December Graduate Spotlights

17 Dec 2021    

Eight students graduating from the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders shared Q-&-As ahead of the commencement ceremonies Dec. 17-18. Kiley Allgood, Clare Bierbaum, Sierra De La Castro, Lesley Fox, Megan Groth, Courtney Helseth and Lauren Zabka are earning bachelor's degrees, while Bailey Kalkowski is completing her master's degree.

Kiley Allgood

North Bend, Nebraska | Communication Sciences & Disorders (Education Studies minor)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
Having grown up in small town Nebraska, it was imperative for me to find a tight-knit community to call home for undergraduate school. I was hopeful to enhance my strengths for personal and professional development while furthering my growth at the collegiate level. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln held the capacity to challenge me beyond my comforts while also providing a tenacious support structure. Looking back on my years as an undergraduate student, I am confident this place has shaped me to be the servant leader I have always aspired to become.

What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
Gamma Phi Beta, National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), Dance Marathon, FOCUS Greek, volunteer research assistant in SECD

What made you interested in studying communication sciences & disorders?
As a young adult, I began to ponder my future profession and kept experiencing a longing to serve others by way of connectedness. From an early age, I witnessed the fruits of vulnerability within my family and small-town community and wanted to use this as a foundation for helping others. Communication sciences and disorders is far more than providing therapy to individuals who struggle to produce speech. This field is the epitome of connection. Without communication, we are unable to reach depth within relationships. My goal as a helper is to enhance the ability for people to express themselves in an array of ways using communication techniques.

What advice do you have for students considering a major in communication sciences & disorders?
To all considering communication sciences & disorders – I encourage you to look inward at your strengths and weaknesses. Serving as a professional in this field is not for the faint of heart, but it provides vast rewards. Throughout your education as a communication sciences & disorders major, you will learn a little bit about a lot of specialties of the profession. Do not be discouraged by this overflow of information but take courage in absorbing as much of it as you can. As you advance in your education, you will have the opportunity to refine your area of specialty based on your interests. It is a huge gift to pursue a career that offers so much range and variety. Further, I advise you to challenge yourself outside the classroom. Pursue relationships, activities, and organizations that enrich your passions. These connections will heighten your abilities to love and serve well as a student, peer, and mentor to others.

What’s next?
Following graduation, I hope to attend graduate school to obtain my master’s degree in a field of therapy. I would love to work with individuals of all ages in the medical field one day.

Clare Bierbaum

Gresham, Nebraska | Elementary Education & Special Education (K-6)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
UNL has always felt like home to me from the first time I was on campus. I knew that it would provide me with the opportunities to develop my passion even before I knew it was going to be a passion for teaching.

What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
UNL Soil Judging Team (4 years), Lied Center Student Council (2 years), Big Red Singers (1 year)

What made you interested in studying communication sciences & disorders?
I have always been passionate about advocating for those who need it. Teaching is the perfect way to not only be able to advocate for students who can't yet, but also to teach self-advocacy skills to my students, so they are able to communicate their needs.

What advice do you have for students considering a major in communication sciences & disorders?
Be ready for a new adventure every day! You never know what a day in a Special Education classroom will look like and that's half the fun. Also, pay attention to Dr. Maag's Behavior Management class. You will use those skills and strategies almost every day!

What’s next?
I am planning to sub in local schools and start my master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction before starting a teaching position in the fall.

Sierra De La Castro

Papillion, Nebraska | Communication Sciences & Disorders (Education Studies minor)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
Growing up in Nebraska was a major influencer on my decision. It always felt like my next step!

What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), Launch Leadership, bank teller at University of Nebraska Federal Credit Union

What made you interested in studying communication sciences & disorders?
I was in speech therapy for /s/ and /r/ as a kid, so I always had an idea of how amazing it was. As I got older, I knew I wanted to work with kids and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to help others in a way that was meaningful to me.

What advice do you have for students considering a major in communication sciences & disorders?
Make connections with your professors right away. Introduce yourself at the beginning of each semester, participate in class, and ask as many questions as you need. They will be your lifelines. They have so much knowledge about life and the field, and it and it will help when you're applying to grad schools and need letters of recommendation from professors.

What’s next?
I'm moving to Colorado to save up and help my sister with her wedding. I'll attend grad school in the fall!

Lesley Fox

St. Paul, Nebraska | Communication Sciences & Disorders (Education minor)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
I loved the fun, positive atmosphere on campus and around the city of Lincoln. The university offered so many different opportunities, connections, and support towards my degree.

What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), Intramurals (sand volleyball, basketball, indoor volleyball), intern for Nebraska Stroke Association (NSA)

What made you interested in studying communication sciences & disorders?
I really love how this major will give me so many different opportunities with all different age groups and settings. I took advantage of the many shadowing opportunities in the schools, hospitals, and nursing homes that were given to me. Watching those specific professionals go about their daily tasks was encouraging. I am so grateful I get to pursue my master’s and then be part of this profession.

What advice do you have for students considering a major in communication sciences & disorders?
Create a study group. It is beneficial to be comfortable around others in the major so you can bounce ideas off each other. It also helps being able to study together before midterms and finals. It is important to form a connection with your professors because when it comes time to apply to graduate school, you should know exactly who to ask for letters of recommendation. The professors in this major not only help guide you through the coursework, but also help you with your future plans.

What’s next?
I will be attending The University of South Dakota (USD) in January to obtain my master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

Megan Groth

Beemer, Nebraska | Communication Sciences & Disorders (Education Studies minor)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
The biggest factor in my decision to attend UNL was how I felt after I left my college visit. I was so excited and loved everything UNL had to offer. Like many others, I came to college not sure what I wanted to major in, but the ability to have all my options in one place was just what I needed.

What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), CEHS Student Ambassadors, Circle K International

What made you interested in studying communication sciences & disorders?
I always knew I wanted to work with people but was not sure in what capacity. I shadowed a speech-language pathologist in my hometown and fell in love with it right away. Speech-language pathology combines my indecisiveness and passion into one career. I am able to choose a variety of settings with people from diverse backgrounds and a variety of ages. Every SLP I have met is passionate about their clients and want to see the best outcome for them. After taking the introduction CSD courses I knew speech-language pathology was the perfect fit!

What advice do you have for students considering a major in communication sciences & disorders?
My advice for student considering communication sciences & disorders is join NSSLHA. This is the perfect club to hear guest speakers in our field, volunteer in our community, and meet others in the major. Another piece of advice is to talk with your professors about the field of speech-language pathology. They can answer any questions you might have and lead you in the right direction.

What’s next?
I am currently applying for graduate schools in speech-language pathology that start in August 2022. In the meantime, I will be an elementary substitute for Lincoln Public Schools and continue my job at the Belmont Community Center here in Lincoln.

Courtney Helseth

Highlands Ranch Colorado | Communication Sciences & Disorders (Education Studies minor)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
I chose UNL because I really like the atmosphere on campus and the city of Lincoln.

What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
Kappa Alpha Theta, National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), Order of Omega

What made you interested in studying communication sciences & disorders?
I chose communication sciences & disorders because I love working with children and adults, and I find speech, hearing, language, and communication very interesting.

What advice do you have for students considering a major in communication sciences & disorders?
I recommend being open to all facets of the field as you never know what is going to interest you most, and to get to know the people in your classes because you will be with them all throughout your college career.

What’s next?
I plan to attend graduate school to obtain my masters in speech-language pathology.

Bailey Kalkowski

Lincoln, Nebraska | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your master’s program?
Learning about the wide range of ages, abilities, and backgrounds I would have the opportunity to work with was a huge selling point to me. I knew I would be exposed to a wide range of experiences that would fully prepare me for my career.

What originally sparked your interest in speech-language pathology?
My high school psychology teacher mentioned it to me one day, so I started looking into it and it seemed like the perfect fit!

How has the master’s program at Nebraska prepared you for a successful career in speech-language pathology?
I have had the opportunity to work with all ages and abilities as well as collaborate with my mentors and peers. I was given well-rounded clinical experiences that have prepared me with the knowledge to tackle any situation and learned how to locate the resources needed to succeed in the areas I am not as confident.

What’s next?
I will be completing my clinical fellowship year at Heartland Speech and OT, a pediatric private practice here in Lincoln.

Lauren Zabka

Gretna, Nebraska | Communication Sciences & Disorders (Education Studies minor)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
The biggest factor in my decision to attend UNL is the diverse settings and populations.

What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA)

What made you interested in studying communication sciences & disorders?

What advice do you have for students considering a major in communication sciences & disorders?
Follow your gut! If you are considering a degree in this field, do it! The professors are so helpful, and it is a great field to get to know peers. Make sure to make time for friends, family, and self-care outside of your schoolwork.

What’s next?
I plan on attending graduate school in the fall of 2022.

Special Education and Communication Disorders