“It is an absolute blessing to be a recipient of scholarships and funds Charter day And people in the community, “said Ronald Whitmore, a major of second minor psychology in human development. Howard university celebrates its foundation with activities of the charter day from February 28, culminating with the Charter day dinner March 1st. The dinner collects funds for scholarships – made possible by the former and other members of the Howard community who support its mission – to support current students like Whitmore.
“It is a testimony of the faith that they have in us, even if they do not know us, the faith that we will continue on our education and will change the world,” said Whitmore, reflecting on what it means for those who preceded his investment in the future of students who now walk in the rooms (and the court) of the university.
“The funding that I received really helped me concentrate; I was able to cultivate research and really explain what I want to do in the future. »»
Not having to worry about the financial aspects of the continuation of his studies, Whitmore is able to focus in more detail on his class work and the future. “I want to continue to study higher education and finally become a clinical psychologist,” said Whitmore who plans to obtain a Doctor of psychology. “The funding that I received really helped me concentrate; I was able to cultivate research and really explain what I want to do in the future. »»
Whitmore says he aspires to be a leader in his community, helping young men and women of color to develop healthy habits to deal with life stressors. In other words, he wants to focus on the mental health needs of those of “black and brown communities”.
Particularly interested in the way in which cultural differences and the environment play a role in human development and mental health, Whitmore is also intrigued by the neurological side of the equation.
“I am interested in investigating racial disparities and how neurological and environmental factors contribute to an erroneous diagnosis in these communities,“” He said. “In addition, I want to explore culturally competent therapy techniques for effective treatment.”
Registered with courses such as statistics, an introduction to clinical psychology and family culture, Whitmore strikes books inside and outside the class to prepare his future career. “Currently, I review the DSM5-TR; It is the psychological manual that classifies mental disorders. I also read books and examine articles that talk about race and culture in the appearance of mental health disorders. »»
In addition to his studies, Whitmore is very active in the life of the campus, as an ambassador for the College of Arts & Sciences, as well as a member of the royal court of Howard as Mister Resident Life. Initially, he joined a sense of community.
“”I come from Tennessee and so I came to Howard, I said to myself: “How will I make a family and have friends?”‘ And so, the first thing I did was to join the Royal Court of the residence. »» Today, a large part of his experience on campus is to serve his comrades, acting as an ambassador for Howard and a resource for those who seek to connect in the lives of residents.
“Last year, I served as Mr. College Hall South, representing my dormitory and being a link and a leader of College Hall South. Now, I will be of Mr. Resident Life, “he said about his role in the royal court. “We are going to talk to people about what it means to be part of the lives of residents and work to implement the change for our community.”
As part of the College of Arts and Sciences Ambassador program, Whitmore is preparing for a study trip abroad in Europe where he and his classmates will visit Paris, France and London, in England. During their stay, they will study cultural differences between Europe and the United States.
“It is an English class 890 and we learn the black experience in Europe,” he said. “When we come back from the trip after the spring holidays, we will have to write or compose a video presentation on what we have learned about the cultural differences of the United States to Europe.” Excited to live the surface level and deeper differences between cultures by “simply speaking to people and being an auditor; Looking at how people interact, ”Whitmore thinks that this trip will continue his research in psychology.
“It will really deepen my research for psychology, because as a psychologist, you don’t want to be just one way. You must be culturally competent and understand that people come from different traditions and different backgrounds. And so, for me, in Europe, I will have a little understanding of the way they live and what they do; It will help me become more culturally competent. »»
When asked what has had the most impact on his career so far as a student at Howard University, the Reaching Stock Exchange RECIPIENT gave a simple answer: his teachers.
“The number of teachers I have, their lessons and the opportunities they offer us – it has had an impact and which was really beneficial to me.”