The Early Years
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month! This is a time when we celebrate our profession and bring awareness to our field. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about why I chose to become a speech language pathologist (my WHY). My story begins in my early years. As the oldest child in my family, I have memories of playing school and teaching my siblings new skills. I remember marveling at my younger sister’s language development and cheering when she started saying “big words”. I have another family member who stuttered growing up and I saw how much his communication difficulties impacted him socially and academically. When I look back, I remember admiring how the school speech language pathologist advocated for him and supported his communication needs.
In elementary school, my teachers frequently paired me with new students to help them get acquainted. As an introvert (about me), I was a quiet child and this helped me come out of my shell as I gained confidence helping others. In retrospect, I believe that these early experiences played an important role in my story as they sparked an interest in helping others.
Undergrad
My story continued when I entered the University of Colorado as a Biology major. I chose Biology because I enjoyed science and was interested in possibly pursuing a health related profession. In addition, I was also taking some computer science classes because I was fascinated by technology. During the spring of my freshman year, I took an “Introduction to Communication Disorders” class as an elective. Little did I know that I would fall in love with the field of speech language pathology! It felt like the perfect combination of all of my interests: science, health, technology, and education. Throughout college, I volunteered for a program called Best Buddies. Eventually, this led to a part time job as personal assistant with a community living program for adults with developmental disabilities. I loved it!
Gaining Experience
After receiving my bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders, I worked at an Easter Seals Camp that summer as their “Computer Specialist”. I was so inspired by the campers who used Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems during the “Talking with Technology” week. I saw how technology gave them more independence and allowed them to participate more fully in the camp activities. That year, I worked full time as a paraprofessional (educational assistant) at a local high school. This gave me first hand experience working with students who had a wide range of disabilities (autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, etc). I assisted a young man with autism during his sessions with the speech language pathologist. She encouraged me to pursue my master’s degree in speech language pathology.
Graduate School
I attended Purdue University for graduate school on a grant from the department of education for Augmentative and Alternative Communication in 1995. My first practicum placement was with a preschooler named “Cindy” (name changed for confidentiality). Cindy was a joyful little girl who happened to have cerebral palsy. She had a wonderful laugh and beautiful smile. I supported Cindy as she used an eye gaze system to communicate with her peers in her preschool classroom. I quickly saw how her eye gaze communication system improved her quality of life and opened doors to friendships and learning. That year, Cindy became my WHY and this drive carried me through graduate school.
My Story Continues
Through the years, there have been many other students like Cindy who have inspired me. After 25 years in the field, I have helped hundreds of students learn to communicate more effectively. I realize that these children are my WHY and they continue to carry me through the ups and downs of our profession. I am honored to be a part of each child’s story and proud to say that each child is a part of my story.
Pinwheel Speech has given me an amazing opportunity to support other SLPs all over the world. I have become passionate about sharing tips and engaging activities with so many of you. You all have also become a big part of my WHY!
We are Better Together!
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am constantly inspired by many of you and encouraged when I see your posts on instagram. We are truly better together! What is your WHY? Please email me at pinwheelspeech@gmail.com or comment below to share YOUR story.
