I had longed to further my education for many years after obtaining my associate’s degree. Unfortunately, I struggled to find a career path I believed would bring me happiness and fulfill my desire to help others. I never could have imagined when my younger daughter, Taryn, was diagnosed with a speech and language delay, my life would drastically change and I would ultimately find the career I knew I could be passionate about. I requested a speech referral for Taryn at her 18 month check up with her pediatrician because she did not seem to communicate like other children her age. When the speech and language evaluation revealed that Taryn was operating with approximately a twelve month delay, I was horrified. I felt as if I had failed my child. Fortunately, Taryn began receiving services through an SLP shortly following her evaluation. I attended weekly sessions with her in an effort to learn strategies I could utilize at home. I found that I enjoyed attending sessions as much as my child seemed to enjoy them. I loved how every day activities like playing with blocks or cars could be …show more content…
After completing observation hours and a practicum, I found that my desire is to provide services to children in either an educational or health care setting. I desire to pursue a graduate degree in communication disorders because I want to help children find a way to communicate. I watched my daughter struggle to communicate with others who did not understand her. I could see how frustrated Taryn would get when people could not figure out what she was trying to communicate. At times she would be reduced to tears because no matter how she tried to portray her point, it could not be understood. I aspire to help children communicate in some way so that they do not have to experience the same frustrations my child