By Mark Vincent A. Durano

Far Eastern University (FEU) third-year Psychology students envisioned their journey ahead their midyear internship with ‘The Pinning: A Practicum Orientation and Induction’ at the FEU Main Auditorium last March 22.

The FEU Department of Psychology and FEU Psychology Society (PsychSoc) spearheaded the event that will serve as a preparation for the junior Psychology students’ 400-hour industrial and clinical immersion.

With the theme ‘Pinning Dreams, Lighting Paths: Igniting the FEUture of Psychology,’ the event marked the third pinning and oath-taking ceremony for Psychology majors.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, third-year Psychology students Paul Christian Reyes and Julia Ann Ebis shared the significance of the ceremony as future mental health practitioners.

“I feel like one step ahead kasi parang (because like) this pinning ceremony indicates na (that) you’re just like one step ahead of your dream... And also ‘yung (the) pinning ceremony, it signifies na parang secured ka na sa (that you are already secured in) psychology and there’s no turning back,” Reyes said.

Some students also felt relief in light of the pinning, recognizing their efforts and being motivated to graduate after the internship.

“I feel seen and I feel appreciated, considering I’m an irregular student. So malaking bagay sa’kin na may pinning ceremony kasi parang lahat ng efforts ko nare-recognize (It is a big thing for me that there is a pinning ceremony because it is like all of my efforts are being recognized)… This is a symbol of hope,” Ebis remarked.

Before the pinning proper, Department of Psychology Practicum Coordinator Lanz Paolo Olegario presented the guidelines and objectives for the students to apply academic learnings to professional setups.

In commitment to achieve this goal, former 1996 PsychSoc President Jason Faller reminisced his internship in Solidbank Corporation under consumer loans and human resources as one of the keys to his success in a motivational speech.

“We were given [the] opportunity to interview and conduct tests to applicants. And during that one-month stay, I was able to learn how to be corporate,” he said.

PsychSoc reported that 636 students donned their pins, including irregular and returning students. 

(Photo by Daniel Tabios/FEU Advocate)