“Sharing my story to let people know that I am a resource for those struggling and using my experience as a resource of hope, and encouragement is what truly makes me happy.”  

Minnesota North College’s Psychology/Human Services program offers a practicum course, which allows students to practice in the real world what they are learning in the classroom. There are many different avenues students can practice in, whether a mental health agency, school counselor’s office, or in student Sean Duffney’s case, a NAMI grant.  

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.  There are over 700 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates across the US.  

“This practicum opportunity came to me because of my past,” reflects Duffney.   

Duffney was charged and convicted with a felony, which prohibited him from being able to complete his practicum in a traditional setting. “My professor, Jenny, had an idea that would work for me. This experience has changed my life, helped me learn more about others, collaborate with professionals, and allowed me to reflect on who I am and who I’m going to be.”   

Duffney’s journey to be enrolled at Minnesota North College was a long road. He dropped out of high school in 10th grade. He has now graduated this spring with a degree in Applied Psychology and Human Services.   

“I am grateful that my past criminal convictions have given me opportunities to grow as a professional and a person. It is truly a blessing to be able to do this for NAMI. There will be other individuals that might also have the same problem or conflict of not being able to find a practicum site because of their past, and I hope that they too will be afforded an opportunity to grow as a person and see what they can do to better themselves.”   

Lynn Cochran, Grand Rapids Area NAMI Board Vice President, applied for and received the Macy’s /NAMI grant, specifically aimed at tackling the nation’s youth mental health crisis.    

 “I’m thankful for the opportunity to act on this grant, I hope to really make an impact in the lives of my classmates.”  

Duffney went into classrooms and gave presentations about mental health and educated the students about the many resources available. He then had students play a game called “Say It Out Loud.”  

“Say it Out Loud” is an interactive game with four card decks. Each deck has questions that make you think about yourself and the world around you. (You can play this game online at siol.nami.org)  

Each deck is as follows: Whisper It (ex. When do you feel the most energetic? Morning, afternoon, or night?), Say It (ex. What has been the hardest thing you’ve done today?), Shout It (ex. How does racism impact you emotionally and mentally?), Mix It (a mix of all three decks together).  

“Students were talking to each other about things they might never have known about each other. They saw that they had similar thoughts on topics, and that they were not alone in their struggles,” reflects Duffney.  

More than 50% of students that participated in Duffney’s game found it helpful. Some feedback that was mentioned includes, “I didn’t know there were crisis lines available” and “Everyone is affected by mental health”.  

“I want to see this continue. It’s an opportunity to get to know your classmates and create a safe learning environment,” said Duffney.  

This grant allowed Duffney to provide things like fidgets and had posters hung across campus, giving students a resource to learn more about mental health.  

Duffney is currently building a case to help him become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. He is inspired and supported by his family and wants to continue this life-changing path of helping others. Duffney is enrolled this upcoming fall at Bemidji State and wants to continue to move forward into social work and addiction studies work.  

“The Lord has put it in my heart to continue to help others- I am so grateful to be here.”