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Because graduation represents such an enormous investment of time, finances, hope, and personal commitment, it never loses its thrill, no matter how seasoned the graduate. But for SPU doctoral graduate Devon Singh-Barrett, the June ceremonies represent a milestone so much bigger than one person’s individual effort. It is, she readily acknowledges, not just about her. “My graduation … is about generations of family that have gone before me,” she says. “Great grandparents who survived the Depression, a grandfather who came from India, grandparents who lived through World War II, and parents who believed in the power of education to change the world.” Singh-Barrett marvels at her family’s humble background, yet she is the second member to receive a doctorate. “This achievement in clinical psychology is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the generations of faith and perseverance that got me here.” She also credits her faculty mentors for pushing her to excellence. What excites her most about graduation? “Standing in front of my family and friends expressing my gratitude that I do not stand alone. Yes, I am a child of God and a child of great hope and faith, but I am also the child of Eugene Richard Gonzales Singh and Constance Diane Steele Singh.” Her professor and chair of graduate psychology, Jay Skidmore, is excited for her. He notes that there are still some “long, hard, full-time years” of work for Devon before she can obtain her state licensure to practice, but he concludes, “Hers will be a leadership role, engaging the culture and changing various parts of the world for the better.” Singh-Barrett plans to start a practice for teenagers and their families, and to offer services to pastors and churches in need of education around therapeutic concerns in their congregations. She will be an advocate in the mental health community for those who have no voice or who are financially constricted and in need of services. A rich and memorable graduation experience awaits Singh-Barrett and her graduate peers. Those who earned their master’s degrees will take part in the traditional Hooding Ceremony, in which they are honored and hooded by the very program directors, deans, and professors who have walked with them through a program of rigorous study. Click here for details about the event.
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