ESU Psychology Students Complete Service Course In St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Posted by: admin on June 16, 2011, No Comments

Eleven undergraduate students from East Stroudsburg University recently completed a service learning course offered through the department of psychology in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The two-week-long three-credit course titled “Cross Cultural Comparison of Behavior Therapy,” was taught by Dr. Richard Wesp, professor of psychology and required students to complete volunteer work abroad by applying their understanding of basic behavior therapy procedures in a group home run by Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of the Virgin Islands. This was the 10th year the class has visited St. Croix.

Students who participated in this course were: Irv Anglin, a sophomore from Philadelphia, Pa.; Danielle Clark, junior from East Stroudsburg, Pa.; Gabby Gerner, a junior from Aston, Pa.; Katie Hayes, a sophomore from Warren Center, Pa.; Jess Katze, a senior from Havertown, Pa.; Eric Kresge from Effort, Pa.; Alicia Levan, a senior from Fleetwood, Pa.; Nikki Luciw, a senior from Saylorsburg, Pa.; Liz Miorelli, a junior from Hazelton, Pa.; Mandy Starr, a senior from Williamsport, Pa.; and Katie Steiner, a junior from Blandon, Pa.

Students assisted the staff at the group home and worked with residents on developing life skills appropriate for their abilities. They also participated in a beach day in which they helped residents, many of whom are could not walk on their own, go for a dip in the Caribbean Sea. Students also toured St. Croix to learn about the island’s rich history and culture. The group also presented a $300 donation to LSS that was a result of fund raising efforts by the ESU Psychology Association and Psi Chi honor society at ESU throughout the academic year. The donation will allow LSS to maintain basic services, and purchase needed supplies and equipment.

For more information on ESU’s psychology program or the student trip to St. Croix, contact Dr. Wesp at 570-422-3750 or visit the university website at www.esu.edu.