My internship at Argao Psych reignited my desire to be a clinical psychologist. It allowed me to serve actual clients seeking mental health care under the clinic's guidance and support. Aside from the experiences and lessons they taught me that I didn't learn from textbooks and class reports, I made friends with the people I worked with during the internship program. Everyone was welcoming and supportive, and they motivated me whenever I struggled with the clinical tasks and self-doubt.

"Reflecting on my experience at Argao Psych since day one fills me with deep gratitude and appreciation. Each day spent alongside the Argao team has been a privilege, with each day holding space for new learning opportunities. The guidance of Argao Psych has been instrumental to my growth as a psychology student, whether through engaging psychological assessments or simply sharing stories while having snacks during free time. Witnessing the genuine care, dedication, and hard work of each member of the team inspires me. Overall, I found this feeling somewhat unexpected, understanding that psychology is more than a profession but rather an expression of human connection. My experience as an intern at Argao Psych has truly been unforgettable and immensely valuable. Special thanks to Sir Pin, our internship supervisor, who always gave my co-interns and me with consistent support and guidance. In Argao Psych, the lessons learned, the moments of laughter, and everything in between will always hold a special place in my heart. "

Coming from a virtual setup at UST, I didn't expect much for my clinical internship. The mundane life of online classes directed me to have minimal to no expectations. I rendered 150 hours of internship at Argao Psych last July-August, and 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, and 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚 almost summed up my internship experience. Surprisingly, despite the virtual mode, I got to appreciate and enjoy my OJT. The learnings I've gained in Argao Psych will always be with me, even if I am not yet a professional in the field.

Being the pioneering batch to have an internship in Argao Psych, I think it was an advantage to an extent. I got to see how innate and genuine their rapport within the workplace as employees and the quality service they deliver to their clients as practitioners. This became a good foundation for me as I went daily with my internship taskings because I was surrounded by people with who I could emulate their competence, dedication, and passion for the field of Psychology. Fortunately, I had the chance to apply what I've learned theoretically. It was a bonus that we had hands-on supervisors who extensively discussed what we were doing and applying. As a Psychology student, I was lucky enough to work for a mental health center that shares the same advocacies and values as me and actually embodies its goal - to give the Filipinos the mental health they deserve.

My internship at Argao Psych has been filled with valuable experiences and exceptional learnings. On my first day, being the only undergraduate intern made me feel extra nervous. Even though I’m used to being independent, I had moments of self-doubt because I knew Argao Psych holds itself to high standards and consistently delivers quality service. I wasn’t sure if I could live up to their expectations as an intern. But as I progressed through my journey, the team at Argao Psych helped me realize that learning is a gradual process—a journey where every step, whether a win or a loss, contributes to growth. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be an intern at Argao Psych. If I could go back in time, I would choose Argao Psych again as the place to develop my skills and knowledge in clinical psychology. I have no regrets about spending my 150 hours in the healthy and respectful environment that they have. Their commitment to high quality doesn’t just apply to their services; it’s also reflected in the amazing people behind them. While my experience may be different from others, the skills, knowledge, opportunities, friendships, and memories I gained at Argao Psych will always be a part of my growth, both as a person and as someone who also aspires to provide the mental health care that people deserve in the future. I can't wait to keep improving and apply everything I've learned from this incredible institution. Again, my sincerest gratitude for granting me this opportunity. Until next time!