The University of Guam’s Psychology Club is a student run organization open to university students.
The club invites students of all majors, but psychology students are highly encouraged to join.
According to the Psychology club president, Vance Paet, the mission of the Psychology is to support the students who fall under the psychology major and programs. The programs include the Isa Psychological Center, the I Panengon Suicide Prevention Program and the Violence Against Women Prevention Program.
In the past and towards the end of the semester, they partnered with LifeWorks and participated in their candle vigil.
“This vigil was to remember and spread awareness of suicide prevention,” Paet said.
The club also participated in a suicide forum held at the University of Guam in October 2018. The suicide forum is sponsored by the I Panengon Suicide Prevention Program.
“We are a good support club, and we if we are able to offer our services we’d be willing to” Paet said.
Chartee Brennan, treasurer of the Psychology Club says she first joined when she was a sophomore. She says it was a great way for her to get support from students who are going through the same issues as her.
“As a freshman and sophomore, it was hard to go up to anyone in the class and ask for help when you don’t have a relationship with them” Brennan said. “Joining the club helped me branch out and talk to other people.”
Brennan said her favorite part about the club is the close work they do with I Panengon. She has a personal connection with suicide and says she is glad she is able to help with the program about suicide prevention.
Brennan would like to see the club expand and do more community outreach activities. She believes that it is important that more people are aware of the mental illness situation here on Guam, and that the Psychology Club would be a perfect way for the younger generation to participate in that movement.
Kasside Cruz, the club’s public relations officer, adds that she initially heard about the club through her peers. She saw this as an opportunity to be more active in the department and wanted to form some sense of community.
“Being able to get to know all the psych majors, we’re really a cool group of people” Cruz said. “Also, being a part of the numerous outreach activities is fulfilling.”
Cruz participated in the VAWPP movie night by being on the student panel.
Although this is a psychology club, they do not offer counseling sessions to students. Paet said many students think that they do, but because none of the members or officers are certified the club refers students to the Isa center.
Currently the club has about 25-30 members but is looking to recruit after the senior students graduate
“If you are anything like me and feel lost and don’t know anyone join a club, any club and meet new people” Brennan said. “It will help make you college experience better.”
Any students who are interested in joining are able to talk with an officer at the Psychology lounge, which is located in the Humanities and Social Sciences Building in room 210.
For updates and upcoming events the club hosts are participating in, check out their Instagram page @psychclub.uog, or email them at psychclub.uog@gmail.com.