August 2018 graduate Q&As: Kaytlin Tippin & Jenna Varilek


Kaytlin Tippin & Jenna Varilek

August 2018 graduate Q&As: Kaytlin Tippin & Jenna Varilek

10 Aug 2018    

Kaytlin Tippin  |  Waukee, Iowa

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders, Truman State University

Describe one experience in SECD that most impacted you in preparing for your future career.
Our program offers such a wide range of clinical experiences and placements! Throughout graduate school I had the opportunity to work with clients across the lifespan with a wide range of diagnoses. These diverse experiences have established a strong foundation for my future career because I have learned how to creatively approach new clinical situations using the knowledge I already have. Going into my first job, I may not know all the answers, but I do know how to problem solve and find new solutions.

What do you think you will remember most about your experience in SECD?
I will always remember how dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate all of my professors and supervisors were. I also think that I will remember a lot of laughter (even if some of it may have been stress-related because sometimes graduate school is a little stressful). Finally, I'll never forget the shark couch located in the lobby of the Barkley Speech Language and Hearing Clinic - I've been searching everywhere to find one just like it for my apartment!

What does being a Husker graduate mean to you?
Without a doubt, the thing I will miss most about UNL is the people. Being a Husker grad means that I will always have a connection to my incredibly intelligent and kind professors, supervisors, and classmates, who all taught me more about what it means to serve others as a speech-language pathologist.

What's next?
I am beginning my career as a speech-language pathologist with Park Hill School District in Kansas City, Missouri. I will also be getting married in September!

Jenna Varilek  |  Clark, South Dakota

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders, Augustana University (South Dakota)

Describe one experience in SECD that most impacted you in preparing for your future career.
I'm not sure I can pick only one! My favorite experiences definitely revolved around my clinical opportunities. I had the opportunity to work with kids as young as four all the way through the lifespan to working with adults over age 80, covering every domain of communication disorders. In addition to covering all ages and areas of treatment, I experienced a wide variety of settings, ranging from the Barkley Clinic on campus to a middle school and an acute rehabilitation setting. This program has prepared me to be a well-rounded clinician and develop skills that I will need no matter what setting I am in.

What do you think you will remember most about your experience in SECD?
I truly think that I will forever remember all of the people who helped me learn, grow, and become the clinician I am. The professors and clinical supervisors, as well as my classmates, invested so much time, effort and energy into helping me learn all about the world of speech-language pathology and their efforts did not go unnoticed. I am forever grateful for their dedication to this amazing profession!

What does being a Husker graduate mean to you?
Throughout my undergraduate experience at an out-of-state university, UNL was always a dream school that I did not think was attainable. Now that I have completed the program and have a degree, the feeling is beyond words! I am so proud to be a graduate of this incredible program and university.

What's next?
I have accepted a job with Elkhorn Public Schools working with high school students.


Special Education and Communication Disorders