the rest of my family are all in China. 

Above: My mom, grandparents, cousins, and family dog 

Above: My brother and I

I am very lucky that the only thing I have to adapt to once moving to America was the culture, for language was not something I had to worry about. Regardless, I definitely still feel like an outsider in this country, well, because I am an expat after all. 

I decided to move to San Diego because MTC seemed like the perfect place for me to do my internship, and my other requirement was I wanted to live in a city and not a small town. I heard great things about San Diego from my American friends, and since I have already lived the east coast life, I knew it was time to try something completely new. My intuition told me it was the right choice although I have never even visited and I have learned to fully trust my intuition these days cause she has never led me wrong. 

Truthfully, living alone and being a single woman is not easy in this country but this experience has only made me more resilient, and I am eternally grateful for all the friends and family that have helped me with this cross country move! 

July 14, 2025 

I GOT ACCEPTED TO THE MTC INTERNSHIP!!! WOOHOOO!!! 

July 25, 2025 

I signed the lease to my San Diego apartment! Fun fact: as part of my manifestation process, I already began looking at San Diego apartments during the internship application process before I got accepted to really get myself in the right headspace. I scoured Google reviews, Yelp, Tiktok, Instagram, and with the help of the realtor sending me video recordings of the place, I am happy to say I found my perfect apartment. 

July 31, 2025 

My lease has ended in my Boston apartment! It is time for me to pack it all up with the help of some movers. Huge shoutout to my cousin’s girlfriend for allowing me to store all my boxes in her home in Massachusetts. It was so emotional leaving that place! I know it is time to move on, but goodbyes are always the hardest. Saying goodbye to the people that worked the concierge and the maintenance team was sooo bittersweet. 

Above: The view from my old Boston apartment facing the Museum of Fine Arts, one of my favorite spots in the whole city 

Above: All my things in storage

September 12, 2025 

I spent my last month with my family in Beijing and it is time to fly back to Boston to ship all my things over to San Diego! There is no time to deal with jetlag, I only have a few days to get everything done! 

This was my first time coming back to Boston after breaking up with my long term boyfriend, and it felt so difficult being in Boston again and thinking about all the time we spent together. I had to avoid all the familiar parts to prevent myself from feeling sad since I had to get so much done. Thank you to my college friends Zo and Mi Lan for allowing me to crash on their couch. 

Above: Mi Lan and Zo. We’ve known each over since freshmen year

Pro tip: UPS was the cheapest and safest way for me to ship all my things cross country! Since I was in Beijing before and I could not make any calls, Uship is great for cross country shipping but it requires organizing it a week or so in advance for the best outcomes. Regardless, UPS managed to ship my springboard mattress cross country and it came undamaged! 

Thank you sooo much to my younger cousin Eric and his girlfriend, Marissa, for helping me with the process of shipping everything from Boston! 

Above: We popped his trunk and put my mattress on it to bring to UPS’ office. 

September 15, 2025

I have landed in San Diego! Pro tip: I have a ‘travel oriented’ credit card so I was able to book my flight with my points which saved me money. My amazing college friend Cindy drove four hours roundtrip from Los Angeles to help me with my first day! Thank you Cindy <3 we went to Target, Ikea, Whole Foods to get all my essentials. 

Above: My first view of San Diego! I was so emotional touching down cause I have finally made it here! 

September 16-21, 2025

I knew this was gonna come, but I cried every day. It was just a difficult time being by myself and feeling completely alone, having to do every task by myself. I rented a car–they gave me a Ford Escape which felt very American 😛 to get things done. I drove all around the city for Facebook Marketplace pickups, and I lived out of my suitcase these days because I did not have the emotional bandwidth to unpack. I also went around town trying to find the best car to lease, and even socializing with those car dealership guys made me happy to have those interactions with other people. 

Thank you so much to the senior intern, Leah, and her husband Ruben for coming over to help me unpack one evening, it helped me so much with the speed of settling in! <33333

September 22, 2025 

I picked up my newly leased car!!! I am so proud of myself for negotiating the deal all by myself and I am excited to take my first ever car to all my future adventures! 

September 24, 2025 

My beloved mattress has arrived all the way from Boston! This is my first time sleeping in a real bed since I left Beijing on September 12th. 

September-October 5th, 2025 

I tried to use the time before my internship and after I have finished settling into my apartment as a time to make as many new friends as possible! I have been using apps such as Bumble for Friends, gone to events hosted by Newps for girls to make friends, attended a Timeleft event where they pair you with five strangers for dinner, and the good ‘ol fashioned way of talking to strangers at cafes and restaurants. I am so grateful to everyone that has entered my life in this new city and I love continuing to build my own community! 

Concluding thoughts: 

I knew that this process was going to be physically and emotionally difficult since I was on my own, but I knew it was the best case scenario. My dad is 59, my mom is 55, did I really want them travelling from Beijing to San Diego to help me? No. Thank you to the helping hands along the way: Eric, Marissa, Cindy, Leah, and Ruben. I could not have done this without you all! I am so proud of making this move by myself, and I know I have grown to be so much stronger and wiser after this entire process! 

Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about my journey in life.

  • Ashley Liu, MTI

After a string of challenging sessions, this week brought an unforgettable breakthrough with Duain. He came in with a whole new energy—and for the first time, he played three NEW and different instruments in one session: the guitar, piano, and ocean drum! Each one brought out a different side of him, and it was like he rediscovered his own musical voice.

What made it even more special was how he began to incorporate his AAC device more naturally into the session. He’s been slowly learning to use it, and today he started using it alongside the music to communicate more freely. It felt like everything started coming together—his confidence, his curiosity, and his voice (in every sense of the word).

Watching him explore, take initiative, and express himself so fully was one of those moments I’ll remember for a long time. It reminded me that growth doesn’t always happen in a straight line—but when it shows up, it’s magic.

Go Duain! Can’t wait to see where we go from here.

  • Amelia Elbendary

During my internship, I was honored to be invited twice as a featured musician and music therapist at Casa de Mosaic’s Adapted Story Time. Casa De Mosaic is an amazing non-profit in San Diego county whose mission is:

“to provide specialized training opportunities to adults with autism and other developmental disabilities requiring extensive support, particularly those facing significant language impairments and behavioral challenges.”

Adapted Story Time creates a supportive and inclusive space specifically designed for individuals with autism, helping them build social skills and feel a sense of connection and belonging.

Sessions typically include themed storytime led by a librarian, followed by a related craft or activity. Some sessions are also led by music and speech therapists, offering added opportunities for engagement and learning. Each session incorporated familiar songs, rhythmic activities, and opportunities for participants to contribute their own ideas. One example of an intervention I used at Adapted Story Time, was a friendship intervention. The book that was read was “What is a friend, and how do I possibly make one?” 

This book was all about how to be a good friend to others, and how you would want to be treated. After a hello song with the group, I asked what it meant to be a good friend. A participant raised his hand and said “to treat others how you would like to be treated”. I agree! That comment perfectly led us into our song “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars. Participants sang and filled in lyrics when prompted by the therapist.

I witnessed beautiful moments of connection as participants clapped, sang, and moved together, demonstrating the profound ways music can enhance storytelling and community.

What made these visits especially meaningful was the emphasis on choice and empowerment, participants were encouraged to lead, express, and celebrate their unique voices. The experience challenged me to balance structure with spontaneity, creating a welcoming space for creativity and joy.

These group sessions are a powerful example of how music therapy can extend beyond clinical goals to foster artistic expression and social inclusion. I am grateful for the chance to contribute to their community and inspired to continue exploring such collaborative, person-centered approaches in my career.

Amelia Elbendary