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What made me want to be a Speech and Language Therapist?
I wanted to do something practical with my interest in language. Studying Speech and Language Sciences at UCL helped me to expand upon that knowledge, and apply it in a way that is beneficial to others. I have always wanted to leave a positive impact, and this is my way to do it.
Did your initial interests change when on the course?
When on the course, my focus began to change more towards neurological disorders, and feeding and swallowing difficulties. The research element of the course was challenging, but I have found it to be beneficial. Since, graduating I have done my own private research, and I don’t think I would have been able to do that without taking this course at UCL.
What has it been like since graduation?
Well, my path following graduation was a little bit different from my peers, since I went back to the United States to practice following graduation. I was able to translate my MSc in the UK to work back home in Texas. Since coming home, I’ve been able to work in hospitals, schools, and even in the community. These environments all have different perks and challenges.
I currently work in the community specializing in paediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. I’ve had the ability to see a wide range of clients: premature babies just discharged from the hospital, children battling cancer, Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injury, and so on. Everyday can be different, requiring a lot of adapting depending upon the client’s mood.
This is especially true for those who have acquired injuries, because there are some elements of counseling that are very important. We aren’t just treating a disorder, but a person. Studying at UCL helped me prepare for that. It is amazing to see a client’s joy when s/he is able to say a new word, or use an alternative form of communication to request something s/he wants.
I also like being able to work with a wide range of clients. I work part time at a neurological rehabilitation hospital treating clients who have suffered a stroke or other acquired brain injury. It honestly isn’t dull too often with work. There was one week where I was able to work with a 1 month old and a 80+ year-old. It definitely provides a different understanding and appreciation of the value of life not matter the age of the person.
I also have been able to involve myself with supervising and training other therapists. This has been challenging in different ways and a great learning experience. When trying to organize myself to train another therapist, I actually tried to mirror some of the ways I was trained at UCL. We need more therapists in the field who have a passion to help others.
In essence, since graduating from UCL it’s been a bit of an adventure with work. But, never truly dull because of the wide variety of opportunity I have had to work in different areas and with different people. Going to UCL to get this degree was one of the best investments I have made in myself and for my career.