I am a second-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program at Palo Alto University (PAU) with a particular interest in working with older adults. This interest stems from my passion for neuropsychology, my upbringing in a culture that deeply values elders, and my personal experiences growing up surrounded by older adults. These early experiences shaped my perspective and sparked my desire to work with this population. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the mental health challenges and neurodegenerative disorders that affect many older individuals—both in medical settings while working as an assistant in an inpatient psychiatric department at a geriatric-focused general hospital in China and throughout my studies as a psychology student. These encounters have motivated me to contribute to the well-being of older adults. I am also particularly interested in how social and familial expectations across different cultures influence the psychological and physiological conditions of older adults, often adding complexity to their experiences.
This year, I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 APA conference in Seattle, marking my first time attending in person after participating in the conference virtually last year. The difference between the two experiences was striking. Being physically present allowed for deeper engagement—not only in attending sessions but also in connecting directly with fellow attendees, which made the experience all the more enriching.
The scale of the conference was both overwhelming and exciting, with a wide array of poster presentations, symposiums, workshops, Continuing Education (CE) sessions, and networking opportunities. The discussions during these sessions offered valuable insights into the real-world application of psychological theories and practices. New questions and topics emerged, addressing areas such as diversity, artificial intelligence, and the expanding roles of psychologists and therapists outside of traditional settings. Additionally, as a CE assistant, I was fortunate to attend complimentary workshops. Listening to experienced psychologists and therapists share their cases and innovative therapeutic approaches was eye-opening and invaluable for my ongoing development as a clinician.
A highlight of the conference was the “Munching with the Mentors” event, co-hosted by Divisions 20 and 12-2. The brunch, held at the Spruce Café, aimed to connect early-career psychologists (including graduate students like me) with seasoned professionals in the fields of adult development and aging. During the event, I had the pleasure of sitting with Grace Caskie, PhD, the current president of Division 20, along with two other PhD students at different stages of their careers and from diverse backgrounds. Our conversation touched on many topics, including Caskie’s own journey as both a mentor and mentee, her current research, and each of our unique but shared interests in geropsychology. I also gained insight into different career trajectories within the field and discussed both the challenges and opportunities specific to geropsychology.
The event was a unique opportunity to meet others who share a passion for working with older adults, yet come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It reinforced the importance of building networks and collaboration in this field and deepened my appreciation for the mentorship and other opportunities that Division 20 provides. Learning about the division’s research and funding initiatives was particularly exciting, and I left the event feeling inspired and supported by the community within Division 20. The passion for research, advocacy, and practice related to older adults was palpable.
Mentorship has always been a vital part of my academic and professional journey, and events like “Munching with the Mentors” serve as powerful reminders of how mentorship can shape a career. As someone early in their career, the guidance of experienced professionals is crucial for navigating the field. I am grateful to Division 20 for organizing this event, which highlighted the generosity of both mentors and mentees who are dedicated to advancing the field of geropsychology. I also want to acknowledge the mentorship of Rowena Gomez, PhD, past president of Division 20 and my current advisor at PAU, who became my mentor this summer. Gomez introduced me to this opportunity, and I deeply appreciate her support and commitment to the field and to my professional development. I look forward to learning from her as I continue my studies.
Attending the APA conference in person and participating in the “Munching with the Mentors” event were both incredible experiences that deepened my understanding of the field, broadened my network, and reinforced my sense of belonging within a community of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of older adults. I am grateful to Division 20 for their continued support and the mentorship opportunities they offer. I look forward to attending future APA conferences and hope to present my own research in aging and neuropsychology in the near future.