Connecting my Honors Experiences

Through my honors contracts, internships, and study abroad experience, I demonstrate how I have developed the skills, knowledge, and perspective necessary to pursue a career in psychology, particularly working with individuals impacted by substance use and mental health disorders.

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The three honors contracts I selected—my forensic science lab report on drug identification, my Drugs and Behavior educational guide on psilocybin, and my Lifespan Development research paper on anxiety in Generation Z—represent key milestones in my academic growth. Each artifact reflects a different dimension of my development: analytical reasoning, scientific communication, and theoretical integration.

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My forensic science honors contract focused on drug identification using Class B and Class C analytical tests. Through this lab, I conducted systematic analyses of unknown substances using both presumptive and confirmatory testing methods. This experience strengthened my ability to apply scientific reasoning, interpret data, and understand the importance of accuracy in evidence-based conclusions. Initially, I viewed psychology as largely theoretical, focused on concepts discussed in lectures and textbooks. However, this experience shifted my perspective by demonstrating how closely psychological and forensic sciences are tied to empirical methods and real-world applications. My forensic science honors contract is evidence that my work achieves the IUI Honors College goal of developing strong problem-solving skills, as I applied scientific methodologies to analyze complex data and draw reliable conclusions.

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My second honors contract, completed in my Drugs and Behavior course, involved researching psilocybin and creating an educational guide on its psychological and neurological effects. This project introduced me to emerging research, particularly studies conducted by Roland Griffiths, which suggest that psilocybin can produce “substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety.” Engaging with this research challenged my previous assumptions about substances, shifting my understanding from a purely risk-focused perspective to a more nuanced view that considers therapeutic potential alongside risks. Additionally, creating an educational guide required me to translate complex scientific findings into accessible language. My psilocybin project is evidence that my work achieves the IUI Honors College goal of developing strong communication and civic-minded skills, as I created a resource aimed at educating others on substance use in an informed and responsible way.

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My Lifespan Development honors contract further expanded my ability to synthesize research and apply theoretical frameworks. In this project, I examined why Generation Z has experienced an increase in anxiety, drawing on theories such as Albert Bandura’s social learning theory and Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. Bronfenbrenner’s emphasis on environmental systems helped me understand how factors like social media, academic pressure, and societal expectations contribute to mental health outcomes. I also engaged with contemporary research, including Emma Adam’s work with the American Psychological Association on chronic stress in Gen Z, Akinwale and Adejinle’s (2024) research on family functioning and online social interaction, and Korkmazer et al. (2022) on smartphone addiction and anxiety. Additional perspectives from Beardsley (2022), Lee (2022), and Mekler further highlighted how societal pressures, political environments, and digital risks contribute to rising anxiety levels. This project deepened my understanding of how psychological theories can be used to analyze real-world issues. My research paper is evidence that my work achieves the IUI Honors College goal of active participation in intellectual experiences, as I engaged critically with scholarly research and contributed to ongoing academic conversations.

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Beyond the classroom, my internships shown in Showcase 3 provided essential opportunities to apply what I learned in real-world settings. At the Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, I worked as a Crisis Intervention Specialist, supporting individuals experiencing emotional distress, including those dealing with suicidal ideation and substance use. This experience allowed me to apply principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, particularly Aaron Beck’s work on identifying and restructuring maladaptive thought patterns. I developed strong communication and active listening skills, as well as the ability to remain calm under pressure. Similarly, my internship with the Marion County Probation Department exposed me to the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. Observing individuals on probation helped me understand how substance use, environmental factors, and psychological challenges contribute to criminal behavior.

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My internships are evidence that my work achieves the IUI Honors College goal of participating in engaged learning experiences, as I applied classroom knowledge in applied, high-impact settings. These experiences also reinforced my career goal of becoming a forensic psychologist or clinical forensic social worker, as they provided direct insight into the populations I hope to work with in the future.

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My study abroad experience in Croatia mentioned in Showcase 2 further broadened my perspective by exposing me to different cultural approaches to mental health and social systems. Before this experience, I primarily understood psychological concepts within a U.S.-based framework. However, being immersed in a different cultural context challenged me to consider how cultural values and societal structures influence mental health. This experience increased my cultural awareness and adaptability, both of which are essential skills in psychology. My study abroad experience is evidence that my work achieves the IUI Honors College goal of developing a connection to diverse perspectives and communities, as I engaged with new cultural environments and expanded my global understanding.

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Across these experiences, my perspective on psychology has significantly evolved. I began my academic journey in H200 viewing psychology as a field centered on understanding behavior through theory. Through my honors contracts, internships, and study abroad experience, I now see psychology as a dynamic and applied discipline that integrates research, practice, and cultural awareness. I have developed a deeper understanding of how mental health, substance use, and behavior are influenced by complex and interconnected factors. This shift in perspective has been essential in shaping my identity as a future forensic psychologist or clinical forensic social worker.

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Overall, my Honors College experience has prepared me to succeed both academically and professionally. My work demonstrates my ability to analyze data, communicate complex ideas, and apply psychological principles in real-world contexts. More importantly, it reflects my growth as a learner who is not only knowledgeable, but also reflective, adaptable, and committed to making a meaningful impact. As I move forward in my career, I am confident that the skills and perspectives I have developed through the Honors College will continue to guide my work and contribute to my success as a professional in the field of psychology.