The Psychology Club at Baldwin Wallace University, open to all BW students, provides its members with opportunities to learn more about the field of psychology through its meetings and other outside experiences. The club recently participated in the Suicide Prevention Education Alliance’s annual “Into the Light Walk.”
The Suicide Prevention Education Alliance’s mission is to teach people about the warning signs of suicide and how to seek professional help for themselves or others.
The walk takes place every year at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
The SPEA’s goal is to bring awareness on depression and suicide, and to raise $130,000 to benefit the SPEA’s proven prevention education program, Recognizing Teen Depression and Preventing Suicide.
The walk has many different events going on at the zoo. There are speeches given from the organization as well as speeches from survivors and those who have lost someone to suicide.
Participants in the walk can also wear the name of the person they may be walking for. There is also a choir and other musical performances during the walk. The walk only lasts for about two hours and costs $20 per participant.
This is Psych Club’s co-presidents junior Nicole Tischler’s third year walking with the Psych Club.
“We did it my sophomore year and every year since I joined. We go, participate in the walk, and listen to the inspiring stories from the speakers.”
This event is just one that the Psych Club participates in to help their members further their knowledge of psychology.
BW’s Psych Club also helps to arrange internships for their members, and hosts panels and discussions on psychology. Psych Club also goes on field experiences and other outings to various locations.
Tichler encourages anyone to look into joining the club- not just psychology majors.
“We only meet twice a month during community hour on Thursdays. It is a great way to get involved and learn more about psychology whether it is your major or not. There is also free food at the meetings,” Tischler said.
“My advisor told me about the club and since I am a psychology major it seemed like the perfect fit. I have been a part of the club since then,” Tischler said.
Tischler served as vice-president last year and is currently co-president with fellow BW student, Whitney Yoder. The psych club opted for co-presidents this year because both Tischler and Yoder are studying abroad this semester and next semester.
This year the club plans to have awareness tables out in Strocksacker Hall at least monthly.
“We want to build awareness for different diseases and educate people on psychology,” Tischler said.