UBC’s School of Audiology and Speech Sciences (SASS) is the only one of its kind in western Canada to educate audiologists and speech-language pathologists. SASS has built a national reputation for innovative thinking and research excellence.
This fall, we sat down with a few students to find out what attracted them to the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, and what excites them about the year ahead.
Macaela MacWilliams
Program: M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology
Program Year: 1
Hometown: Surrey, B.C.
What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology?
While working towards a career in teaching I had two amazing opportunities that led to a complete change in career goals. The first was working with a group of grade three children who had a variety of speech and language delays, and the other was working with adult professionals who were building their communication skills. These two experiences showed me that my true passion is for working as a speech-language pathologist.
What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?
I’m so excited to begin using my theoretical knowledge of speech and language for practical purposes during the clinical portions of the program.
What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
It might be surprising to know that I was crazy enough to do two undergraduate degrees before applying to this program (English and Speech Sciences). Also, I’m one of those weird people who pronounce “schedule” as “shedule” (must be my British heritage!).
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to be working as a speech-language pathologist while continuing to conduct research on communication disorders and treatments (and maybe working towards a PhD)!
Kelsea Ross
Program: M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology
Program Year: 1
Hometown: Kelowna, B.C.
What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology?
I am fascinated by the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind in language. We know so much more than we think we do!
What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?
I am really looking forward to nerding out with my classmates over linguistic topics again. I took a year off school and have really missed academic conversations and bonding over things like phonology and figuring out what formants are. This year also holds the potential for self-growth, lifelong friendships, and endless opportunity. And that is not too shabby at all.
What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
I rocked a cowprint spandex race suit on the ski hill until I stopped racing at the end of high school. No snowboards for this girl.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself established in a to-be-determined city, probably in B.C. because we have all the mountains and hopefully snow. I see myself helping other people through speech pathology, a job that I love and am fulfilled by, and balancing out my life with activities like yoga, hiking, and skiing, and nurturing my creativity through art and food.
Alannah Turner
Program: M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology
Program Year: 1
Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.
What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology?
I developed vocal nodes while performing in a show and my ENT sent me to see a speech-language pathologist. After my first appointment it was as though a light bulb went on! I didn’t know much about the field, but the more I researched, the more I knew I was meant to be a speech and language pathologist.
What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?
I am excited to shape a thesis project in an area that I find so fascinating, and to learn about clinical treatments for communication disorders.
What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
My undergraduate degree is in theatre! I can mime, tap dance and have been known to suddenly break into song. I also perform stand-up comedy!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to have a practice treating vocal disorders in B.C., and to be a part of a craniofacial team working with children.