Why I Want To Be A Speech Therapist

I knew by my senior year in high school that I wanted to work in the field of speech-language pathology and sought out semester-long internships with two speech therapists in elementary schools. My interest and passion for communication disorders developed gradually, beginning in elementary school when both of my brothers received speech therapy for articulation disorders. I’m the oldest of six children, and four of the six of us have received support from an SLP, one of the factors that led me to pursue professional internships in the field while still in high school. Of greatest impact and significance, though, is what I have observed and experienced through my two youngest siblings, who both have Down syndrome and have complex needs related to language and communication.
I was ten when my sister Bridget was …show more content…
In my own future as a speech therapist, that is what I hope to give people: opportunities to participate in things that many of us take for granted. I also hope to bring my strong problem solving skills and passion for serving individuals with communication disorders to my schoolwork, internships and career. I believe that all people deserve respect, patience, and to be heard. I value collaboration and look forward to working in a transdisciplinary team with parents, other professionals, teachers, and therapists. The field of speech-language pathology is a perfect match for my interests, skills and passions. My plan after graduating UK is to attend graduate school and then pursue a career as a speech therapist in an elementary school. Once I have a job as a speech therapist, even on days that I don’t particularly want to go to work, I will always know that I am doing something that I