May 2016 Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Spotlights
05 May 2016
Jennie Nawrocki | Elkhorn, Neb. | Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Minors in Education and Child, Youth & Family StudiesDid you know this is what you wanted to study when you came to UNL?
"I knew this was the profession for me starting my second semester of my freshman year."
What made you interested in speech-language pathology?
"I was incredibly fascinated by how music and melodic therapy affect speech and language fluency. Later, I learned that this profession is incredibly versatile. Knowing I will be able to make in impact for people across their lifespans was really important to me."
What was your favorite class in the program and why?
"My favorite class was one I took my final semester with Toni Morehouse. In her Methods for Communication Disorders Specialists course I was able to understand therapeutic and behavioral management methods at a stronger degree. I really looked up to Toni and her way of managing our class. This course gave me the information I needed to feel confident while taking my first steps toward graduate school."
What has been the most rewarding aspect of studying in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders?
"This department has the most incredible professors. This staff has inspired, challenged, and deeply motivated me to be the strongest version of myself academically and personally. They supplied me with endless opportunities and support; I am so thankful to have had this particular team of professionals throughout my journey here at UNL."
What's next for you?
"I'm attending Marquette University this fall to obtain my master's degree in speech-language pathology! I'm very excited and very grateful to start a new journey in Milwaukee."
Taylor Behmer | Batavia, Ill. | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Spanish, UNL
What made you choose UNL's program?
"I went to UNL for my undergrad and I knew the graduate program was one of the best in the country. I also came to know some of the faculty at the Barkley Center through classes and involvement in research, and felt incredibly welcome as an undergraduate. I knew the program would be rigorous, but I could tell by the way the faculty interacted with each other and the students, I would feel very supported."
Who or what in the UNL Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders has had the most positive impact on you?
"This is really tough because I had so many inspiring professors and supervisors at the Barkley Center. From the many, Jessie Kohn and Kristy Weissling made the most positive impact on me. Jessie helped me find independence and confidence in my clinical style and intuition. She also taught me to advocate for my clients, one of the most valuable lessons I have learned and carried throughout my clinical experiences. Kristy has a passion that is transparent in her instruction, conversations and clinical decisions. It inspired me to find my own and then act on it by developing an aphasia awareness campaign with the help of Kristy and Jessie."
What has been the most rewarding aspect of studying in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders?
"The most rewarding aspect of studying in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders was providing serves and developing rapport with the clients at the Barkley Center and during my clinical externships. The feeling of taking knowledge learned in class and using it to help real people is indescribable."
What's next for you?
"After graduation, I am moving to Colorado, where I will be continuing to search for a job in a medical setting as a speech-language pathologist."
Special Education and Communication Disorders