2 answers
1
Question
Updated
234 views
Do you have an experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist that you use to motivate you and remind you why you chose this field when thing get tough If yes, I would love to hear about the experience!?
I am a current student at The University of Texas at Austin, pursuing my bachelor's of science in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences. My goal is to go to graduate school and become a Speech-Language Pathologist. To make a long story short, what keeps me motivated as a Speech-Language Pathology student is continuing my mom's legacy of helping others, as she was an amazing Speech-Language Pathologist who passed away in 2020. A fun fact about me is that I love banana lattes!
Login to comment
2 answers
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Honestly - I remind myself (and others) ‘motivation’ fluctuation is normal. It’s not a YOU or a human ‘flaw’
Also - for titled professionals, particularly for students, it’s not uncommon to be surrounded by linear pathways - people who have stayed (ish) in the same area, or close to. You can side step, pivot, transfer skills in the future you might just not have been showcased that in your study or by who you’re surrounded by. So if the motivation issues persist, or you’re worried it’s because of a bit of misalignment you CAN pivot both within and outside the title. Your mom’s legacy of helping people sounds so important and a real reason you chose this field recently. Our goals, interests and paths can and do wiggle a bit in the future - that’s just us realigning as life evolves. That keeps me motivated to keep on sometimes
Also - for titled professionals, particularly for students, it’s not uncommon to be surrounded by linear pathways - people who have stayed (ish) in the same area, or close to. You can side step, pivot, transfer skills in the future you might just not have been showcased that in your study or by who you’re surrounded by. So if the motivation issues persist, or you’re worried it’s because of a bit of misalignment you CAN pivot both within and outside the title. Your mom’s legacy of helping people sounds so important and a real reason you chose this field recently. Our goals, interests and paths can and do wiggle a bit in the future - that’s just us realigning as life evolves. That keeps me motivated to keep on sometimes
Updated
Martha’s Answer
My favorite story is about a girl in 1st grade who was completely nonverbal. She could make one sound with her voice/mouth. She had a augmentative communication device, but no one had taught her how to use it. So, I began with 2 words-go and stop. Her comprehension was great! I showed her where the 2 words were and asked if she was ready to go to my room. She smiled. She always smiled. Most expressive child/person I have ever met. So expressive, in fact, that you could practically read her mind. She nodded and she took off for the door. I did not. She looked back at me with that look of "What are you doing?" I said, " You have to push 'go'. She looked at me, looked at the device, looked at me, and pushed 'go'. I started out the door and said, "Let's go!" After we got out the door, I stopped and started talking about the gorgeous tree outside the classroom. I looked back at her and she looked at me like "What are you doing, crazy lady? Let's go to your room?" I said, " You have to push 'go'. She looked at me, looked at the device, and back at me, then pushed 'go'. I took off again. We did that for 2 days, then on the 3rd day, the light went off. I will never forget her expression and my response. She literally took off after that day. That device empowered her to control her world. She could state her opinion, ask for whatever she wanted, choose whatever she wanted, etc. She was empowered after that day.