Psychology

DEPARTMENT





Devin Mills


Devin Mills, Psychology Alumni

DEVIN MILLS RECEIVED HIS B.S. IN PSYCHOLOGY FROM EDGEWOOD IN 2011, AS WELL AS HIS M.A. IN EDUCATION – ADULT LEARNING IN 2013.  

 

WHAT I’M DOING NOW

 

I am a doctoral student in the Educational Psychology – Human Development program at McGill University (Montreal, Quebec), under the supervision of Dr. Nancy Heath (http://heathresearchteam.mcgill.ca).  I am currently interested in individuals' passionate engagement in a variety of activities, with a specific interest in video game engagement.

According to the Dualistic Model of Passion (Vallerand, 2010; Vallerand et al., 2003), engagement in one’s passion varies from a healthy to a problematic style. While the latter is associated with maladaptive outcomes (e.g., less life satisfaction, increased tension), the former is considered a possible asset for development. With that in mind, my research seeks to understand motivational factors cultivating either a healthy or a problematic style of engagement.

CHOOSING MY UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR

As an undergraduate student, I drifted between various career paths. Initially, I was declared as an accounting major, although after a study abroad opportunity, I decided that my interest in social psychology was more appealing. I experimented with several courses the next semester and became completely fascinated with social development, and ultimately with a major in psychology.

EDGEWOOD EXPERIENCES THAT HAVE HELPED ME SINCE GRADUATING

There are two notable experiences during my undergraduate studies that heavily influenced my path to where I am now. The first was my semester abroad. I lived in Rome, Italy for more than four months and completely fell in love with travel and experiencing other cultures. I became confident in my ability to leave home to follow my own dreams and ambitions. Without this experience, I may not have ventured out to Montreal for graduate studies. And I may never have acquired an interest in research if it had not been for the opportunity to conduct a research project with Dr. David Lambert. This research was ultimately presented at the 2011 Midwestern Psychological Association convention in Chicago.

HOW A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION HAS INFLUENCED MY OUTLOOK

Admittedly, the benefit of a liberal arts education is not always apparent while completing coursework. At times it may seem as though students are just given additional courses to complete. However, my liberal arts education expanded my outlook and provided me with opportunities I would not have otherwise taken.  It is difficult for me to imagine the path I have taken to my current position without the various learning opportunities that existed outside my specific undergraduate major.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR EDGEWOOD EXPERIENCE

The advice I would give all Edgewood students is to become an active participant in your own learning process and learning environment. This might include working on a project with a professor or participating in various student groups. But most importantly, you have to make your educational experience your own.

(2/2015)