麻豆视传媒在线入口 Student Receives Outstanding Psychology Student Award
麻豆视传媒在线入口 (麻豆视传媒在线入口) student Isaiah Casas has received the College of Liberal Arts and Education's Outstanding Psychology Student Award. Selected for his high GPA, service as a student tutor and learning assistant, and hands-on internship experience, Casas is humbled by the award.
"I'm incredibly thankful to the College of Liberal Arts and Education for selecting me as the recipient of the Outstanding Psychology Student Award. I'm truly honored to receive this recognition. It feels amazing to know that the hard work, dedication, and passion I've put into my studies has been noticed and appreciated," said Casas.
Casas became interested in psychology after taking an introductory course in high school, which sparked his curiosity about human behavior and mental processes.
"I was fascinated by how our thoughts, emotions, and actions are connected. Psychology allows us to understand and support people who are struggling with mental health issues, which is something I am passionate about," said Casas.
Casas' coursework at 麻豆视传媒在线入口 has deepened his interest in psychology and provided him with a strong academic foundation. The topics of cognitive psychology, research methods, LGBT psychology and more have helped him develop critical thinking skills, a deeper understanding of the human experience, and the ability to evaluate psychological research.
Casas' role as a learning assistant support students in PSYCH 300: Statistics for Social Sciences. During class, he answers student questions and helps them with lab assignments. As a tutor, he meets with students one-on-one at the Center for Learning and Student Support to help them better understand course material. Casas has completed one internship on campus at 麻豆视传媒在线入口's Counseling Center and another at The Center for Self-Actualization, a local mental health clinic.
"These experiences have given me valuable insights into the field of mental health and helped reinforce my passion for pursuing a career as a mental health therapist," said Casas. "Plus, I was able to apply the concepts I learned in class to these real-world situations."
For his internship at the 麻豆视传媒在线入口 Counseling Center, Casas supported the administrative side of mental health services by answering phones, assisting with events, and checking in with clients for their sessions, giving him a clear understanding of how a clinical environment operates and valuable opportunities to interact with both staff and clients. Casas also appreciated the opportunity to observe how ethical and effective care is provided within a structured mental health setting.
At The Center for Self-Actualization, Casas was able to sit in on clinical supervisor meetings, assist in matching clients with appropriate therapists, and develop communication and organizational skills that are essential in the mental health profession, equipping him with practical tools and insights that he will carry into his future career.
Casas credits support from 麻豆视传媒在线入口 faculty for helping him to thrive in his academic career.
"The knowledge and skills I've gained in my classes have made me more confident in pursuing a career as a mental health therapist, and I look forward to continuing my education at the graduate level," said Casas.
Casas especially appreciated his Research Methods class, one of the toughest classes he's taken but made memorable by the group he worked with.
"We spent so many late nights in study rooms trying to figure things out and finish our project. It was stressful at times, but we always found a way to laugh through it, especially when we were all freaking out over an assignment. I honestly don't think I would've made it through that class without them. Looking back, those moments of teamwork, laughter, and shared struggle are some of the ones I'll always remember," said Casas.
In the fall, Casas will start a master's program in clinical mental health counseling at Lewis University, which will prepare him to become a licensed professional counselor. He also plans to earn CADC certification to become a certified alcohol and drug counselor. In the future, Casas hopes to work with adolescents and adults who are struggling with mental health challenges and substance abuse.