Speech-Language Pathologist Personal Statement

Diligence and persistence provide opportunities for achievement. I thoroughly believe determination and willpower accompanied by a strong work ethic will set one up for success. My desire for becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist has encouraged and challenged me to utilize and expand my knowledge by participating in a variety of undergraduate opportunities. After completing my undergraduate coursework, I firmly believe I have developed the qualities and diligence to become an asset to the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate School at Southeast Missouri State University.

During my collegiate career, I volunteered at a summer literacy camp that was facilitated by my former professor, Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate. Camp Ujima was designed for low-income

Throughout this experience, I created a variety of lesson plans to target specific sounds and requests from the child using simple sign language. Volunteering in the preschool was an exciting experience that made me realize how important and successful our field is for children with disabilities. During this experience, I learned the importance of literacy skills and how it impacts our interactions with others, and I understood the role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in communication disorders. During the course of the semester, I was able to witness the progress in speech, language, and writing skills, in addition to creating positive relationships with the mentors and faculty. At the preschool, I witnessed children experiencing difficulty communicating with the child diagnosed with Down syndrome. Because she could not converse effectively, most children chose not to interact or relate to her feelings. Personally, I was saddened by the absence of interaction with peers. As a future clinician, I have accepted the challenge of educating individuals and providing awareness to the public about the obstacle of living with a communication disorder. This experience continues to encourage my goal of becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist, so I have the resources to provide opportunities for individuals to