Honors student, Yodalys, presenting her research

Author: Yodalys Aguilar | Major: Psychology | Semester: Fall 2023

I traveled from Panama to the United States to pursue an education. I majored in Psychology and through the years, I participated in the dissemination of research, social and cultural activities, and became an advocate for diversity. In my journey, I must thank the honors college for the support provided during my undergraduate studies. Without the Honors College, I would not have been able to disseminate my research to the public. Last spring semester, I traveled to Wisconsin to present my research at a general national conference. This was my first conference and my first exposure to disseminating my own research on mental health and international students. After this, I looked for a conference with a more specific topic related to my research and I found the National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA). This association focused on culture, the Latinx population, and making psychological science more transparent and diverse, which aligns with my research interests.

With this honors college conference travel grant, I went to Chicago, Illinois to present my research on mental health and international students at NLPA, which had the theme “Walking with Our Ancestors: Honoring Indigenous Wisdom & Decolonizing Our Psychology Toward Collective Liberation.” This conference was totally different from any other conference I have attended. This conference was full of culture, traditions, and diversity. As I walked in, I could see people I could identify with. For the first time in my life, I felt I belonged at a scientific conference. This conference felt like a community where everyone cares for one another. I met people who provided feedback on my research analysis, like considering that international students who are close to graduation may feel more overwhelmed due to immigration policies.

Another part that I loved about this conference was that I was able to see my family. My older brother came to visit me in Chicago and we had a great time together. Always being able to talk to and see family recharges you with new energy. The support of your own family cannot be compared. My brother gave me the courage to present my research and to walk up on stage and talk to the public about my experiences at this conference. Also, my brother brought me food from Panama, my home country, which made this trip much better.

If you have the opportunity to participate in a research or leadership conference, please do. Participating in a conference allows you to meet many cool people and you will notice that people don’t only do research, they have fun with it. They really enjoy what they do, and they are more than researchers – they are parents, mountain climbers, dancers and more. Being part of my conference was a unique experience with people that you won’t ever forget.

Thank you, Honors College, for providing me with the support to make great connections and for helping me disseminate my research to a broader audience.