Thinking back to your undergraduate degree, which courses proved to be useful or essential to your success in the SLP program?
Courses in phonology and phonetics are so important. While I was taking phonology and phonetics during my undergrad degree, it all seemed so theoretical, but once I was in the SLP program my background in phonology had practical applications. Syntax courses are also very important. LING 322 – Syntax – is a prerequisite to the SLP program.
Because I wasn’t accepted to the SLP program the first time I applied, I took the opportunity to return to SFU and repeat a few LING courses. I repeated LING 322 and LING 330 to bring my grades up from a C+ in both to a B and A respectively. Repeating those courses was important not only to bring my grades up to par but also for my understanding of syntax and phonetics.
LING 415 – Neurolinguistics – is a prerequisite to the program that I took at SFU as well. Undergraduates at SFU should be sure to complete the prerequisites and talk to Rita if they need help with course planning.
How is the SLP program different from doing undergraduate work at SFU?
The SLP program is very different from doing undergrad work at SFU. It’s exhausting! At SFU I took 3-4 courses per semester and volunteered. But I learned early that the SLP program was going to be intense – in Semester 1, the cohort takes 7 classes, and in Semester 2, the cohort takes 9 classes. It’s a full time job. I didn’t work (employment) during my entire time in the program (and the coordinators discourage any student from working while in the program). My personal life definitely took a backseat. There are a lot of high expectations, assignments, and exams. But I loved it. My classmates were all like me – very keen, very interested. All of us were people who can take initiative and handle the intensity of the program.
You successfully completed the SLP program in the summer of 2016 and you are now working as an SLP. Now that you are working in the field, is it what you imagined?
Yes, I love my work! I work at VGH and also for a private practice. The patients I see have aphasia, dysarthria (speech sound disorder), and dysphagia (swallowing disorder). I practice strategies to help them communicate easier, such as exercises to improve weakness or paralysis that is effecting how the tongue moves, and spend a lot of time with their families and speech partners in an educator role. As an SLP you’re a resource person. You have to be comfortable talking not only with patients, but also the patient’s partners, families, caregivers and children. A big part of the job is compassion – just being present for the patient and the patient’s families and caregivers as they deal with a very upsetting situation. You also have to be comfortable working with a team of health care providers, making comprehensive treatment plans for each patient. The workday is very busy but I absolutely love my work!
Looking back on your time in the program, what was your biggest challenge? Biggest achievement?
My biggest challenge was the workload. It’s not hard work – I loved what I was studying – but it’s a lot of work. My biggest achievement: the externship placements gave me so many moments of, “Yes! This is why I am doing this!” In class, the patients are all theoretical. Then you get the opportunity to go out in the field and interact with these amazing people struggling to communicate and you learn that the SLP makes a real difference. Our techniques and strategies help people express themselves, and it is such rewarding work.