Big Question: What subjects did I dislike or struggle as a child?

When first reading this question, it kind of made me smile, so I knew I had to choose it. It made me think back to all childhood and school memories and every single teacher I have ever had. I honestly can say I liked everything growing up as a child. I never fully struggled as a child in any subject except for art. Maybe that is why, to this day, I still dislike art and struggle with it. I am the least creative person I think I know. If someone told me to draw something it would be of a “stick person”. I really try when it comes to that kind of stuff, but I just am not good at it. It puts me in a bad mood whenever I have to make or draw something.

The funny thing is I liked all of my art teachers growing up. I got a long with each one of them and felt they were very talented teachers. They never told me I was horrible at art. As long as I was trying my best that is all that matters. I think that is very true when it comes to teachers and students these days.

As long as a teacher can fully understand and see a student is giving it every thing they have when it comes to school related subjects, I feel that is what is most important. Not every student is going to be great at every subject, but on the other hand, not every student is going to be bad at every subject. When a student just cannot get it, the teacher needs to step in and acknowledge the student’s efforts. I am fortunate I had teachers that recognized my efforts and still made me enjoy something I struggled with.

In the end, I am very jealous for the people that are extremely creative. I wish I could have some of your talent, but hopefully with my students and clients I can come up with different ways of being creative that don’t deal with colors and paper.

How do I plan on leaving my "mark" on my students, clients, and profession?

I have had many amazing people and teachers leave memorable marks on me. Many people have made me the person I am today. They have taught me and shown me what it takes to be happy and successful in life. However, I would rather leave a mark on someone else. There are many things I strive to do, but to really make someone never forget me in a positive way is an amazing thing. Helping an individual overcome a problem in his/her life is something that makes life worth living.

Leaving a mark on someone is something a professional who works with others should strive for day in and day out. Not only am I trying to help a person overcome his/her communicative disorder, but I am helping the individual live a happier, worthwhile life.

In the profession of Speech Language Pathology, it is imperative I challenge myself to being the best possible SLP I can be. Knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life is my number one goal in my profession. I want my students and clients to look forward to coming to therapy with me and remembering me for how I helped them achieve their goals. Leaving a mark on every client I work with is crucial in my mind. I want each and every one of them to understand that I worked my hardest in trying to help them. I want them to remember that I pushed them that extra step in becoming a better communicator and left that mark on them for the rest of their lives.

Why do I want to be a SLP?

I feel that if I do not know the answer to this question than I probably should not be a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). This is the most important question I chose because of what it’s really asking; why do I want to spend the rest of my life helping people with communication disorders?

There are many things people have gone through that have made them the person they are today. These things can truly inspire someone to be something that will give them passion and drive in life. I never thought all my ear problems and surgeries would lead me to becoming a SLP, but in the end that is the only thing I can think of that will make me happy and give me a sense of fulfillment in life.

Having a communication problem is more than just saying s’s for th’s or wearing hearing aids. It’s a disorder that everyone sees and hears from the outside. Many cannot look past the disorder and see the real person. That’s where I as a SLP come in. My job is to try to help individuals overcome their disorder so they can go on with their lives. This world is too cruel for many people, so why live with a problem that is able to be overcome.

I am a passionate person and hard worker. When I know I can do something I put everything into that task with everything I have. I may not be the smartest or the quickest at first, but in the end I will never be defeated. Being a SLP is very similar. Whatever type of caseload, disorder, or client is put forth onto me I will strive for perfection and work my hardest on accomplishing the disability.