Rachel is currently finishing up the classes she needs for her major in linguistics, minor in psychology, and certificate in the linguistics of speech science. She is expected to complete the degree requirements at the end of the summer and receive her degree in fall of 2020. Rachel has been accepted into the UBC Master of Science program in Audiology for Fall 2020.

What is the story behind your decision to pursue linguistics?

When beginning my undergraduate degree, I chose to study linguistics because I already had an interest in pursuing audiology. After learning that audiology draws heavily from linguistics, I registered in LING 220 Introduction to Linguistics. The professor, Anne Rimrott, began our first lecture with the question, “What makes language unique?” She had us propose ideas for what is considered a language and what disqualifies a form of communication from being a language. I was a shy first-year student, scared of contributing my own ideas, but I listened in awe to the other students’ comments and left that first lecture with the question swirling around in my mind. Language was something I used every day, but did I even know what language was? I was dumbfounded, but eager to learn more.

What attracted you to the field of Audiology?

I have always admired medical professions that have a direct impact on others’ well-being. Yet despite a desire to aid others in a health-related capacity, I wasn’t sure what that might look like for me. As I studied linguistics, I came to appreciate the complexity of language and, in turn, the detrimental consequences of communication and hearing disorders. I realized that what I take for granted – even something as simple as a conversation – can be considered a luxury for others. Thus, I decided to pursue audiology because I wanted to play a part in helping others recover their communication abilities.

A big aspect of Audiology applications seems to be volunteer experience. What kind of volunteer experience did you have? How did this experience relate to your goal?

Over the past couple of years, I have volunteered as a research assistant in the Phonological Processing Lab, directed by Dr. Ashley Farris-Trimble. Through working in the Phono Lab, I have gained a deeper understanding of how research is conducted, from formulating a research question and designing an experiment to gathering data and analyzing results. Since research is crucial for informing clinical practice, I’m sure that this experience will positively impact my effectiveness as a future audiologist. I was also fortunate enough to work with a speech group through the Stroke Recovery Association of B.C. This volunteer experience allowed me to meet stroke survivors, many of whom have aphasia, and to personally be a part of their recovery process. Other forms of volunteering that are not directly related to audiology, such as various involvement with clubs and church ministries, have also been influential in shaping my communication and leadership skills.

INFLUENTIAL COURSES

• LING 220: Introduction to Linguistics

• LING 330: Phonetics