25 4 / 2012
a different kind of free.: If there's anything I wanna be.
If there’s anything I want to be as an SLP.
As me.
As a human being.
It is a voice and advocate for those who can’t voice or advocate for themselves.
And for those that can, I promise to stand by their side and support them in whatever way I can.
I promise to fight for the rights, respect,…
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25 4 / 2012
SCHOOL DEBT!!
I feel really stuck.
I’ll be graduating with a pretty much useless Bachelor’s in Linguistics, with a minor in Psychology, next week. My student loans are at about $25,000, and I gross less than that. Not horrifically less, but less. I know over the next 5-10 years I could get raises, use tax…
Agreed on all accounts.
Most of the current students in my major are planning on either working as SLPAs for a few years to cut down on the debt, going into grad school for a totally different major (child development, psychology, physical therapy, gerontology, special education, occupational therapy, etc.) or moving to a state where the school districts/companies will help pay for your grad school in exchange for your services once you’re in your CFY or have your CCCs. Moving to the midwest is also an option and the pay is higher for speech paths in rural areas because of the low number of SPs available out there. A few of my classmates are also considering moving to Australia and doing there undergrad over again just so they can get certified in four years. You could also consider taking online grad courses or going to an un-accredited program while they receive their accredation.
I know none of this is the kind of information you are looking for, but I thought I’d throw this out there considering there are a lot of us in this same exact position.
Hey, moving to Australia sounds choice :)
I appreciate the post, I really do. It’s nice to know that my concerns are valid, and it makes me feel better that I have a grasp on what I may be getting myself into. I bash myself for over thinking things, but there’s something to be said for having an idea of what lies ahead!
I’ve checked into doing the SLPA gig, but I don’t believe Michigan is really one of the states that has that as a profession. I could be totally wrong, but I couldn’t find any information.
I’m curious as to why your peers would go to grad school for a different major? Just changed their mind, or is there a strategy involved?
Thanks again :)Two schools of thought. One to keep themselves “busy” and look better for grad schools in speech pathology when they re-apply. That sounds really impractical to me but it’s their money I suppose. The other half has decided they are not cut out for speech pathology and would like to pursue a different career choice. Apparently, other grad schools love our major because speech pathology students tend to be well-rounded in research practices, statistics, linguistics, education, psychology, biology, anatomy, and special education.
Makes sense! I wish them, you, and myself the best of luck in this treacherous journey through higher education :)
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01 2 / 2012
February is black history month and I would like to call attention to the National Black Association for Speech-Language & Hearing (NBASLH pronounced “in bahz la”). They are an organization founded in Washington D.C., June 30, 1978. The committee wanted to establish a viable mechanism through which the professional needs of the black professionals, students, and the community could meet.
PURPOSES OF NBASLH
1. PROMOTE an increase in the number of certified Black speech-language and hearing professionals.
2. PROMOTE improvement in the quality of speech-language and hearing services of the Black communicatively handicapped.
3. PROMOTE the research and development of a body of knowledge of the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of the Black communicatively handicapped.
4. SOLICIT and provide financial support for the training of Black students in the fields of speech-language and hearing.
5. BE AN ADVOCATE for the Black communicatively handicapped at the local, state, and national levels.
6. DISSEMINATE INFORMATION among the professions and to the public on communication differences and disorders among Blacks.
-For students in my shoes, they have an intensive PRAXIS preparation class that is offered annually, as well as scholarships. I had the pleasure of meeting two of the board members at ASHA Philadelphia 2010: Arnell Brady and Dr. Michelle Norman, both which were very pleasant and informative in regards to school and the field, in general.
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01 2 / 2012
“Her name is WHAT?!”
In honor of Beyonce and baby Blue Ivy Carter, the topic of names came about and how parents fail to realize, although cute, how difficult it is for children to articulate their OWN name, especially with a speech impediment.
Now, I do realize that we don’t know what cards are going to be dealt to us or our children but when being “creative” let’s keep this in mind. I can’t tell you how many times I get a child in class (early intervention) or therapy and depending on their diagnosis and skill level, first thing we MUST work on is, you guessed it, their name.
Just food for though.
01 2 / 2012
a different kind of free.: Dear State Board of Examiners for SLP/AuD...
“As an Assistant:
‘I certify that I understand that I DO NOT have a caseload; I help manage my approved supervisor’s caseload.’”
BS
I CALL BS
Really? I don’t have a caseload?
Pretty sure I plan all my therapy sessions. Alone.
Pretty sure I have to modify goals while staying within the…
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10 1 / 2012
a different kind of free.: 5 Months In - An honest letter
The one thing that practicum or “externship” as I guess a lot of people call it does not realistically portray is the real length of treatment periods. Everything seems oh-so-easy when you work with a kid for three months, write a final eval and then hand him off to the next clinician in line. But…
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