Jon-Patric Veal, born and raised in Baton Rouge, knew early on that he would go into the field of psychology. His deep desire to help individuals cope with problems from within led him to the realization that becoming a clinical psychologist was his ultimate dream. “You can’t run away from your brain,” is a sentiment he truly believes and often shares with others.
Education Journey
Jon-Patric completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hendrix College in Arkansas where he also played football. It was during his junior year that he recognized a Ph.D. was necessary to get him where he wanted to be. This realization only made him more eager to work hard and begin his search for the perfect place to begin his graduate education journey. That search led him to UL Lafayette. He not only gained admission to the Master’s in Psychology program but also secured a graduate teaching assistantship.
Graduate Studies
Within the Psychology M.S. program, Jon-Patric quickly became comfortable teaching intro to Psychology courses to undergraduate students. Now he was ready to dive into his research. One of his first research areas was irrational fears. He held a symposium talk that focused on irrational fears and clinicians and how it impacts their treatment of people. It was not long after that he began working on his thesis, “How Variations in Perspective Taking Can Mediate the Effects of Empathy on Implicit Racial Bias.” More specifically, his research shows that perspective-taking can be used during interventions to decrease implicit racial bias.
"Ultimately, empathy is the cure-all for bias, he says, and utilizing different perspectives can improve empathy."
This research will play a large role in his aspirations to work with different communities as a clinical psychologist.
Support from Faculty and Mentors
Jon-Patric’s academic achievements were enriched by the support he received from his faculty and mentors. He noted that Dr. Emily Sandoz and Dr. Rick Perkins have been guiding lights, offering invaluable assistance not only in coursework but also in research endeavors and conference opportunities. Jon-Patric also served as the Psychology Department representative for GSO (Graduate Student Organization), which contributed to added personal and professional growth while in grad school.
Memories and Experience at UL Lafayette
As Jon-Patric reflected on his time as a grad student at UL Lafayette, he shared a favorite memory--participating in a Mardi Gras tour. The tour started in Lafayette, went through Baton Rouge, and ended in New Orleans. He had out-of-town friends accompanying him which made the experience more memorable. He also enjoyed the culture in Lafayette,
"The people are down-to-earth and very proud of being from Lafayette."
When asked what advice he would give someone considering graduate studies in Psychology at UL Lafayette he said, “Do it! Everyone is helpful. You will have many opportunities to expand your CV, which will help you gain admission into a Ph.D. program.”
Gratitude and Reflection
Jon-Patric was happy to reflect on his journey at the University by expressing his gratitude. He shared, “The University of è Lafayette has always been my dream school, and I’m so happy for the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had. The psychology program is a wonderful program for anyone to grow and better themselves. Most of all, I have been able to make an impact that I feel is meaningful. The things that I enjoy most about my life always involve helping people and ULL has given me opportunities to do those things.”
Jon Patric’s journey at UL Lafayette highlights not only academic excellence but also the supportive environment our hard-working faculty provides. The campus and the community that surrounds it provide a unique culture that leaves a lasting impact on all who experience it. Do you find you have a strong curiosity about human behavior? Do you desire to make a difference and enjoy research? If so, the M.S. in Psychology program might be the next step in your journey.
Learn more about the M.S. in Psychology program at the University of è at Lafayette.