Confessions of a Stockton Graduate Student: The Final Countdown......

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

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Laura

Hello there, I’m Laura! I grew up in southern New Jersey and still live there today. I fell in love with Stockton when I was a senior in high school. When I saw the famous Lake Fred for the first time, I knew this was the school for me! I graduated with my Bachelor of Health Science in the Spring of 2017. I was lucky enough to continue my education at Stockton, and I am now working towards my Master of Science in Communication Disorders. Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to pick a profession where I could help my community. My passion for working with children led me to discover the wonderful world of Speech-Language Pathology! I love reading, going to the beach, and spending time with my family and friends. As challenging as graduate school will be, I am looking forward to where this journey will take me!

Amanda

Hi guys! My name's Amanda. I'm from North Jersey but pursued my degree at Stockton to get out of my comfort zone. I chose Stockton specifically because they offered a Dual Degree program, allowing me to graduate with my BA and MA in Criminal Justice in just five years. I'm currently in my last semester and hope to move to New York to potentially get my law degree! I have a passion for victim's and civil rights, and hope to some day run my own non-profit to provide services to victims of any and all crimes. All of the sleepless nights and countless internship hours will be worth it!

Eric

Hi! My names Eric and I am from a town in South Jersey that is right outside of Philadelphia. I have loved my time at Stockton ever since I first came here in 2009. I have returned to my alma mater to pursue my Master of Business Administration degree. I enjoy running, working out, playing any sport, the beach, and relaxing with my family. Some of my favorite memories have been made right here at Stockton, on Lake Fred and Lake Pam. Stockton helped make me the man I am today, and for that I am so grateful. I am excited to be back in school, but I know that it takes hard work and dedication to be successful in any aspect. It’s time to embrace the challenge!

Stephanie

Hey there! My name is Stephanie. I’m a local Stockton student so I was fortunate to grow up watching the campus evolve. I graduated in Spring 2016 with my Bachelor of Social Work. Once again, Stockton just felt like the right choice so here I am pursuing my degree in the Master of Social Work program. I will be at this lovely University for another year. I enjoy reading books, cooking, traveling, and staying up to date with current events around the world. I fell in love with Social Work three years ago and I hope to make a change, big or small. Obtaining a masters will definitely be tiring and a little nerve-wracking. In the end, we get the degree that allows us to go forward and do what we love. If you truly love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life!

Matt

Hello! My name is Matt. I am from north New Jersey, but fell in love with Stockton when I came for a tour as a senior in high school. I recently graduated from Stockton in spring 2016 and have decided to pursue my Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security this fall. I enjoy singing, being around my family, working out, and rooting on my favorite sports teams. Stockton has been my home since 2012 and I am looking forward to 2 more years of further education. The amount of time and effort needed to achieve a masters can be tiring, but remember to always have faith in the process!

Stephanie

Hi! My name is Stephanie. I am from north jersey, but made my way down here for undergrad at Stockton. I enjoy working out, crafting, reading, and traveling. After graduating in May of 2015, I was fortunate enough to continue my education at Stockton. As an undergrad I majored in Health Sciences with a concentration in Communication Disorders. Now, I am currently in the Master of Science in Communication Disorders program. Stockton has given me the opportunity to meet amazing people and great friends. Being in this program makes me excited to see where the future will take me and give me the opportunity to help others. All the studying, homework, and hard work will be worth it in the end!