Psychology major Justin Lamb has a career goal to become a psychologist in a K-12 school. As he prepares to graduate in May and attend graduate school at Grand Valley State University, Justin reflects on the time he has had at The University of Olivet, most notably shaped by relationships on campus. Through his program advisers, academic clubs and athletics, Justin has mentors and supporters in every corner of campus.
I am from Battle Creek, and I love that it’s a small town but not too small. It has a family-oriented feel that is very similar to the feeling at The University of Olivet. One of the biggest reasons why I came to Olivet is because it’s where my dad attended college and where I grew up when I was little. I lived here until I was five while my dad worked in the admissions office. My parents even met here — they were married in Klock Commons and had their reception in the Kirk Center — and my sister, Mekenzie, is a sophomore. Olivet has just always felt like home.
During my time at OC, I have been a member of Psych Club and Psi Chi. I was president of Psych Club during my junior year, and I joined because I wanted to make an impact on issues regarding mental health. I really enjoyed raising money toward the annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk. Currently, I am the vice president of Psi Chi. My favorite part of Psi Chi was helping to organize and run Open Mic nights. The events allowed students to talk about anything they wanted in a welcoming and open setting.
I have also loved being a part of the new clay target team this year. This was a new experience for me, but I have hunted waterfowl my whole life so that translated into the sport. I love my teammates and we have become our own little family. My coach, Matthew Gay, is also very knowledgeable in the sport and has done a fantastic job as a coach. He always challenges me in practice but also provides the support and feedback I need. I have enjoyed seeing myself get better and better with each practice. I think the highlight of the clay target team for me was competing in nationals in Marengo, Ohio. At nationals, our team placed fifth overall as a group for DIII which was phenomenal. Also, I was able to complete my first straight in trap, which is 25 targets without missing.
In addition, I served as the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) representative for the clay target team. I enjoyed being a part of SAAC because I loved being around all of the other athletic teams. It was really cool how representatives from each team could work toward a common goal together. This has also played into my role on the Wellness Team as I am the mental health representative for SAAC.
The Wellness Team advocates for mental health resources for all students. I think mental health is so important, and that importance does not wain for students at The University of Olivet. From my first year to my senior year at OC, mental health information and resources have really grown.
My relationships with my advisers and coaches are one of my favorite things about Olivet. I love not being just a number. Being able to go into Professor John Moore’s or Professor William Hagerty’s office whenever I feel the need is so helpful. They are always willing to help me.
I would encourage students to attend Olivet for the family atmosphere. You get one-on-one attention with professors and coaches at OC. Also, being a part of athletics and the clay target team gave me a whole other family that I would not have gotten anywhere else.
Currently, my career goal is to become a school psychologist. I recently finished applying to graduate schools, and in the fall I’ll be attending Grand Valley State University to be a part of their school psychology program. From there, I will earn my Master of Science (M.S.) and a Specialist in School Psychology degree (Psy.S.). Then, I plan to move back to the Battle Creek area to be a school psychologist. While attending The University of Olivet, I think the thing that prepared me the most for this career field was my practicum. During my practicum, I was able to work one-on-one with a school psychologist at a local elementary. While there, I observed students in the classroom, witnessed testing and helped students with their reading.
My experience as a Comet has made me who I am today because I have gained so much knowledge in psychology, developed as a better athlete, and met many new people who have opened my eyes to the world around me.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
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