It was a whole semester for the Skyline College chapter of the Psi Beta/ Psychology Club. Led by President Jorge Avalo, club members were provided ample opportunities to learn and connect, as illustrated below.
In September, we hosted student-led discussions on psychopathy and the psychology of fame, and heard a presentation on the many psychological benefits associated with playing board games.
October featured guest speakers who shared insights on trauma-informed care and depression in college students. We also walked together to raise funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and collaborated with the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society to provide a campus-wide student activity.
November featured guest speakers who shared recruitment techniques used by mind-controlling cults, as well as different websites and assessments that can be used to learn more about specific careers in Psychology. We collaborated with the Black and Brown Scholars to present on time management and study skills (just in time for finals!) and ended the month with a student-led workshop on gratitude.
We also made a concerted effort to set aside time to relax and build connections. These meetings found us playing games, creating art, painting pumpkins together, and bonding over meals.
Our last meeting will focus on planning for next semester, which is shaping up to be another busy one. On the books: co-hosting Psyched for Success (a career networking event that is part of the American Psychological Association’s Presidential Initiative), co-sponsoring Skyline College’s Undergraduate Symposium of Academic Research, holding our formal induction, and attending the Western Psychological Association’s annual conference. Stay tuned for updates!
Many of the events provided opportunities to practice skills related to Psi Beta’s Four Pillars of leadership, research, scholarship, and community service. They also provided opportunities for students to practice several 21st-century skills, including collaboration, initiative, communication, and social skills.
A huge shout-out to the Leadership for all their hard work this semester:
Jorge Avalo – President
Nicholas Langlands – Vice President
Channel Green – Secretary
Patricia Sandoval – Treasurer
