SLP Master’s Student: Growth and Change
UBC Speech Sciences Graduation in 2018
*This was written as a guest post for Mrs. Speechie P’s blog. To check this post out on her site click here.
I remember the feeling when I first received my Speech-Language Pathology acceptance at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Relief. Joy. Overwhelmed. I discovered my passion for speech-language pathology while completing my undergrad in Speech Sciences at UBC and becoming an SLP was an unwavering goal. Applying to Master’s programs across Canada was frightening, stressful - and exciting? I was starting a new chapter in my life. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. When I received the letter saying that I would become a speech-language pathologist (SLP), I was stunned. At that time, it was all I could ever want. I called my sister, Kaleigh, unable to wait to tell her this news. I’m not sure if she or I was more excited, but we’ve always been very close – sharing our successes and failures. From that conversation she made me feel that I deserved my acceptance and not to let imposter syndrome take over. I still vividly remember that conversation with my sister every time I go through exams, challenging classes and clinical placements. It’s something I will continue to remind myself throughout my years as a clinician. I deserve to be a speech-language pathologist. And I’m proud of everything I have accomplished.
The first year of SLP was a busy, stressful, overwhelming blur. I cried after the first week because of the heavy course load, the number of classes (15 classes?!) and the never-ending readings. Not to mention, the dreaded physics class for my audiology minor - I thought I left that in undergrad! I was a ball of anxiety; but I just barrelled forward. And it actually got easier and easier as the weeks and months progressed. The second term of my first year went much smoother – for at least several weeks. As soon as I had begun to foster a belief that I truly belong in this program, a new theme began to emerge in my thoughts – doubt. I found myself asking “Do I want this?” “Should I have considered medicine like my sister?” “I really liked the dentistry guest speakers; should I have considered dentistry instead?” These feelings were confusing and strange because up until that point I had only ever had my eyes on SLP - my number one passion.
These doubts dwindled away when I began my first clinical placement. The first several months of the program was (understandably) theory. I had almost forgotten my love for SLP because I hadn’t done hands-on clinical work in what seemed an eternity! My first placement reinforced everything I love about SLP. I worked with preschool and school-aged children and had an amazing Clinical Educator. She had such a kind, warm presence that children (and I) gravitated towards. Most importantly, she seemed to genuinely take an interest in my learning style and goals. There are too many adjectives that can be used to describe her: intelligent, well-rounded, down-to-earth, genuine. A mentor that I aspired to become for others once I finished graduate school. She volunteered in her community, nurtured her own hobbies, was very involved in her children’s lives, and had an incredible way with children.
My second placement was in an acute care setting focused on adult rehabilitation, stroke recovery, and dysphagia. I felt apprehensive about this placement because I didn’t think I would enjoy working in a hospital setting. Previously, I only ever dreamed about working with cute toddlers in a quaint clinic. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Working with vulnerable adults in a field that is undoubtedly important in acute care was incredibly rewarding. I felt lucky to make meaningful connections with patients and I truly believed that I made a difference in their day. I vividly remember one patient who was in the Neuro Critical Care Unit after suffering a stroke. She was kind-hearted and always had a positive outlook on her stay. Her optimism was contagious, and I made sure to visit her every day. Even if not doing anything “SLP” related, I could tell that my visits, even brief, were meaningful to us both. She told me that I was an angel (so kind!) and I will always remember her fondly.
Second year involved transitioning to more clinical practice. Half of my week were in classes, while the other half was spent at my placement. My placement was in a private practice clinic with complex cases, including children with autism It was interesting because for my previous two placements I felt more anxious of the “unknown.” Going into my third placement I felt more at peace knowing that all I could do was be prepared and try my best. Most importantly, I knew that I belonged and was confident in my abilities. The placement flew by and I learned and grew exponentially as a clinician.
As I head into my final term of coursework and last clinical placement of my SLP program, I can’t help but reflect on all of my experiences that helped me grow as a clinician, and as a person. I have learned that self-care is non-negotiable, and people’s definition of self-care will always be different. I have learned that punctuality is non-optional and making mistakes and asking questions are important to growing as a clinician. Nobody is perfect, and nobody should aim for perfection. Learning from mistakes and ensuring that every day is used to become better, even slightly, is more important than anything. I am committing myself to be a lifelong learner, which is exciting in itself. I have learned that parents are the experts of their children. I have learned that the wait-and-see approach is outdated. I have learned that empathy is not to be underestimated when working with vulnerable patients. I have learned that my patients are most often my greatest teachers. And I have learned that working with children and adults on their speech, language and communication is incredibly rewarding and an honour to have as a profession.
Looking forward, I feel excited and confident in this career path. I have dreams of starting my own SLP private practice clinic in the future. Coming from an entrepreneurial family, I am intrigued by being able to be my own boss. I can control my caseload and spend as much time doing the career I love, as well as with my family and hobbies (1/2 marathon coming up!). As mentioned, my perception of hospital-based SLP practice dramatically changed over the course of my program, and there is always a possibility that I venture more into that area. SLP offers many avenues to make a rewarding career, and for that I am grateful.
A quote I recently came across that I felt is important to leave on: “Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.”
Note: This post was written as a guest blog post for Mrs. Speechie P’s website. To view the post on her website click here.
