“You Are Not Alone, Ayaw og Iluom”

Psychology Week began with an exciting kickoff as the much-anticipated Gallery Walk captivated participants on its opening day. The engaging event turned ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones by offering a visually captivating and interactive journey into psychological concepts. Attendees explored a carefully curated collection of exhibits, each delving into the intricate workings of the human mind in creative and thought-provoking ways.

Organized by the RMC Junior Psychology Society, the 2024 Psychology Week aims to spread mental health awareness, starting with the Gallery Walk on May 21, 2024. The event officially began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by RMC President Evelyn Magno, alongside Vice President for Administration Atty. Ernesto Raphael V. Robillo, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Annabeth Calla, and CAS faculty members. Each captivating artwork addressed themes such as stigma and shaming, emotional validation, and coping strategies from A to Z. By transforming intricate psychological concepts into captivating exhibits, the gallery broadened the audience’s access to academic information, enhancing awareness and deepening student engagement with the arts and the human psyche.

The Gallery Walk featured an inspiring speech by RMC President Evelyn Magno, who shared a poignant reflection:

“The first question that our professor asked when we were starting psychology was, ‘Why are you majoring in psychology?’ I do not remember what I answered, but I remembered also now two of my grandsons who studied Psychology and English in America. In my own grandmother’s way, I asked them, ‘Why are you taking psychology?’ My grandchildren both said, ‘Because we want to understand ourselves. We want to know how we can cope with the emotional problems that are going on in us.’ That’s what made it sentimental today.

“So, everything that you express in your paintings, your expressions, and your words is meaningful to me; it touched my heart. Keep going on with your career; understand not only yourselves but also other people.”

The president’s heartfelt words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the profound personal and collective journey that psychology represents. The Gallery Walk, filled with rich expressions of psychological exploration, exemplified this journey, making the event a memorable start to Psychology Week.

Pro Deo et Patria! For God and Country!