The psychology program at the University of Oregon is renowned for its cutting-edge research and work in machine learning with great leadership in the field. Offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, it allows students to gain a deeper knowledge of the human brain, personalities and scientific studies. But for a lot of students, the vastness of the program can induce anxiety and discomfort. Luckily, the Women in Psych Club was formed to help all students, especially women, with the intimidation factor of getting into the diverse field of psychology.
Late last spring term, the Women in Psych Club was approved by the ASUO to become an organized group on campus. The club was founded by a group of women students to combat the lack of psychology clubs and clubs catering to women on campus. Club membership started with their executive board — a president, vice president, public relations chair, treasurer, secretary and recruitment officer. A total of 12 members came to their very first event and now the club has grown to over 50 members.
“When we were creating the club, we were looking at each other for advice on classes and grad school and we realized that none of us had an idea of what to do,” Natalie Tomoyasu, the PR chair of the club, said. “It’s pretty intimidating at times to go into advising or ask for help so we wanted to build a comfortable community where people can come to us for a peer or friend.”
After building membership this year, the club had to upgrade to a bigger room for meetings on campus and they now meet once a week. Topics at the meetings can range from advising for classes to take, deadlines for applications to grad school, study abroad opportunities and bonding activities. Tomoyasu had the opportunity to study abroad in Kyoto, Japan, and their president Billie Riess studied in Barcelona, Spain — they were able to share their experiences with the members.
Along with the surplus of resources and support for women aspiring to enter a male-dominated field, the club has also offered many members a community and a place for unconditional love outside of school. “I love every single one of the girls in the team and we really uplift each other and give advice, not just related to our club, but mental and personal things going on in life,” Tomoyasu said.
Even though the executive board is composed of seniors looking to their future after graduation, they believe they are leaving their mark on campus and the community of women in psychology at the UO. “I’ve felt a lot of support from the girls interested in taking over exec since we got the ball rolling,” Riess said. “Even though we all are seniors and on our way out, we wanted to light a torch and pass it.”
Riess and Tomoyasu hope to continue to grow the club through more events around campus and by recruiting those who are struggling in psychology no matter what they identify as. Riess plans to utilize new funding for the club for a club retreat and to get in touch with more professionals, like doctors and researchers, to come to their events and give insight to members.
“Time flies so fast, I was a freshman last week in my brain so the fact that we’re about to graduate is a scary feeling,” Tomoyasu said. “But having that reassurance from other people that it’s okay not to know right now, means a lot.”
For psychology majors or minors, looking for support in academics, career options or a community, check out the Women in Psych Club @uowomeninpsychology on Instagram.
