Tuesday, December 22, 2015

That's a Wrap!



         It's official the Fall semester is officially completed! Now, it is time to enjoy some much needed relaxation and family/friend time over this winter break. I hope everyone has a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season, see you in 2016 for the Spring semester!

-Jessica

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Graduate Research Symosium




Each semester The School of Graduate & Continuing Studies hosts a Graduate Research Symposium. This is an evening filed with some wonderful presentations of graduate students' research, capstone projects, and scholarship. Not to mention refreshments and great company! If you are a Stockton Graduate Student and interested is presenting your work at the next Graduate Research Symposium this spring please visit  http://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=73&pageID=323.



Here are some highlights from this semester's Graduate Research Symposium!









-Jessica 

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Stockton's Speech & Hearing Clinic

       One of the many wonderful benefits of pursuing your Master's of Science in Communication Disorders at Stockton University is our Speech & Hearing Clinic. The clinic is conveniently located 5 minutes away from Stockton's main campus on Jimmie Leads Road.

Stockton Speech & Hearing Clinic Video


More information about the Stockton Speech & Hearing Clinic


Purpose

The major role of the Speech and Hearing Clinic is to introduce students to hands-on therapeutic techniques in speech-language and audiological disorders by providing a supervised learning experience in which to offer services to the community. Each student is expected to complete specified direct clock hours of observation, therapy, and evaluation. Certified members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association closely supervise all students.
The Speech and Hearing Clinic is a function of the degree programs in Speech Pathology and Audiology at Stockton University. The clinic has two major purposes:
  • To serve as a training ground for students who are preparing to become speech-language pathologists
  • To provide therapeutic and diagnostic services for children and adults with disorders of communication
Clinic Services

The services of Stockton University Speech and Hearing Clinic are of two kinds: evaluation of speech, language, and hearing; and rehabilitation for those who need such help. 

Evaluations are conducted on an individual basis. As a result of the evaluation, a client may be enrolled in therapy, referred for additional testing, or referred to other resources.
Therapy sessions are performed by graduate students who work under the careful supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Clients are seen once or twice a week for individual 50 minute sessions. 


      Students in Stockton's MSCD program complete their first clinical practicum at the clinic under direct supervision of ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologists. I can say from experience, clinic I is what gave me my true confidents as a clinician. I had an amazing supervisor, challenging clients, and learned more than ever imaginable. Ironically, I am still using things I learned with my school-aged clients in my current geriatric population.








 For more information on the Stockton Speech & Hearing Clinic please visit:

Website: http://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=168&pageID=53
Facebook: Stockton Speech & Hearing Clinic

                                                                                           -Jessica



Friday, December 4, 2015

The Final Countdown......




           It is hard to believe that in almost 9 months (pending I pass my praxis and comprehensive program examination lol fingers crossed) I will be a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist! My cohort found out earlier this month that we have the option to graduate this August or stay on our regular track for December. I have chosen to graduate this August. I chose this route for a few reasons: 1.) money, this will save me a whole semester of having to pay out of pocket for additional fees and possibly increased tuition. 2.) That final fall semester I would only be taking one class which seems silly to me. 3.) I will now be able to start my Clinical Fellowship in September verses January. This will not only allow me to finish sooner, but there will more opportunities (especially in schools). 4.) Finally, the obvious. I have been in school for a total of 18 going on 19 years, and as much as I love it I am ready to start my career and the next chapter of my life!

I know this route will not be easily but, I know it will be worth it. Next semester, I will be taking 1 core course, 2 electives, and completing my final clinical practicum in a school setting along with a class component. This summer, I will be taking a total of 3 courses, studying for my comprehensive program examination (which I will be taking in August), and studying for my praxis. In addition, I will be back in the office of Graduate & Continuing Studies which I CANNOT WAIT FOR, I miss my grad family!


When I think about the next couple of months I could cry inside of panic, stress, anxiety, and more. However, I know I am not in it alone. Other people in my cohort have chosen this option as well and we have already been taking about have study groups, wine nights, sleepovers, and more. The support of my cohort and family is what will help keep me pushing forward. Furthermore, the reward after it all is the real prize. Every day I will get to change/improve people’s lives and make a true impact on them. That feeling alone is motivation enough!

-Jessica 

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Scholarships 101 at Stockton




As a Stockton student we have the opportunity to apply for Foundation Scholarships through the Stockton Foundation.

 What exactly is the Stockton Foundation?

The Stockton University Scholarship Program is administered by the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs in conjunction with the Office of Enrollment Management. The scholarship program, made possible by both University funding and private donations to the Stockton University Foundation, provides awards to outstanding freshmen, upperclassmen and graduate students. Awards to upperclassmen and graduate students are determined by a presidential-appointed Scholarship Selection Committee. This Committee includes representatives of the faculty, administration, and Board of Directors of the Stockton University Foundation.

Who can apply for these scholarships?
Qualified students may apply to the Scholarship Program on an annual basis. Successful applicants exhibit high academic achievement as well as leadership and service to the University and community. Award recipients maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and are fully matriculated students.

This year’s application process information:
The Stockton University Foundation application process for the 2016-2017 academic year will begin Friday, January 29 and remain open until Tuesday, March 29. Qualified students will receive a link to apply online starting Friday, January 29, 2016.

Link to the Foundation Scholarship website: https://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=221&pageID=243


My Foundation Scholarship Story  

I was beyond fortunate to have graduated with a Bachelors of Arts from Stockton in 2014 with minimal debt. Thanks to my parents starting a college fund for me when I was little, and being able to financially support me throughout my undergraduate career. This allowed me to solely focus on my education, and fully immersing myself in all that Stockton had to offer.

However, when it came time to paying for graduate school, I knew it was on me. I was beyond blessed to have received a graduate assistantship through the office of graduate and continuing studies during my first year of graduate school. During my spring semester of my first year though, the fear of money really began to set in. This is when I knew I needed to look for additional recourse. This is when, I applied for the Stockton Foundation Scholarships. For the first time I felt worthy enough of these awards, and knew I had the academic achievements to even begin to be considered. I am currently in my second year of the Masters of Science in Communication Disorders program, which means I am completing my clinical externships and unable to work. Additionally, I am taking 12 credits which has greatly increased my tuition. This year I received two foundation scholarships, and was selected to be the student speaker to represent The School of Graduate & Continuing Studies. These scholarships mean more to me than words could ever express. These awards helped take the financial burden off of myself and my family, have kept me from having to take out a private loan this semester, as my federal aid didn’t fully cover my tuition, and most of all they have put me at ease. 


If you are Stockton student I strongly encourage you to apply. If you are not a Stockton student see what opportunities your college/university offers for you. Applying/asking questions take no time and can lead you your goal!


Highlights from the scholarship dinner this year!









-Jessica