I have been a student intern at the Albizu Clinic for two years. My experience as a practice clinic student in a community-based mental health clinic such as this one has been profoundly enriching. I have had the privilege of caring for people of different ages, contexts, and life experiences. I vividly remember the excitement of being assigned to my first client and feeling that I was not alone in this process because I had the support of an entire team.
“Every interaction with every patient, no matter how minimal, feels like an opportunity to serve a community highly stigmatized by society”
Every day at work presents new challenges and opportunities to make a significant difference in the lives of people struggling with mental health issues. The opportunity to serve by completing screenings, being the first contact people have with the clinic, providing psychotherapy, completing evaluations, or even facilitating services represents the best way for me to connect clients with the essential resources they need. Without a doubt, every interaction with every patient, no matter how minimal, feels like an opportunity to serve a community highly stigmatized by society. That is what this profession is all about, and in my experience, the Albizu Clinic has provided me with countless service opportunities.
Our collaboration as psychology students in the clinic, with the support of exceptional administrative officers such as Ms. Asha Arnold, makes our client’s experience in the clinic one of comfort, peace of mind, and understanding. Collaborating with other interns and supervisors amplifies my impact as a student, creating a support network where people feel empowered to seek help.
“Witnessing the positive transformations and resilience of those we serve makes every effort worthwhile”
Students in this practice clinic not only fulfill a therapeutic role but also have to attend classes, giving us more significant responsibilities and weekly objectives. I’m not going to sugarcoat it because it is hard work. The combination of duties can be exhausting, so it is also important for us to prioritize our self-care. But one thing I can affirm with total conviction is that, despite the fatigue, witnessing the positive transformations and resilience of those we serve makes every effort worthwhile.
“Beyond the training they provide me to be an excellent professional, the Albizu Clinic encourages me to honor the values of service, love, and total dedication”
In short, being a student in practice at the Albizu Clinic is a great satisfaction. The people we serve are people who, if the Albizu Clinic did not exist, would most likely not have access to these services. As a student in the practice clinic, I am proud that I am in a service profession and a clinic with a genuine commitment to promoting and contributing to a better quality of life for the different communities in Puerto Rico. Every experience at the clinic reaffirms that I made the right decision two years ago when I decided to pursue my doctoral studies at Albizu University. Beyond the training they provide me to be an excellent professional, the Albizu Clinic encourages me to honor the values of service, love, and total dedication.
