Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Starting The Summer Out Strong

      My summer course “Speech-Language Pathology in the School Setting” officially began last night. This course is being taught by Dr. Hernandez, who is another one of my favorite professors. I am excited about this course because it is more interactive and hands on. We are going to get to create an IEP plan for a mock client, pretend we are new SLP’s and make a schedule for a 68 client caseload and a budget for new supplies that we will need, and our final project is to make a portfolio that we can use for potential job interviews. All of these assignments are very practical for the field and will definitely help us when we venture off on our own after graduation. The course is only 7 weeks, which means I will be a very busy girl until June 25th

      In addition to my summer course starting, I have officially been assigned my very first client and I am ecstatic. I can’t wait to begin. My Pinterest Board has been overflowing with pins and ideas that I can use. Furthermore, I also started volunteering at the ARC of Egg Harbor Township with one of the Special Education Masters Courses. We go there once a week and work with the clients. I am very excited for this experience, we get to help the clients learn new things that they are interested in and are functional for their daily lives. Plus, we work with them on hobbies that they enjoy and will help us truly get to know them. For example, my group wants to learn how to balance a checkbook, how to text, make arts and crafts, paint, karaoke, and cook. Every week one group cooks dinner, my group will be cooking spaghetti and meatballs with brownies and ice cream for dessert when it is our turn, they are very excited about this.

     This summer is going to be a busy one for sure between working in The Office of Graduate & Continuing Studies, having my classes (“Speech-Language Pathology in the School Setting” starting now and “Audiology” starting in July), working with my client twice a week, and volunteering at the ARC. Even though it will be busy, I am beyond excited and grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences this summer is going to provide me. There is no greater feeling than loving what you do, being surrounded by great people, and being one step closer to your dream!


                                                                                                                   -Jessica 

Monday, May 11, 2015

Second Semester Down.... Now to Tackle Summer Courses


       It seems like just yesterday I started out on this journey with my incredible cohort. It is crazy to think that we have officially completed our second semester of Graduate School, time is truly flying by. Two semesters down and only five more go until I officially have my Masters of Science in Communication Disorders!

     Now that my second semester is done, I am enjoying my three weeks of freedom until my summer courses, clinical practicum, and volunteering at the ARC begin. I am beyond excited to begin my very first clinical practicum at the Stockton Speech & Hearing Clinic and have my very own clients.

I hope everyone has a great summer! Stay tuned for updates on my journey through my first clinical practicum, classes, and volunteering at the ARC this summer.

                                                                              -Jessica