I feel that I can continue my professional and academic development by learning as much information as possible and by always searching for more answers or possible theories. I could research into my learning in an ongoing manner by continuing my education even after I've graduated, by keeping up on the news possibly through ASHA, and even by just reading up on certain disorders to try and obtain new information. I feel that this ongoing research will help me out by keeping me informed of what therapies are current and which ones aren't. It will help me be the best SLP I can be. I always welcome the thought of new information, because you can never know too much! I meet my learning needs by being completely shut off from the world. I have to have complete and totally silence and absolutely no distractions.

Education was always a very big issue in my household. Niether of my parents went to college and since have had to go through some tough times raising my brother and I. My mother wanted very badly to go to college but was unable to go for various reasons, one being financial issues. She really has been my main source of motivation. My parents started at a young age with me, telling me that I should go to college and that if I would that they would pay for all of it no questions asked. So naturally I went to college, but it was never really a question with me wether or not I would go to college I just always assumed that I would. You see I was one of those kids that always made good grades and the other siblings would get really mad because it made them look bad.

I feel that my parents have instilled in me some really good values. Most of these values I carry with me today and yes I do feel that they affect me as a student. First off, I always put my school work before anything else and i think that's because my parents did put such an emphasis on it as a child. I also feel that the values my parents taught me played a role in the field that I chose. I was always taught to help others in need and I recieved such joy from that. Also, I believe that your values are shown by the way you carry yourself and present yourself. I always try to carry myself in a respectful manner so that I will not disrespect my parents or family. Overall though I think my parents are pretty proud of me and feel that they did a good job raising me which in turn makes me feel good about myself.

One of the main reasons why I want to be an SLP is because it just seems like it would be such a rewarding job to have. To me that's really the biggest benefit this field has to offer. Just to be able to have such a great impact on an individuals life. I mean you use communication every second of every day and to help someone communicate more effectively and know that if it was partially because of you just seems like it would be such a great feeling.

Another reason I was so drawn to this field is because it's wide open! You can work with any age group you prefer. I'm one of those people that get bored do the same thing over and over everyday. I don't think that this field will be like that. Not only can you work with any age group but you can also work in a variety of different settings. That was a big plus in my book because I would like to work in the school system when my children are school-aged and then afterwards maybe work some where else.

Let's face it everyone looks at the average pay rate whenever they enter into a field. I also did when exploring the idea of becoming a SLP. The pay is pretty good for a woman's salary; but it's great if you really love what you're doing! I think that I'm going to love my job! I set in class and often think of how I can't wait until the day when I actually become a SLP and get to work with clients.