Inspiring Graduate: Avery Deacon (‘23)
- Hometown: Minneapolis
- Degree: M.S. Applied Psychology
Avery Deacon found a new sense of purpose at UW-Stout as he pursued his master’s in applied psychology. Through the program and his extracurricular activities, as well as a strong support system, he was able to work through his mental health struggles and received his graduate degree on May 6.
“The two close friends of anxiety and depression were continuous factors,” he said. “I am blessed to have a wonderful and caring family, as well as a great bunch of teammates and friends. I didn’t get through this alone. I did it with the best support I could ask for. I was able to work my way out of the proverbial hole, and reach this achievement while repairing fractured relationships with my family and making lots of new friends.”
Deacon is applying for applied psychology positions, as well as positions in human resources.
How well has UW-Stout prepared you to work in your field and why?
Stout has done a very effective job of preparing me to work in my field because the applied psychology program is essentially a simulation of the professional work environment.
The program gives its students real experience to provide us with the necessary skills to work in a world of professionals.
These skills include verbal, written and interpersonal communication; presentation and technological skills; the knowledge of research, evaluation and industrial-organizational psychology; and more.
What stands out about your UW-Stout experience?
The main thing that stands out to me about my Stout experience is the wonderful faculty in the applied psychology program.
Not only were they incredibly effective in providing us with important skills and knowledge, but they also were great about catering to the human side of students.
They were very understanding of any mental struggles that a student was experiencing and would gladly listen as well as provide support in any way they could. They have been fantastic about developing relationships with us, allowing for an effective social network.
How has your UW-Stout education and experience changed you?
My experience here at Stout has completely changed who I am as a human being. The university provided me with a purpose and a reason to get out of bed in the morning, something I did not have during the pandemic, and even before. The people I have met and the things I have been able to be a part of provided me with the college experience that I did not get during my undergraduate years.
With this renewed sense of purpose arose a new identity, that of someone who is grateful for what they have. I have been blessed to be able to repair my relationship with my family that I had previously broken while making lots of new long-term friendships. My Stout experience turned me into a far better son, brother, friend and human being, and for that I am forever grateful.
What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?
I am most proud of the fact that I did not quit during my tenure here. This was by no means an easy degree to achieve, nor was it easy to be living in Menomonie while my family is in Minneapolis. There were times when I considered dropping out, but I knew I would regret that decision for the rest of my life. My story is not a highlight reel of success, but rather a journey of unsuccessful trials that eventually led to this degree and this experience, through perseverance and never giving up.
How did your involvement at UW-Stout impact your experience?
I was on the rugby team. This club is what made my experience at Stout so memorable. I have been able to make long-term friendships with this incredible group of men, bonding through field play, off-field activities and traveling the country.
