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Patricia Clark Tribe Case Study

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She could hardly believe how small he was.

Born 15 weeks early at 1 pound, 1 ounce, Belinda Hinojos’ son Marcus could barely wrap his hand around her finger. After an early birth following Hinojos’ preeclampsia diagnosis, he remained at the hospital for three months, growing stronger.

Back at home in Kansas City, Hinojos had a collection of get-well cards from the clients she was seeing during her counseling psychology practicum. She tried to return to classes in the fall while Marcus was still in the hospital, but soon realized her course load and personal life were too much to balance.

Putting her son first was an easy decision.

“I had to end my practicum when all that happened,” she said. “He had two or three doctors appointments …show more content…

“She's really enhanced our diversity program, both [with] professional staff and helping us become more aware and have additional training in the area of diversity,” she said.

Patricia Cerda-Lizarraga, a clinical psychologist who joined CAPS last fall, works with various programs with Hinojos.

They co-lead the Latina support group founded by Hinojos together, but Cerda-Lizarraga said Hinojos does even more work with a weekly support group at the Women's Center and by training the psychology interns.

“Her leadership and focusing on issues of diversity and multiculturalism is one of her strengths,” Cerda-Lizarraga said. "I think I have a lot to learn from her.”

Hinojos said reaching out to different diversities on campus -- especially the Latino community -- is crucial.

"Culturally, Latinos traditionally don't go to counseling,” she said. “That's a big stigma in many communities, but I think especially in the Latino community."

Hinojos said a stigma against seeking help for mental health is still an issue, but one that’s been improving in recent years. This is both good and bad news for the understaffed counseling …show more content…

“She’s one of the most hard-working, dedicated employees we have on staff,” she said. “She consistently goes above and beyond.”

And others across campus have noticed this, too.

Displayed near Cafina Café in the Nebraska Union in the middle of March -- Women’s Week at the University of Nebraska -- was a wall displaying local women of character, courage and commitment.

Nominated by faculty, staff, students or others in the Lincoln community, the wall was made to honor women who have made an impact on campus and the community. Placed in the center of the wall, Hinojos’ name and portrait stands out.

Next to her name is the letter of nomination from Elizabeth Freeman, a UNL student and the president of MASA.

“She has been there for countless hours and late nights of preparing for fundraisers, meeting with executive board members, and helping MASA members be vocal and strong activists for causes close to their hearts,” Freeman wrote. “... I am proud to have the opportunity to work with and learn from her on a daily

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