Semester Insights: Fall 2019
- DB
- Dec 23, 2019
- 3 min read
Wow, it's been quite a semester!

This past semester has provided me the opportunity to re-connect with my inner child, explore my own thoughts about the world, contemplate my future career goals, and connect more with several communities around Indy.
Throughout the semester I have been involved in several professional organizations such as Psi Chi (the International Honor Society in Psychology), IUPUI Committee of Africana Studies (CAS), and the Indiana Association of Black Psychologists (IABPsi).
I am currently serving as President of the Psi Chi chapter at IUPUI. This semester, my Vice President and I attended the Mental Health of America "Removing the Mask" Gala; we were able to learn more about mental health, help raise money, and discuss the stigma surrounding mental illness. The Psychology Club along with Psi Chi have collaborated often to assist or host events. Our annual "Psychology Resource Fair" event provides resources for our peers. This event exists to help them get connected to the campus, the department, and research opportunities.
My position on the Committee of Africana Studies (CAS) has allowed me to work closely with my professors along with the president of the African Student Association. This semester we have hosted guest speakers from Ghana and the Kingdom of eSwatini (also known as Swaziland) and formed connections with folks that are making an impact internationally!*
I collaborated with my wonderful mentor and colleagues to host the annual student reception sponsored by the Indiana Association of Black Psychologists (IABPsi). This event provided a space for undergraduate and graduate students to connect with [Black] professionals within the mental health field. Additionally, information regarding the history of IABPsi, professionalism, and graduate school was provided.
Psychology Capstone
Practicum in Clinical Psychology
This semester I had the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from my undergraduate courses and apply them to real-life situations. I was placed in a clinical/community setting where psychologists, social workers, counselors or related professionals work with individuals who have mental health, physical and/or medical concerns. A minimum of 8 hours per week were spent at a local, charter elementary and middle school.
My time at my capstone was challenging but extremely worthwhile for me. My placement at at the schools sometimes reminded me of my own early adolescent years. I have had the privilege of listening to several personal narratives over the course of my practicum and learn more about resources (i.e. counseling, food, shelter) that are available for individuals around Indianapolis.
My intentions for this experience:
• Learn and eventually lead mindfulness curriculum for 2nd and 4th graders
• Co-facilitate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum in the classroom setting
• Meet one-on-one with students to establish and evaluate short-term goals
• Participate in individual counseling sessions to help students achieve their goals
• Observe how the socioeconomic, family, and other struggles faced by students impact behavior in the school setting
My capstone site’s demographics especially required me to re-familiarize myself with psychological content from my Lifespan Development course. Over the course of the semester I mostly worked with adolescents ranging from the ages of 7 and 12 years. Additionally, I utilized my knowledge gained from courses such as Abnormal Psychology, Cognition, Health Psychology, Social Psychology, Intro to Counseling, and Ethics and Diversity in Psychology. These courses altogether provided me the opportunity to be an effective helper at my capstone site.
I was able to use my knowledge (and personal experience) in Abnormal Psychology to get a better understanding of students that have been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and/or depression. Stress management techniques learned in Health Psychology (and Positive Psychology) allowed me to confidently teach mindfulness exercises to second and fourth grade students. Concepts from Social Psychology, Intro to Counseling, as well as Ethics and Diversity have enabled me to establish therapeutic relationships with students, explore the cultural similarities and differences, and even negotiate with them to potentially modify unpleasant behaviors.
That was a lot...

I'm extremely grateful for the amazing opportunities that I have encountered this semester!
Overall, the skills that I have gained and nurtured throughout my undergraduate years have equipped me with the confidence that I can apply them to other areas of my life. The basic counseling skills that I learned have been applicable to my personal and professional life. The most important skills include being mindful, active listening, knowing when to speak (and/or write), and how to be proactive in life.
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