By DeAnna Britton, Staff Writer

It is an inevitable truth that our country’s well being lays on the nation’s youth. That being said, Victor DelBene does his part to ensure that tomorrow’s children are prepared to take on that challenge later in life. DelBene, a senior with a psychology major and a minor in philosophy, volunteers weekly at Stony Brook’s Children’s Psychiatry Hospital. He assists the nurses in behavior modifications and makes sure that the children have a healthy outlet for whatever they may suffer from. “Our job is to prepare them for when they leave, to make them able to cope with society,” DelBene said.

Many of the children in the hospital suffer from such things as depression, autism, bipolar disease and anxiety. DelBene believes this opportunity to work for the hospital is a “win-win.” He says the best part of the job is “helping the kids to one day get over their ailments, as well as gaining experience. It’s is a very valuable experience for me.”

DelBene is passionate about his major and takes every opportunity to learn about his different options with his future degree. He’s in the psychology club at the university, which helps psychology students get more involved in their major. He has also been a supervisor for the computer lab for two years and is on the student contact board.

As graduation comes quickly for DelBene, he has a thorough plan for what lies ahead for him next. He is currently studying for the GRE for Graduate school. He wants to get masters in marriage and family as well as developmental and cognitive therapy. He does not expect to stop his education there. He wants to get his Ph.D. in clinical or cognitive therapy. He would also like to explore teaching and research further down the road. “I’d like to work for four-five years then go for my Ph.D. … One day I want to write books,” DelBene said.

As a senior, DelBene certainly has wisdom for all those younger. He advises, “Take advantage of Hofstra’s growing reputation. I know it’s hard to come up with a plan of knowing what you want to do, but create one and find the balance of social life and education,” he said.

DelBene is looking forward to life after college, which will involve a family, work and “growing as a person.” However, he hopes that life does not move too fast for him. Reflecting on his experiences thus far, DelBene feels that he has learned a lot at the University. “The friendships I’ve made over the past three-four years, the experiences I’ve gained through work and the classes I take have all molded my moral standards and determination,” DelBene said,” It’s helped me know what I want.”

(Photo Courtesy of Victor Delbene)