Psychology major turns research into practice in APEX Fellowship

Jessie Breth ’25, a psychology major and studio art minor at The College of Wooster, first learned about the internship opportunity for her APEX Fellowship through her advisor, who recommended she reach out to the sport psychologist at SPIRE Institute and Academy. SPIRE, located in Geneva, Ohio, is an athletic facility focusing on education, training, and development in a wide range of sports. Throughout the summer, Breth conducted research and compiled information on a variety of topics in sport psychology, before transforming her knowledge into practice, creating presentations with built-in activities for kids enrolled in summer camps at SPIRE. An athlete herself, competing on the College’s cross country and track and field teams, Breth was able to relate to campers’ experiences and apply her knowledge to their training. Through her APEX Fellowship, Breth improved her leadership and learned how to apply psychological research in accessible ways, two vital skills as she continues working toward a career in sport psychology.

“This internship helped me see that what I enjoy the most in psychology is the practical application and being able to present or talk with others about tools they can use. I really enjoyed working with athletes because I could relate to their experiences, and this is a population I hope to work with in the future.”

—Jessie Breth ’25

Q: How did you learn about the internship opportunity for your APEX Fellowship? 

Breth: I learned about SPIRE Institute and Academy from my advisor, Bryan T. Karazsia, professor of psychology. He suggested that I reach out to their sport psychologist. I think the position was a great fit for me because it was very hands-on. I got to do a lot of research and learn about the field from several department roundtable meetings. 

Q: What were some of the things you did each day? 

Breth: For the first couple of weeks, I did research on a variety of topics in sport psychology and compiled information. We turned that information into presentations with different activities for mental skills sessions with the kids, which we then led with various camps while they were at SPIRE. Being able to lead the presentations with the kids interested me the most because it was so hands-on, and I got to have some really great discussions with the campers. 

Q: Who was your fellowship mentor and how did they help you to succeed in this position? 

Breth: Grit Herzmann, associate professor of psychology and chair of neuroscience, was my mentor, and she was a great resource to have during this internship. She was available when I had any unforeseen circumstances come up, and she also asked questions about my weekly reflections that really made me think about the work I was doing and how it might connect to future studies or a future career. 

Q: What are some skills you’ve learned that you see yourself carrying forward in your career? 

Breth: Through this internship, I learned how to put research into practical applications like presentations and activities for the kids. I learned leadership skills though the mental skills sessions and learned how to engage a class in a way that was meaningful for them. I also worked on skills like speaking up with questions and ideas in department roundtables. 

Q: How has the internship helped you to see what’s next for you? 

Breth: This internship helped me see that what I enjoy the most in psychology is the practical application and being able to present or talk with others about tools they can use. I really enjoyed working with athletes because I could relate to their experiences, and this is a population I hope to work with in the future. I’ve learned a lot about the field of sport psychology in this internship, primarily that it’s growing very quickly, and there are so many opportunities to make an impact on athletes of all levels. 

Posted in Experiential Learning, News, Showcase Stories 2024 on August 10, 2024.