If a documentary were made about the University’s Vincentian
mission, it would have to include Anton Berzins ‘12G, a
service-minded, fifth-year student in the
Psy.D. Program in School Psychology.
Anton is co-founder of the Ecuadorian Professional Preparation
Program (EPPP), a volunteer group serving needy Ecuadorians who
require psychological counseling. It also prepares psychologists to
better assist minority patients. EPPP recruits North American
psychology graduate students and practitioners to spend a month in
Quito, learning Spanish, living with host families and aiding
elementary school students, clinic patients and
orphans.
Anton launched EPPP before beginning his studies at St. John's. But
he credits his professors’ support with allowing him to continue
the project while pursuing his degree. A focus on service, part of
St. John’s Vincentian mission, is what
originally drew Anton. “Academic Service-Learning, cultural
immersion, global
studies — they all mirror my own aims,” he said.
Anton also was attracted by the Psychology
Department’s reputation for excellence. For example, faculty
and students are always well-represented at scholarly conferences.
When Anton learned that the Psy.D. program is one of the few
offering a bilingual track, he was sold. “I decided this was where
I wanted to expand my skill set as a school psychologist,” he
said.
Anton’s sensitivity to other cultures stems in part from being
raised by immigrant parents — his father is from Latvia; his
mother, from Trinidad and Tobago. Also fueling his interest in
cultural competency is the growing number of Spanish-speaking
students in the U.S., a trend Anton witnesses as a full-time school
psychologist at a New York-area high school.
With his professors’ encouragement, Anton wrote an article about
EPPP for a professional journal. The result is a by-lined cover
piece in “Communiqué,” a National Association of School Psychology
publication. “My experience at St. John’s has been empowering,” he
said. “I’m evolving professionally while also strengthening my
dedication to helping the needy.”