Statement on Why I Want to Be a Speech Pathologist
The course that I would like to be accepted in for second year at La Trobe University, is the Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Speech Pathology. Speech Pathology is the profession that I have been interested in since the beginning of Year 12. Why I want to be a speech pathologist? In the essay I will give the answer.
One of the main reasons as to why I grew a passion for it, is through word of mouth. I have been advised that studying in this field tends to be rewarding and practising Speech Pathology is based on being a good listener and proactive by approaching situations that may potentially be out of my comfort zone. After a lot of reading on this profession, I knew that this was a perfect fit for me as I believe I meet the requirements to potentially be a Speech Pathologist.
A friend who is a few years older than me, is studying Speech Pathology at La Trobe University and throughout my studies in Year 12, I had asked her a few questions about the requirements and placements. She said that placements have given her an idea and inspiration that she wishes to practice Speech Pathology and specialise in younger children at a private clinic. Listening to her personal experience inspired me to become a Speech Pathologist because I enjoy working with people and helping them to become the best version of themselves. The one aspect of this profession that has encouraged me to work hard to get into Speech Pathology at La Trobe University, is that if I were to have a patient who had Autism Spectrum Disorder for example and they spoke very minimal, seeking ways for them to communicate would be complex, yet rewarding once I have helped that patient overcome their challenges.
Some strengths that I have as a student, is that I am a cooperative worker as I like group work and working as a team. I am very organised, I never leave any of my homework and/or assignments to the last minute. I like to constantly revise my work, ensuring that it is thorough and qualitative before submitting it. A weakness that I have, is having difficulty in sitting exams. When preparing for an exam, I feel confident as I have studied the content that is required and then come the actual exam, I lose my confidence and forget what I have studied.
In conclusion, a strategy that I would like to use to overcome my weakness, is to speak to a PAL Mentor or the Counsellor at La Trobe College and have assistance on how to overcome the negative approach towards sitting an examination. By being proactive about my weaknesses, this will allow me to boost my confidence and have understanding that I know the content I am studying, I need to learn how to apply it under a given time limit.
