Hello! SLP-to-be, reporting for duty ❤️

WELCOME!

Hello, World! I am new to the blogger life, so please go easy on me! My name is Natalie Young, from smalltown Beaver Dam, Kentucky. I am currently in my final semester of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at Brescia University. I have longed to become a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for most of my life, after my grandfather suffered a stroke when I was a young child and lost his ability to communicate effectively, the passion grew for me to give people their voice back. As I got older other events validated my decision to choose this path for my career including my father-in-law's diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) aka Lou Gehrig's disease. The debilitating disease inhibited his speech and swallowing abilities which drove my passion again to help individuals in this horrific situation. 

I completed my undergraduate program at Western Kentucky University, graduating in May 2014. I got married in June 2012, to my high school sweetheart after 5 years of being madly in love <3. At the time of graduation, I was expecting our first son, who was born the following December. I had not been accepting into a graduate program that suited by lifestyle as a wife and mother, so I took some time off, soaking up days with my new baby. Later, I decided I wanted to pursue my career goals, but it was not feasible for me to go to graduate school at the time. I chose to pursue another passion of mine by going to cosmetology school and became a cosmetologist, putting my lifelong goals on hold to best serve my growing family. 

In June 2019, we welcomed our second bundle of joy into the world, another baby boy. Shortly after, COVID-19 shut everything down around the world, forcing an extended maternity leave. After a year of being home, having time to reassess my career path, an article in the local newspaper brought attention to a new online speech pathology graduate program, my grandad urged me to apply, and I was ACCEPTED! A few days after acceptance, I unexpectantly found out we were expecting baby number 3. So many thoughts and emotions flooded my mind. How amazing that God chose us to nurture and love another baby? But also, I was so scared. Grad school is hard enough without the responsibility of being a wife and mother, how will I ever make it through with 3 kiddos, one being a newborn baby. Through much support from my friends and family I was able to push those feelings of doubt aside and continued on my journey. I delivered my first baby girl in January 2022, during the spring semester, the first year of the two-year program. It has been far from easy, but I am so proud to say that I have maintained a 4.0 GPA and the finish line is within arm's reach. I can’t believe it. I’d be lying if I said there hasn't been nights I have cried, on the verge of calling it quits, overwhelmed with the weight of it all. Good things in life don't come easy and bringing my career dreams to reality will be so worth it in the end. 

Now, on to present day. I am currently in my third clinical rotation of practicum, at a skilled nursing facility (SNF), with the adult medical population. Although my elder relatives are what drove me to this career path, I never saw myself practicing with the geriatric population. I have had more experience thus far with pediatric service delivery and always thought that was how I would pursue my career. So far, after my second week in the SNF, I have thoroughly enjoyed it and can see myself working with this population in the future. 

In my previous practicum experiences, pediatric medical setting and school-based setting, I felt like I was in my element. Using my creative style, developing fun and interactive activities to engage children to grow in speech and language, has always been my jam. I love themed therapy, decorating the room to spark interest, and promote learning. Prior to my current placement, I thought that was only possible when working with children, but have since learned, that is not true. Therapy can be just as interactive and fun with adults in a SNF as it is with children across various settings. I am so excited for where this experience leads me and learning everything there is to learn about working with this population. 

I hope by sharing my experience, I am able to encourage someone to take the leap and reach for the stars. You are worthy. You are capable. You can do hard things. Determination is KEY! 

follow my blog to walk with me through the rest of this journey becoming an SLP <3

Are you interested in pursuing your career goals? 

Click HERE to apply for Brescia University TODAY! 

Blogroll

Darla Gardner's blog provides helpful information for speech-language pathologists in various settings.

Rebecca Reinking's blog shares information specific to speech sound disorders (SSD).

The Gift of Gab is a blog by Jessica, where she gives tips, tricks, and strategies to focus on teaching.

The Traveling Traveler is Julia a traveling SLP visit her blog to learn tips on therapy and travel therapy.

Sweet Southern Speech is an adorable blog by Ashley Rossi, an SLP that has worked with all populations and settings and provides great literacy tips.