Most movies tend to exaggerate mental illness and mental health treatment for dramatic tension, ranging from hypnotists waving golden pocket watches to bespeckled professorial Austrians asking about one’s father from a leather armchair. “Good Will Hunting” is a surprisingly accurate portrayal of the process of psychotherapy, barring a few key exceptions. But what do actual psychologists have to say about the film’s portrayal of psychologists and psychological treatment? “The film depicts psychotherapy with a 20-year old pretty well with only one exception,” stated Thomas Plante, a professor in Santa Clara University’s psychology department and a clinical psychologist. “Robin Williams, who plays the therapist, gets angry with Matt Damon, who plays the patient. And he throws him up against the wall. Of course, psychologists are not encouraged to throw patients up against the wall under any circumstances and never to do harm.” “Good Will Hunting” will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s one of my favorite films and follows the journey of a bright but broken young man learning to come to terms with his past and his future. There’s something we can all get from the movie, but, if nothing else, budding or practicing psychologists should remember the greatest lesson of all: For the love of God, do not physically attack your patients!

This month’s library book display, titled Celebrating Women Artists and Authors, was created to celebrate the different voices of women through literature and showcase profiles of women pioneers such as Margaret Chung and Charlotta Spears Bass. “Our collection highlights the different sort of experiences that women have across the globe who live in different contexts,” Emily Taina, stacks and space supervisor and member of the committee, said. “And I think that it’s really great that this is a really artistic and fun way to display that.” To engage students, the POP committee focuses on creating eye-catching displays and choosing covers that will grab people’s attention. Everything has historical value while making it something students can enjoy, even down to the streamers utilized. Taking a look at the book display, you’ll find purple, white, and gold streamers, representing the suffragette ribbons worn by women during the marches. “We’re trying to think of motifs and symbols and I came across the suffragette ribbon and thought that could be an interesting way to pull in different ideas,” said Bettencourt, who leads the design aspect of the book displays. The committee ensures students are involved with their book displays, as is the case with this month’s display. Hermanas Unidas co-chairs, Samantha Campos and Yared Calderon, had the opportunity to help pick out some of the books put on display, including Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda and Las Madres by Esmeralda Santiago. 📝: Karla Hernandez 📷: Karla Hernandez

Santa Clara University goalkeeper Eddy Marin ’26 received the CalHOPE Courage Award during a ceremony at the San Jose Earthquakes game at PayPal Park today.
 The award recognizes Marin's recovery following a life-threatening scooter accident when he was struck by a car in October 2023. The incident occurred nine days after his collegiate debut against Stanford, where he recorded four saves including stopping a penalty kick. The accident resulted in vision loss in his right eye, hearing loss in his left ear, a broken wrist, and an aneurysm that required surgery—the first of six procedures he underwent. “This experience has tested me in every way, but my faith and the people around me have carried me through,” Marin said in an Associated Press article. "I share my story to inspire others."
 After missing the 2024 season while recovering, Marin has been medically cleared and has resumed training for the upcoming fall season. He shares the February honor with Long Beach State volleyball player Natalie Glenn.
 The CalHOPE Courage Award has been presented monthly since February 2022 to student-athletes at California colleges and universities who have overcome challenges associated with personal hardships. A $1,000 donation will be made to support mental health services at Santa Clara University. Check out @calhope_courage for more about the award 📝: Dylan Ryu 📷: Dylan Ryu

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The racial discrimination lawsuit filed against Santa Clara University has been resolved after the target of the complaint, the University’s Black Corporate Board Readiness program, changed the diction on their website to emphasize their acceptance of any applicant, regardless of race. William A. Jacobson, Cornell law professor and founder of the Equal Protection Project—the civil rights organization that filed the complaint—told The Santa Clara that he was pleased with the outcome of the group’s complaint. “We consider it a win when we stop the discriminatory conduct because of our complaint,” he said in a telephone interview. “What that looks like is really up to the school.” He asserts the group’s ultimate goal is to encourage and ensure participation by all students. “Nothing we've done excludes anybody from any program,” Jacobson said. “Our challenge to this program at Santa Clara did not in any way suggest that black students could not participate.” Jacobson flatly rejected accusations by critics who claim the Equal Protection Project is simply a vehicle for hateful attacks against students of color. “We're seeking to do nothing more than require the schools to live up to their own set of rules and their own goals,” he said. “I don't see how anybody legitimately could claim that's hateful. We consider ourselves not just legally correct; we consider ourselves on the right side of history.” 📝: MJ Kaspura 📷: Dylan Ryu