Communications
Our voice is how we introduce ourselves to the world, how we impart our personality, our feelings, and our state of mind. When impaired, our speech prevents us from communicating accurately. A speech disorder can have a profound and deleterious impact on a young person's social life, on personal identity formation, and on self-esteem. Speech and language pathologists stand poised to use new technologies and techniques to help people of all ages work with their innate talents and abilities to improve their communication skills.
No matter what the cause of a speech or communication disability, it can and should be treated as early as possible. Helping parents recognize speech, language, and communication impairments in their toddlers and young children is one way that we can help minimize the pain and suffering endured by the family. Moreover, speech and language pathologists are able to change the way the world views speech and communication to reduce or hopefully eliminate stigmas associated with audible problems. Awareness and education can help teachers in public schools as well as parents minimize the anxiety associated with communications problems and help correct issues related to social isolation.
Therefore, the reason for my interest in the graduate program is to participate in this exciting and growing field. In particular I hope to work with children and their families who encounter different speech, language, and communication difficulties. In addition to providing core support in terms of speech and language therapy, I also intend to become active as a community leader who can address issues like social stigma and alternative forms of communication. In a highly verbal society such as ours, I believe it is imperative to find new ways of reaching out and interacting with those who do not or cannot conform to the majority standard of communications efficiency. A graduate degree will help me be use all the resources available to enhance understanding and treatment of speech, language and communications problems. Thank you for your consideration.
