Throughout my life, I have always known that I wanted to work in the healthcare field,

but I was conflicted because I also had a fascination with languages and was unsure of how to
combine the two. Just after I had submitted my applications to undergraduate schools, a
television special aired about Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was tragically
shot during a speech. The special focused on Ms. Giffords recovery with a strong emphasis on
her speech and language abilities. I was captivated by her therapy sessions and how the speech
pathologist was using Melodic Intonation Therapy to elicit speech. I immediately researched
speech-language pathology and decided that it was the perfect major for me because it combined
my two career interests.
Since then, I have become highly interested in learning about and working with individuals who
have aphasia. In my introductory classes, I was initially surprised by all of the career options. At
the time, I thought I wanted to work in a school setting, which led me to pursue a minor in
Special Education. Although my interests have changed, my minor has provided me with a
breadth of knowledge on how to work with individuals with severe cognitive and linguistic
deficits, much like people who are affected by aphasia. At the end of my freshman year, I took
my first linguistics class that sparked my interest in research, which has played a large role in
shaping my college career as well as my plans for the future. I started as a research assistant in
Penn States linguistics department focusing on the neurological processing of grammaticality
judgment tasks for monolinguals versus bilinguals during my sophomore year. I loved working
hands on in conducting research in this linguistics lab, but as my classes started to delve deeper
into communication disorders and therapy methods, my research interests shifted to a more
clinical perspective. I wanted to continue to help conduct neurolinguistic research, but with a
greater focus on treatment, specifically targeting the neurological deficits of aphasia. My
anatomy professor informed me about the Adult Neuroplasticity Laboratory led by Dr. Chaleece
Sandberg, and I decided to volunteer to learn more about aphasia and the restorative functions of
therapy.
Volunteering as a research assistant in the Adult Neuroplasticity Laboratory has furthered my
interest in providing therapy to individuals with language disorders, specifically adults affected
by aphasia. Therefore, I believe the best setting for me as a future clinician is in an inpatient or
outpatient rehabilitation center. I cannot imagine going through life having the ability to
communicate freely and independently and then suddenly having that ability disappear because
of a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, such as Gabby Giffords experience. Seeing cases like
hers and knowing that I will be able to help improve an individuals communication abilities is
incredible. Being able to promote independence and alleviate frustration for patients and
caregivers would be an incredibly meaningful and fulfilling vocation. Once I work for a few
years in the field and gain some clinical experience, I can see myself applying these clinical
insights in a research-centric career by acquiring a Ph.D. That way, I can contribute research to
find effective evidence-based therapy methods for individuals with aphasia.
As I have moved between research labs, I developed the ability to advocate for my ideas and in
turn, myself. Because I lacked the confidence, I always doubted my abilities and my knowledge.
Through my experiences with research and being able to work one on one with professors and
graduate students, I have become significantly more confident, although there is always room for
improvement. In furthering my education, I will be able to strengthen my confidence in my

ability to effectively assist individuals with communication deficits as well as my confidence in

advocating for my patients needs and well being. I will always let my passion for speechlanguage pathology help me seek out opportunities to further my education. From the moment
Giffords inspirational story sparked my excitement, it has never waned and I know it never will.
I believe that obtaining a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology will help me meet my
goals and strengthen my confidence in becoming a competent clinician. This incredible
opportunity will give me the experience needed to think critically in the field and to challenge
non-evidence-based practices.