May 2019 commencement spotlights: Graduate students

02 May 2019     By Kelcey Buck

Rachel Feuker

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

What made Nebraska’s speech-language pathology master’s program the right fit for you?
I completed my undergraduate degree at UNL and made great connections with the faculty and staff in the Special Education and Communication Disorders department. I visited other programs, but none matched UNL's research opportunities, on-campus clinical opportunities, and experienced professors. The faculty in this program are accomplished in their respective specialties and are producing research used across the nation. I felt right at home here, but also challenged to learn and grow.

What made you interested in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology?
I've always been interested in healthcare, education, rehabilitation, and working with individuals with disabilities. After lots of research and changing my major once, I ended up in this field. It is the perfect combination of my interests mentioned above. I was drawn to the diversity of job opportunities within the field. I'm excited to have a job where I can interact with and serve others.

What was the Costa Rica study abroad experience like for you and how did it help you grow professionally?
My experience in Costa Rica was exciting, challenging, valuable, and memorable. The trip was unique, as I was able to hone clinical skills while providing speech-language services in a lesser known area of our field: accent modification. I practiced these skills while simultaneously learning about another country, culture, and language. This trip helped me grow professionally by challenging me to get out of my "comfort zone" and experience new aspects of this rewarding field.

What advice would you give to a new student entering the speech-language pathology master’s program?
The academic and clinical faculty in our program are some of your best resources. Get to know them personally and don't be afraid to go to them for questions big or small. Work hard, get to know your classmates, and don't forget to take a break from school work to spend time with friends and family.

What’s next after graduation?
I will be joining the "real world" and looking for jobs in the Omaha area. I will sure miss Lincoln!!

Mallory Placek

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

What made Nebraska’s speech-language pathology master’s program the right fit for you?
This program was ultimately the right fit for me because I was surrounded by faculty members who are passionate about and invested in the field of speech-language pathology. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to learn from professors and supervisors who love what they do and are dedicated to providing clients with exceptional assessment and treatment services.

What made you interested in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology?
I decided to pursue a career in speech-language pathology because I love having the opportunity to give a voice to those who may be in a vulnerable or challenging life circumstance. I also love this career because it is broad and allows for professionals to work with individuals from birth to geriatric as well as in educational, clinical or medical settings.

How did collaborating on research with a faculty member outside of the speech-language pathology program help you grow as a future SLP?
Working with Dr. Goodrich during my graduate program provided me the opportunity to collaborate with students in other graduate programs. This expanded my community and provided me with insight into corresponding fields, such as special education, to help grow my knowledge of other disciplines. I also enjoyed working with bilingual students and learning to administer several assessments in both Spanish and English. Overall, this was a wonderful opportunity to work with a team of individuals with varied areas of expertise.

What advice would you give to a new student entering the speech-language pathology master’s program?
I would encourage new students to come in with the mentality that they are going to put in many long, challenging hours of work, but to feel confident that their persistence will ultimately pay off and they will finish the program extremely prepared and well equipped. This program is intense and challenged my time management, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Although I became discouraged at times, I now realize that putting in the hard work and remaining dedicated to my studies and clients greatly developed my skills and helped me to graduate with a wealth of knowledge.

What’s next for you after graduation?
I will be traveling to Costa Rica for a month this summer to do mission work at an orphanage. After that, I will return to Nebraska and continue applying for jobs primarily in medical settings in hopes of beginning my clinical fellowship year within the next several months.

Sydney Rhoades

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

What made Nebraska’s speech-language pathology master’s program the right fit for you?
I greatly enjoyed my time as an undergraduate student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I applied to several schools outside of Nebraska, but none of them felt like the right fit for me. UNL offered a wide variety of clinical opportunities and I wanted to continue developing the relationships I had already built with staff and faculty. Another reason for me to stay in Nebraska was to remain close to family.

What made you interested in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology?
I spent time volunteering and working at the Munroe-Meyer Institute's Recreational Therapy Department throughout high school and college. I fell in love with working with individuals who have disabilities and wanted a career that would allow me to work with those individuals. Speech pathology offered the opportunity to do that, as well as work in a variety of settings and to always be learning, which were also important to me when choosing a career.

What was the Costa Rica study abroad experience like for you and how did it help you grow professionally?
Studying abroad was something that I always wanted to do as an undergraduate student, but never had the opportunity. When the opportunity presented itself in graduate school, I knew I had to go! Costa Rica was an incredible experience and I would highly recommend the trip to every graduate student. I learned about collaboration with other clinicians and with clients, applying therapy outside of the classroom (and the country), and the importance of providing culturally sensitive services to multicultural populations. All of these things helped me to become a better clinician during my student teaching and medical externship, and I know will continue serving me as I start my career.

What advice would you give to a new student entering the speech-language pathology master’s program?
I would tell all new students to take advantage of all the opportunities you can! One of the most valuable things I gained from my experiences at Nebraska was the ability to work with all types of clients across the age span. Even if you think you know what types of clients you want to work with, do things outside of your comfort zone and try to vary your clients and your settings. You won't know until you try and you may end up being surprised what you enjoy!

What’s next after graduation?
I am currently in the process of interviewing with a variety of school districts in and around the Omaha area. I am hoping to work in an elementary school and stay in Omaha for the near future!