Psychology student Olivia Rosén has been awarded Lilla Psykologpriset. The prize of 10,000 SEK is annually awarded by the Swedish Psychological Association to a psychology student who, during their studies, has worked to improve people’s quality of life.
Hello Olivia and congratulations! How does it feel?
“It feels incredibly good. I feel honoured and proud. The prize means a lot to me and I will use the prize money to continue developing as a psychologist.”
Passionate about children and young people
The jury’s statement shows that Olivia Rosén, with great commitment, has actively worked to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and various forms of vulnerability among children and young people in marginalised situations.
“I love working with children and young people,” says Olivia Rosén. “I believe they are our future and I want to be the one who gives them hope. I want to support and be there for children and young people who are struggling and who have been marginalised for various reasons. I’m originally from another country and I know how difficult it can be to find oneself in a new country and that there is often a risk of going down the wrong path. I’m aware that it’s not easy to find the right path, but the most important thing is that you get there sooner or later.”
Olivia Rosén is in her eighth semester of the psychology programme and is a student ambassador at the university. She is involved in the mentorship programme Näktergalen and works as a caregiver at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (BUP) in Karlstad.
“I want to continue working with children and young people who are struggling. Right now, I work at BUP and I love what I do. When I’m fully trained, I also want to work at the National Board of Institutional Care.”
The jury’s statement
“In no less than 22 nominations, it is described how Olivia, through her commitment both in her studies and outside of them, actively works to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and various forms of vulnerability. Olivia is a mentor in a mentorship programme for youth in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas as well as a student ambassador at Karlstad University. Olivia is passionate about giving more people, especially adolescents, the chance for better mental health, and it is clear how those around her experience that Olivia contributes with knowledge, joy, and inspiration. The jury is impressed by Olivia’s commitment, both to fellow students and marginalised young people. That a psychology student so clearly wants to engage and use psychological knowledge to counteract stigma related to mental illness and other forms of vulnerability, as well as for increased integration and more equal opportunities, bodes well for the future.”
