SLP 101

Thank you, I greatly appreciate it! I do always enjoy learning...

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:15:35 -0400

Thank you, I greatly appreciate it!

I do always enjoy learning about what SLP grad students did to stand out in their application. Volunteer/work experiences, GPA, letters of recommendation, etc.
I have a good grasp on what to do, but new ideas are always helpful.

So, if you ever feel like divulging that… :)

popslp: How It Feels to Have a Stroke: a neuroscientist...

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:03:33 -0400

popslp:

How It Feels to Have a Stroke: a neuroscientist describes her experience with having a stroke

This video was shown to us in my Cognitive Psychology course; I thought it was a fascinating perspective to share.

That was my understanding as well. And, so long as I’m in...

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:41:51 -0400

That was my understanding as well. And, so long as I’m in Michigan, that will be the case. Even if there are opportunities here to work as a SLPA, I’d have to think they are very limited.

I’ll keep it in mind if I move to a different state :P

Debt

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:35:41 -0400

Debt:

arcane-demesne:

slp101:

arcane-demesne:

slp101:

I feel really stuck.

I’ll be graduating with a pretty much useless Bachelor’s in Linguistics, with a minor in Psychology, next week. My student loans are at about $25,000, and I gross less than that. Not horrifically less, but less. I know over the next 5-10 years I could get raises, use tax…

Agreed on all accounts.

Most of the current students in my major are planning on either working as SLPAs for a few years to cut down on the debt, going into grad school for a totally different major (child development, psychology, physical therapy, gerontology, special education, occupational therapy, etc.) or moving to a state where the school districts/companies will help pay for your grad school in exchange for your services once you’re in your CFY or have your CCCs. Moving to the midwest is also an option and the pay is higher for speech paths in rural areas because of the low number of SPs available out there. A few of my classmates are also considering moving to Australia and doing there undergrad over again just so they can get certified in four years. You could also consider taking online grad courses or going to an un-accredited program while they receive their accredation.

I know none of this is the kind of information you are looking for, but I thought I’d throw this out there considering there are a lot of us in this same exact position.

Hey, moving to Australia sounds choice :)
I appreciate the post, I really do. It’s nice to know that my concerns are valid, and it makes me feel better that I have a grasp on what I may be getting myself into. I bash myself for over thinking things, but there’s something to be said for having an idea of what lies ahead!
I’ve checked into doing the SLPA gig, but I don’t believe Michigan is really one of the states that has that as a profession. I could be totally wrong, but I couldn’t find any information.
I’m curious as to why your peers would go to grad school for a different major? Just changed their mind, or is there a strategy involved?
Thanks again :)

Two schools of thought. One to keep themselves “busy” and look better for grad schools in speech pathology when they re-apply. That sounds really impractical to me but it’s their money I suppose. The other half has decided they are not cut out for speech pathology and would like to pursue a different career choice. Apparently, other grad schools love our major because speech pathology students tend to be well-rounded in research practices, statistics, linguistics, education, psychology, biology, anatomy, and special education.

Makes sense! I wish them, you, and myself the best of luck in this treacherous journey through higher education :)

I see! That’s great :D I take it you do work directly...

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:19:34 -0400

I see! That’s great :D

I take it you do work directly related to the SLP field, then?
Here in Michigan you can be a substitute teacher if you have Bachelor’s in anything… that’s about it! ;)

And thank you for your appreciation :) I’m pretty excited to graduate on April 29th, so I can take part in more volunteer opportunities. It’s always the highlight of my day.

I am reflecting upon my recent post, and would just like to say that my fiance - and anyone else...

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:15:00 -0400

I am reflecting upon my recent post, and would just like to say that my fiance - and anyone else like him - is a jerk.

Why?

Because he has only $17,000 in student loans, and recently stopped going to school because he got promoted to an manager position, making a starting salary of $45,500. And he has a 5-year plan to be promoted again, to a $70,000+ position.

On top of that, he enjoys what he does. He takes pride in his work.

And here I am, $25,000 in debt… and I’m a completely worthless human being.

Barely qualified to breathe.

Debt

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:03:50 -0400

Debt:

arcane-demesne:

slp101:

I feel really stuck.

I’ll be graduating with a pretty much useless Bachelor’s in Linguistics, with a minor in Psychology, next week. My student loans are at about $25,000, and I gross less than that. Not horrifically less, but less. I know over the next 5-10 years I could get raises, use tax…

Agreed on all accounts.

Most of the current students in my major are planning on either working as SLPAs for a few years to cut down on the debt, going into grad school for a totally different major (child development, psychology, physical therapy, gerontology, special education, occupational therapy, etc.) or moving to a state where the school districts/companies will help pay for your grad school in exchange for your services once you’re in your CFY or have your CCCs. Moving to the midwest is also an option and the pay is higher for speech paths in rural areas because of the low number of SPs available out there. A few of my classmates are also considering moving to Australia and doing there undergrad over again just so they can get certified in four years. You could also consider taking online grad courses or going to an un-accredited program while they receive their accredation.

I know none of this is the kind of information you are looking for, but I thought I’d throw this out there considering there are a lot of us in this same exact position.

Hey, moving to Australia sounds choice :)
I appreciate the post, I really do. It’s nice to know that my concerns are valid, and it makes me feel better that I have a grasp on what I may be getting myself into. I bash myself for over thinking things, but there’s something to be said for having an idea of what lies ahead!
I’ve checked into doing the SLPA gig, but I don’t believe Michigan is really one of the states that has that as a profession. I could be totally wrong, but I couldn’t find any information.
I’m curious as to why your peers would go to grad school for a different major? Just changed their mind, or is there a strategy involved?
Thanks again :)

I honestly don’t think I would be qualified, with a...

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:52:18 -0400

I honestly don’t think I would be qualified, with a Bachelor’s in Linguistics… :\ Maybe it’d be something I could do after my post-bachelor courses in Speech-Language Pathology? Or can you get hired into a school system with a Bachelor’s like mine?

I am taking part in relevant volunteer opportunities, and am keeping my eye on a local closed head injury facility; I could work there as a ‘rehabilitation associate’. I don’t know much more than that about it at this point in time. :)

You’re right, though… I don’t take pride in my current job and, although I don’t have a bad job by any means, it gives me zero satisfaction.

Debt

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:50:56 -0400

I feel really stuck.

I’ll be graduating with a pretty much useless Bachelor’s in Linguistics, with a minor in Psychology, next week. My student loans are at about $25,000, and I gross less than that. Not horrifically less, but less. I know over the next 5-10 years I could get raises, use tax refunds toward repayment, get an additional or better paying job, and obviously work more than 32 hours a week. I’ll have additional money when my car is paid off, and when we’re not putting money away for a wedding. If I stopped now, between myself and my fiance we would be fine, comfortable, even, paying back the loans in less than 10 years.

But, the thing is, I want to keep learning and become a Speech Language Pathologist.

However, this involves a year of post-bachelor courses (racking my student loan debt up, potentially to $35,000). I have to count on getting into a graduate program after that. If I don’t, then I’m in the same spot with $10,000 more in debt. If I do, then my debt goes up to $60,000. I’m positive that an entry-level salary would gross less than that. Maybe even half that.

So, I’m essentially in the same boat, but with more risks. What if I don’t get into graduate school? What if I can’t find a job? What if I can’t find a job in the same state as my significant other? Those kinds of risks.

It doesn’t feel fair that an education costs that much. I’m doing what I can to get ahead and contribute to society, and it’s not working out. My current job required no education or certification. Are you to tell me that I would have been better off going no farther than high school?!

I don’t know what to do at this point. I know what I want to do, but it feels more like a risky investment game than a fucking education.

I have artistic ability, and hypothetically could supplement my income with that. But I feel like that talent is wasted on me - I’m rarely inspired or motivated. I’d usually rather sit around and watch Netflix or drink with friends. Plus, using art for income is so shaky. Being a 35-year-old receptionist/illustrator, or 35-year-old tattoo artist does not sound like something I would be proud of. No offense to those who fit that mold.

I want to learn more, and I want to be a medical professional. But I HATE being in any kind of debt, and feel sick when I think of half of my income going to repayments for 10+ years.

I need someone to tell me that it’ll be okay and I should go for it, because all I’m feeling right now is that it will bring financial ruin >.<

Hey all! I haven’t updated in a while. I haven’t felt very SLP oriented, lately. A lot...

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:57:36 -0400

Hey all! I haven’t updated in a while. I haven’t felt very SLP oriented, lately. A lot of my focus has been on graduating, moving, summer plans, and my 2013 wedding.

Lately, all I’ve been doing is volunteering for a couple of hours each week at a local nursing home’s memory care unit. This unit houses seniors with dementia, etc. and my activities with them pertain to trying to keep their wheels turning. We do games, discussion groups, etc. I absolutely love their stories, and their humor.

Given that I’m a pretty slow-paced, laid back person, I think I’d do best with geriatric SLP work. Right now, I cannot see myself dealing with energetic children. I don’t want to say that I don’t like kids (their stories and humor are great too!), but I really enjoy working with the elderly. From a pragmatic standpoint, the geriatric segment of the SLP field should have good opportunities in the future. So, I think that’s what my focus will be while thinking about getting into grad school. Later, I may be announcing something exciting pertaining to that!

I know that I need experience with other populations as well. I’m working on getting in elsewhere to volunteer after I graduate on April 29th.

Aside from that, I’ve been a lame student. I know grad school will be a huge commitment - as well as the career thereafter- and I’ve been in college for 6 years now. I want to take a breather! Focusing on my life and not stressing about school (I’m only in two classes right now) feels pretty good. I’ve still been a bit of a nerd, though. Right now I’m reading The Alphabet vs. The Goddess.

Student Suspended for Speaking Native American Language

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:40:30 -0400

Student Suspended for Speaking Native American Language:

Sad and ridiculous.

Obese? Smoker? No Retirement Savings? Perhaps It's Because of the Language You Speak

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:48:48 -0500

Obese? Smoker? No Retirement Savings? Perhaps It's Because of the Language You Speak

Thought Scott Adsit did a wonderful job in this scene. :)...

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:12:55 -0500

Thought Scott Adsit did a wonderful job in this scene. :)
Hopefully no SLP would agree with Dr. Spaceman’s diagnosis!

ronniexpunani: STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters… S.T..R...

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:09:15 -0500

ronniexpunani:

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters… S.T..R …
My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a party, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (they offered to call ambulance)

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid’s husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.)
She had suffered a stroke at the party . Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

Some don’t die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. It only takes a minute to read this…

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke…totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Remember the ‘3’ steps, STR . Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions :

S * Ask the individual to SMILE .. (look for an uneven smile, or if one side of their face looks “droopy”
T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg ‘It is sunny out today’). They may not make sense, or seem to have trouble gathering their words. Does it sound awkward? Does it usually sound awkward?
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS . May have trouble with raising them both smoothly and equally.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE : Another ‘sign’ of a stroke is
1. Ask the person to ‘stick’ out their tongue.
2. If the tongue is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

A prominent cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

And it could be your own.

Good information - pass it on!

I Contain Multitudes

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:56:39 -0500

I Contain Multitudes:

aspergersissues:

Someone I don’t know very well mentioned randomly to me a few days ago that I should write an autobiography.

Now, I’ve been writing about my life more or less since I’ve had one. but I knew that someday I would actually write the whole damn thing out, I was just not expecting that feeling of “readiness” to come this soon.

I turned 30 earlier this year, and I feel like I’ve had about four distinct lives at least. I’ve had a lot of experiences that are fairly unique, and I’ve had mundane experiences in rather unique ways. And I relate both through an unusual filter. I think people would be interested in it.

Moreover, as I see the big, belted shirts with leggings slowly disappearing and everyone showing up for college classes is torn jeans and flannel, with feathers and beads in their hair, combined with the youth political involvement the likes of which have not been seen since the 60′s, I feel like the “too young to write an autobiography” fashion coming back around. Think Elizabeth Wurtzel and Susanah Kaysen. Add to that the recent success of books like Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling, and I think I’m seeing a time when my voice might be welcome.

A few things from my life:

I have bred, raised and sold aquatic snails for fun and profit

I was married to a paranoid schizophrenic for 11 years

I’m the child of two musicians who were in a band together

I spent the first 25 years of my life with undiagnosed Autism; now I just have regular Autism

I am a mixed race genderqueer woman who has done a fair amount of amateur drag

I have authored 20 years’ worth of unpublished, unseen illustrated poetry

I spent the first four years of my life on a semi-abandoned farm in rural Pennsylvania

I grew up in a Southern California ghetto speaking English, Spanish, Vietnamese and a bit of Korean (latter two languages forgotten by my teens)

I have had sex while dressed as Abraham Lincoln

I’ve lived on my own since age 16

I have been institutionalized twice

I have had an actual sociopath as a part of my family

It was discovered I could already read and write, do mathematics up to square roots, and draw passably well when i was 2 years old

I was an active Riot Grrl and Third Wave Feminist in my early teens

This one time I tried very hard to be promiscuous for about three years and failed

I have been a janitor

I spent 2001 taking Vicodin and playing Diablo for Playstation

I had a very popular blog for several years

My first non-ear body piercing was my clitoral hood

I have been playing guitar awkwardly since I was 13 years old

I have an extremely eccentric and accomplished mother

I cannot tell left from right

I was unbearably gothic from age 14 until 16

I lived in Florida for 4 years

I dunno, I think my life’s been even more interesting than John Elder Robison’s and his ass made guitars and pyro for Kiss. I’d read about that shit.

That is a book I’d read! You should go for it :)

walkinthewords: The most appropriate definition I have seen in...

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:58:23 -0500

walkinthewords:

The most appropriate definition I have seen in ages.

Posted on Facebook by a friend (I am not sure where the image originated).

That is adorable..

risingsmiles: Language Is Art by ~Toolorjesus

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:07:45 -0500

risingsmiles:

Language Is Art by ~Toolorjesus

Volunteer Orientation [Autism]

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:02:00 -0500

The autism volunteer experience orientation was this morning. I was nervous going into this hour-and-a-half ordeal, given that I had absolutely no idea what it would entail. In the org’s e-mail response to me, they basically said that they’re always in need of volunteers, and to show up.

I entered an off-campus university building, walking in with many other girls my age. After I followed the signs, entered the designated room, collected the various forms and handouts, and regretfully passed by the breakfast pastries, I estimated that there were over thirty of us.

Once Dr. Presenter entered the room and gave a greeting, she instructed us to briefly introduce ourselves by name and major/minor. I was shocked that there were no communication disorders undergrads. There were a lot of OT undergrads, a handful of social worker undergrads, a dash of psych undergrads, and a pinch of random undergrads - hotel and restaurant management, entrepreneurship, etc. There is the possibility that there were other potential SLPs in the room, given that I was the only one who spoke up about my graduate school plans (felt as though I had to explain my linguistics major), but I honestly don’t think so. Which is awesome, because there are two SLPs that work at the center.

THEY’RE MINE!!! ALL MINE!!!

Anyway. The hour-and-a-half orientation consisted of an “Autism 101” power point presentation and a tour of the facility. I felt as though I didn’t learn much. Not that it wasn’t informative; there was a lot of information, but it was stuff I already knew from my ABA textbooks and the autism documentaries I’ve watched. What did make me feel a little out of place is that many of the others there had relatives with autism; I do not. However, each person with autism is different, just as each neurotypical person is different. Having experience with one autistic individual is not going to prepare you for the type of interaction required for another.

I love the center’s mindset, which is about understanding, teaching, and accommodating, not “fixing” or “training”. They see autism as a different culture and appreciate the neurodiversity of the individuals, but at the same time realize the need for assistance in some cases. They have various therapy rooms, a huge gym, tutoring rooms, a waiting room (which they expressed a need to remodel and fill with entertainment; as they said: “Waiting is the enemy”), and even a haircut room.

After the orientation, I submitted my application and e-mailed the volunteer coordinator to follow up. I checked that I’d be interested in working with the kids, doing in-office stuff, or helping with social media. In my e-mail, I mentioned exactly why I was interested in working with those with autism, and also stated that I’d like to observe or assist with SLP therapy sessions if possible.

Not sure if or where I’ll be placed. I’ll be interested to see…

Today was awesome, and I feel really good about the center!

Lovely followers

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:54:28 -0500

I just wanted to let you all know that I have a dry, dark sense of humor that doesn’t convert well into text format. This will never change, regardless of whether I become a successful SLP or not.

If my posts ever strike you as inappropriate, cruel, or otherwise unpalatable, I hope you will give me the benefit of the doubt.

In the future, I will mind what I say - especially when it comes to sensitive topics which may easily raise alarm.

Thank you and I am sorry. :)

I am. I am. I am.: Potential Autism volunteer opportunity [Also read: I'm not a good babysitter]

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:31:00 -0500

I am. I am. I am.: Potential Autism volunteer opportunity [Also read: I'm not a good babysitter]:

doctorsheldoncooperforthewin:

goldenheartedrose:

slp101:

I’m excited (and nervous)!

I will be attending volunteer orientation for my university’s Autism center this Saturday. Not at all sure what this experience would entail. I have no experience with Autism - merely a little…

Please, let me clarify, this post was meant to be a half-hearted humor piece, written with regard to my pre-teen experiences with family. The culture within my family and of my country upbringing may seem harsh, but I can assure you my cousins and brother would laugh at the thought that they were “abused”. These experiences are light-years away from how I would conduct myself as a 23-year-old adult within a professional setting with a special needs population. I enjoyed babysitting (if you read carefully, I never said that I did not), still do, and have education regarding working with autistic children. Yes, I lack the experience - thus why I am interested in volunteering. As an undergrad preparing for post-bach SLP courses and, hopefully, a master’s program, it’s something I am definitely inspired to do.

I understand this is a sensitive topic, and apologize for any offense or worry. It was not at all intended.