CPP Student Spotlight: Arcelia Madrigal

by Mya Brossoit

The College of Professional Programs is proud to highlight Arcelia Madrigal, a Psychology major, for this month’s student spotlight!

Originally from Sunnyside, Washington, Arcelia came to EWU because of the School Psychology program. Graduating this June with her BA in Psychology, Arcelia is also completing a certificate program in Social Emotional Learning for Educational Equity (SEL-EE).

I chose to attend EWU because I knew there was a school psychology program here that many school psychologists in my community graduated from. Essentially, I wanted to connect with the school psychology professors as an undergraduate to receive guidance on what would help ensure I am prepared to enter graduate school and the field.

Arcelia is grateful for the extensive opportunities her major offers. Unlike some career paths, Psychology has a vast array of sub areas to specialize in. Madrigal is pleased she chose to attend Eastern and continually prepares for her professional career ahead.

As a first generation college student, Arcelia battled imposter syndrome when she came to Eastern, experiencing self-doubt that led to a hesitancy in believing she deserved the opportunity to go college. Madrigal did not let this stop her however. With the help of her mentors and support system, she grew confidence in her voice and contributions to the field. She credits the McNair Scholars program for their dedicated support and encouragement in this area.

Arcelia is excited about her future, which includes attending graduate school and obtaining a PhD, and then pursuing a career as a certified bilingual School Psychologist. She states, “I am very passionate on working with culturally and linguistically diverse students.”  Her greatest achievement so far was presenting at the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) in Denver, Colorado this February. Arcelia states that, “NASP is highly attended by practicing school psychologists and graduate students and professors in school psychology so being able to contribute to the discussions at the conference was a dream come true for me!”

Arcelia identified multiple faculty and staff mentors who positively impacted her time at Eastern. Dr. Susan Ruby and Dr. Shanna Davis, played a significant role in guiding Arcelia on her journey to graduate school.  Maria Szep, Program Support Supervisor for the Psychology program, helped Arcelia transition to college life, dealing with homesickness, and encouraged her to pursue opportunities and attend conferences.

Arcelia encourages other students to consider becoming an Eagle Ambassador with the Admissions Office, to increase their campus involvement and gain public speaking skills. She also encourages Psychology majors to participate in the Psi Chi Honor Society chapter at EWU.

Psi Chi…is an amazing organization for the psychology majors, minors, or anyone who is interested in psychology. We host psychology spotlights with EWU professors such as stress and coping, cultural psychology, Gratitude and Psychology, and compassion-focused therapy.

Arcelia has been accepted into not only the MS in School Psychology program at the University of Oregon, but also the EDs program at the University of Washington-Tacoma!  She continues to soar high and pursue her full potential!

The College of Professional Programs proudly recognizes Arcelia for all her hard work and dedication and wishes her the best of luck in whichever graduate program she chooses!