As college students, it can be difficult to find opportunities in something you’re passionate about. If you are interested in the field of psychology, one of the oldest student organizations offers many ways to get involved in the field both in the community and in your career. The student organization Student Psychological Association (SPA) seeks to offer those interested in the field of psychology opportunities to grow and get involved in the community.
The organization is one of the oldest at NMU dating back to 1966 and offers many ways for those interested in psychology to get involved. Senior psychology/behavior analysis major Ashley Wojan is just one of the passionate members involved with the group who’s also the SPA Office Administrator.
“I like everything that we do for the student body and seeing the students participate in something we put on,” Wojan said.
Those interested in making real life connections can do so through the group’s sponsored social events that aim to put psychology students face to face with faculty and others from the psychology community.
“We work with Psi Chi which is The National Honor Society in Psychology to put on workshops for resume building and intro to graduate programs,” junior psychology major and SPA President Cj Maresh said. “We have people coming to speak from not only Marquette but all over Michigan.”
With around 50 active members according to Maresh, the group offers students a good place to meet and get help from others passionate in the field of psychology. The organization hopes to allow those who need it help navigating the psychology program here at NMU.
“It never feels like work, everyone is so good at working together,” junior psychology major and SPA Vice President Analise Osgood said. “If someone is busy it’s really easy to get help with a project or answer questions.”
The group also sponsors mental health week which is a week-long event that focuses on mental health and gives student’s opportunities to distress and prepare for final exams. These events include Puppy Love, making DIY stress balls and slime and many other events focused on relieving the stress of finals.
“I don’t want to say Puppy Love is my favorite event but I like the reaction of everyone that goes to it,” Wojan said. “Everyone is so stressed during finals week and they all just want to pet some dogs.”
SPA offers many ways to get involved in the community and make lifelong friends with others passionate about psychology. They hold meetings every other week on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in Weston Hall’s Atrium the next meeting is Thursday, Sept. 26.
For additional information about SPA, email Maresh at cmaresh@nmu.edu. SPA offers a place for those interested and passionate about the field of Psychology to develop their skills and get involved in making a real difference in the community.
“The group is more than a club, it’s like a big family,” Wojan said.
The group also helps sponsor the Colloquium Series which brings professionals from the psychology field to speak to students about various topics pertaining to psychology. The group helped bring Sarah Santiago, a mental health specialist at Bloom Counseling and Wellness, who talked about impostor syndrome on Sept. 20. The remaining speakers in the Colloquium Series include Anne Totero on Sept. 27, Elizabeth Rizzuto on Oct. 11, Jon Barch on Nov. 1 and Lindsey Galbo on Nov. 29. The guests will be speaking about psychology and clinical practice in healthcare delivery systems and suicide prevention. The Colloquia is held at 3:00 p.m. in West Science room 2904 unless otherwise specified.
