Speech Language Pathologist Essay

I became inspired to become a speech-language pathologist when I first watched the film, Paulie. This film depicted a small girl, named Marie that had a speech impediment, which caused her to stutter. In order to improve Marie’s speech her mother would pronounce certain sounds and practice daily with her. While watching this film I began to realize that there is a number of individuals in our population that have different speech impairments. As I noticed how the character of Marie struggled with her speech impairment I sought to research the different treatments for individuals similar to Marie, and came across speech therapy and speech-language pathologists. I have always been fascinated by language and how it is essential in communication. I view speech-language pathologists as having a major role in helping

individuals communicate effectively with others around them.
During my years as an undergraduate linguistics major I have acquired knowledge about the different issues individuals face when articulating certain sounds and words. For example, speech-language pathologists not only assist an individual to speak clearly, but rather, provide a further analysis of their speech impairment. This analysis involves evaluating speech, language, swallowing, feeding, oral abilities, and cognitive-communication to assess the type of communication problem and the best method for treatment. As an undergraduate, I also had the privilege to observe a speech-language pathologist while I tutored with University Eastside Community Collaborative AmeriCorps at a Riverside elementary school. Each day the speech-language pathologist would gather a certain amount of students from each grade level and work in small groups to improve their speech. After each session I would approach the speech-language pathologist and inquire information about the responsibilities this career entails. I learned through discussing with the speech-language pathologist that there are a variety of strategies designed for individuals to overcome their difficulties with speech impairments. Through these essential findings it further sparked my interest in the field of becoming a speech-language pathologist.
Being part of UECC AmeriCorps has provided me with the privilege of interacting with a speech-language pathologist. I had first hand interaction and participated in observing lessons with students. I was able to acquire some knowledge as to the necessary lessons to implement for speech improvement. The encounters and observations I had with the speech therapist included asking questions that were aimed in inquiring about the manner in which she conducted her lessons. There are a variety of strategies that are designed for students to overcome their difficulties that are related with a specific disorder. A specific strategy that I had the privilege in observing was the involvement of interacting with a child by helping the student learn how to pronounce certain sounds with the use of pictures, books, or objects. The speech-language pathologist used this method in order to build speech and language skills with the student. Another therapy I witnessed was a variety of oral exercises that involved facial massage and various tongue, lip, and jaw exercises. This technique was used in order to strengthen the muscles of the mouth. I believe that these techniques are necessary for students who have speech impediments. I noticed that when students are provided with a visual to follow and a friendly environment it allows for improvement. Students feel that they are able to grow and develop. These few observations on certain techniques further justified my interest in acquiring more knowledge in the areas of communication disorders. I want to be able to help and assist students to reach their fullest potential and know that they are receiving exceptional aid in their road to improvement.
As an undergraduate linguistics major at the University of California, Riverside I had the privilege to experience one of the best rewarding times of my life. Attending UCR, I was introduced to a diverse learning and social opportunity that influenced my professional and personal growth. Since I enjoyed working with children I began to become involved in a series of community service opportunities that helped contribute to my learning. I was provided with opportunities that involved helping students and individuals in the Eastside location of Riverside. I was inspired to continue serving students with special needs through my experiences with the organization known as UECC AmeriCorps and the academic knowledge I received while attending UCR as a linguistics major. As a speech-language pathologist, I aim to provide my students with a positive attitude in order to encourage their academic success and social development. I believe that with motivation and a secure environment every student has the potential for growth and can become academically successful. I am driven to help every student meet their fullest capacity for success, through assisting specific skills that will facilitate learning opportunities and permit a positive change in their educational life. I am determined to bring consistency and attentiveness to my career, and inspire such traits in every one of my students. The experiences I have attained have helped me realize that there are a growing number of families seeking speech therapy for their children.
A significant opportunity in specific that I participated as an undergraduate student with the UECC AmeriCorps organization was my involvement in helping individuals advance in core areas in their learning. This included helping children that were performing basic to improve to proficient or advance placement in the areas of English and Mathematics. The assistance I offered to these students became important for their advancement because it provided them with an opportunity to relearn subjects and topics they were struggling in. I provided them with individual sessions as well as group sessions that were aimed in improving areas they were struggling in. This allowed for the students to be guided to a successful learning opportunity. I noticed that through the aid I provided the students with they were motivated to learn and grow because someone provided them an opportunity that led them in the right direction. I intend to accomplish the same motivation and inspirational help as a speech-language pathologist. I want to inspire students and individuals to know they can reach success with beneficial techniques. I will implement these students with the motivation for achievement and personal growth to aspire to a better future.
Another involvement in the organization of UECC AmeriCorps that has motivated me to pursue a master’s degree with special needs as a speech-language pathologist would be my contribution outside of the classroom. It was my participation in food banks and community service events in Riverside. My participation in the Second Food Harvest Bank located in Riverside provided me with an insight into other opportunities of aiding individuals. Also, I was able to appreciate the work individuals at the food bank perform. This was a beneficial opportunity that I would of not been able to receive without my participation in UECC AmeriCorps. Another beneficial opportunity with this organization was my participation in community service events. These event were rewarding and provided me with an appreciation of the essential planning needed for some events called Tot Olympics, Easter Egg Hunt, and community beautification events in Riverside. These events have made me a well-rounded student who values the time and effort others provide. Also, I value being a part of a program that helps individuals and their community because it has motivated me to help others in different areas.
These events have furthered my main aim to become a speech-language pathologist that will guide my students with a stimulating view to improve and further develop socially and academically. I believe that with an environment that is motivated and secure every student is able to grow academically and become successful. By aiding in specific skills that will improve the students learning and create a positive change in their education it will allow the student to meet their fullest capacity for learning. I also aim in providing my services to individuals that are less fortunate. My goal is to inspire others with the motivation to improve their speech. Also, I want individuals to know that specialists are able to provide a knowledgeable and superb assistance.
Through my ambition, I am motivated to become an effective language and speech pathologist in order to assist students with the means and skills essential to improve their academic success.

I am determined to bring consistency and attentiveness to my job, and inspire such traits in every one of my students. The experiences I have attained have helped me realize that there are guardians and parents seeking special educational services for their children. My involvement in UECC AmeriCorps has provided me with essential learning techniques and patience. I know that not every student learns the same way and there are various students that have different methods of learning. My observations with the speech-language pathologist have provided me with an insight to the necessary requirements that are involved in making lessons. Also, I have a further knowledge about specific techniques that are aimed in aiding students in areas they struggling in. With my motivation for the field of Education and Linguistics I will be able to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist, because it will expose me to execute my goals with students in need of my

support.