Psychology students put knowledge to test in community service

Harding University

April 30, 2008

Psychology students put knowledge to test in community service

SEARCY, Ark. — Four Harding University senior psychology majors enhanced their studies this semester by interning in community organizations applicable to their field.

Melissa Baker of Royse City, Texas; Chelsey Morrison of Jackson, Tenn.; Alia Smith of Rockwall, Texas; and Tara Taliaferro of Germantown, Tenn., all participated in a field placement as part of their course of study.

For eight hours each week this semester, these students worked for a variety of nonprofit organizations in Searcy. According to professor of psychology and program director Dr. Kathy Howard, field placement is the capstone course for psychology majors. While students are learning firsthand about what the field has to offer, they are also serving the community.

"They are able to see the bridge between theory and practical application," said Howard. "Plus they have the chance to interface with and learn from professionals in the field."

Taliaferro wanted to find out more about job options and opted for placement in the Bald Knob School's counselor's office. "It is one thing to know that I want to get a degree in psychology," she said. "But it is another to determine what job and field to pursue with that degree."

Taliaferro's favorite aspect of her placement was forming relationships with students, especially with a group of 3rd-grade boys with whom she conducted regular social skills training. "I loved that session because I really got to know them though one-on-one training," she said. "Children are smarter than we give them credit for, especially if they know a person is really interested in them."

Morrison also worked with students as a teacher's assistant for the Sunshine School in Searcy. She appreciated the chance to work with Sunshine School students, learning ways to help them succeed. "I've sat in class hearing about autism, developmental disorders and other disabilities, but I didn't really understand them," she said. "I'm so glad I got a head start on understanding by working with these kids."

Baker, placed in Searcy Children's Home, found her young clients truly inspiring. She chose to work with children in a foster care setting to gain experience within the system. "These children are so young, but they've survived so much adversity," said Baker. "They are strong and continue to thrive when they are surrounded by people who care about their future."

While gaining valuable experience to add to their resumes was important academically, getting to know the Searcy community was an added relational benefit for the students.

Smith was placed at Hope Cottage, a battered women's shelter in town. There she assisted with running the shelter and helped answer a 24-hour information hotline for women in distress. "I have really enjoyed getting to know the women I work with," she said. "They are very diverse — from all kinds of backgrounds, but they are all caring and strong women. I admire them."

Morrison and Talifaferro also appreciated the community ties they made over the course of the semester. "I love it when I see one of the students at Wal-Mart or the movies," Morrison said. "I feel more connected with the community simply because I know some of them."

"I wish I still had some time left around here," said Taliaferro. "I had no idea of the high need for mission and service-minded people in our area."

Harding had a record enrollment this year of more than 6,300 students from 49 states and 52 foreign countries. It is the largest private university in Arkansas and attracts more National Merit Scholars than any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France/Switzerland, Greece, Italy and Zambia.