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
