May 2021 graduate spotlights: communication sciences and disorders
03 May 2021
Nine students graduating with bachelor's degrees in communication sciences and disorders – Ashlynn Arndt, Madison Bosilevac, Sam Galligan, Emily Hestermann, Josie Hurling, Michaela Lynn Johnson, Brynley Klein, Amberly Parker and Rachel Weremy – share Q-&-As ahead of the commencement ceremony May 8, 2021.
Ashlynn Arndt
Hampton, Nebraska
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
When touring UNL my senior year of high school I don't really remember the biggest factor that influenced me to attend other than the feeling of this is where I'm supposed to be after completing my tour.
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), Teaching And Sharing Skills to Enrich Lives (TASSEL), Student International Advisory Committee (SIAC), and The National Society of Leadership and Success
What made you interested in studying Communication Sciences & Disorders?
I always tell people I was born with it. My mom is an SLP and she has helped grow and shape my love for studying communication sciences and disorders and one day becoming an SLP myself.
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide communication services in the future?
Working as a licensed speech-language pathology assistant throughout the pandemic has allowed me to learn and watch the power of teletherapy. Teletherapy is something the clinic I work for has never done and being able still help our kids from a distance was a great opportunity for all.
What’s next?
As of right now my plans after graduation are unclear as I am currently on waiting lists for grad school just waiting for my opportunity to get my master’s.
Madison Bosilevac
Omaha, Nebraska
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
When I toured campus, I just felt very comfortable and it felt like a home away from home. The people were always so friendly and willing to answer any question I had. They made me feel like I belonged here!
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
Dance Marathon, TASSEL, Greek Ambassadors, NSSLHA, UCARE, Kappa Delta, and The Big Event
What made you interested in studying Communication Sciences & Disorders?
I always wanted to help people but did not know how. When I went to the career fair before I was a freshman, I talked to a future SLP and she made it sound like the most fulfilling career. When I chose this major, I had no idea how impactful my experiences would be within my classes with my instructors and classmates. I became interested in studying CSD because I knew it would be a fulfilling career, but my interactions with my instructors and classmates cemented my passion for helping those who suffer with a communication barrier.
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide communication services in the future?
The pandemic helped me to understand the importance of building connections with people, even through a computer screen. The services I provide, whether through a screen or in person, deserve to make the client feel comfortable and at ease during their session. I think the pandemic has challenged me to think outside of the box when it comes to providing services. Not everything is always going to go as planned but it is how we react and adjust to it that matters!
What’s next?
I plan to attend UNL for graduate school in speech-language pathology!
Sam Galligan
West Des Moines, Iowa | Minors in education studies and music
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
Initially, I was far more concerned with going to an out-of-state school and meeting new people. UNL offered a welcoming community that fit all my interest and provided me with opportunities to branch out and try new things!
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
Student President of the National Society of Leadership and Success, academic tutor for the Athletic Department, NSSLHA, University Singers, UNL Unified Sports, Intramural Sports, and additional volunteer opportunities.
What made you interested in studying Communication Sciences & Disorders?
Like many others, I had no clue what I really wanted to do coming out of high school. My mom and uncle were the first to encourage me to look into speech-language pathology. After reading into the profession, I noticed quite a few character traits and many of my interests that aligned well with this profession. After taking my first SLP class, I was hooked and I have been ever since.
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide communication services in the future?
I think the pandemic has provided me with two new ways to consider communication services moving forward. The first is the importance of being adaptable. The last year has changed a lot in all of our lives in a number of ways. I think keeping an open mind and going with the flow helped me be successful during these uncertain times. Keeping that same mentality will allow me to be successful moving forward in my career. Secondly, I feel that this last year has highlighted how important communication is for all of us. Whether it be through Zoom, social media, or any other socially distanced means, we all craved and sought out ways to communicate with one another. I think that feeling and the value we place on communication at all levels is imperative to remember and consider in our field for those that we serve.
What’s next?
I will be attending the University of Iowa to pursue a master’s in speech-language pathology.
Emily Hestermann
Firth, Nebraska | Minor in education studies
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
My biggest factor in deciding to go to UNL was how close it was to home, and I've wanted to be a Husker for as long as I can remember!
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
I was involved in the UNL chapter of Camp Kesem, a national nonprofit organization for children whose parents or caregivers have been affected by cancer. I was involved as a member all four years while I was at UNL and this past year I was on the coordinator board as one of the Teen Leadership Program coordinators!
What made you interested in studying Communication Sciences & Disorders?
After job shadowing a speech pathologist, I really enjoyed the one-on-one aspect I saw. I've always known I wanted to work with kids in some way and this is such an impactful way to do so!
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide communication services in the future?
The pandemic has made me think differently about how to provide communication services in the future in a big way. Telehealth is new and upcoming in the speech therapy world and I'm excited to see where it goes!
What’s next?
After graduation I plan to take a gap year and work full-time at the child development center I currently work at.
Josie Hurling
Beecher, Illinois | Minors in education studies and theatre arts
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
I chose UNL because of the awesome campus. I love how close City Campus is to the downtown and Haymarket areas and the small-town vibes of East Campus.
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
Student Alumni Association, National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the Lied Center Student Council. This past school year I had the honor of being the president of LCSC.
What made you interested in studying Communication Sciences & Disorders?
I love working with children and I love science, and becoming a speech-language pathologist is the perfect combination!
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide communication services in the future?
The pandemic has taught me that even when something seems impossible, there is a creative solution somewhere yet to be discovered.
What’s next?
I will be taking the next step toward becoming a speech-language pathologist and attending Governors State University to get my master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders.
Michaela Lynn Johnson
Omaha, Nebraska | Minor in education studies
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
The biggest deciding factor in my decision to attend UNL was the endless number of majors that it provides for its students. Coming into college I was undecided on what I wanted study and I knew Lincoln would provide me with endless opportunities and experiences in order to point me in the right direction!
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
Pheasants Forever, UNL NSSLHA, and intramural sports.
What made you interested in studying Communication Sciences & Disorders?
I spent a lot of time doing observations in a vast number of fields in the first few years of my undergraduate degree. I always knew that I wanted to help people, I just wasn't sure in what specific area. When I shadowed a speech-language pathologist firsthand, it was easy for me to realize this is exactly what I wanted to pursue! I also love the wide range of opportunities that this field provides when it comes to clientele and work environments. The field of speech-language pathology is a constantly growing profession and is extremely rewarding. I am very thankful that this is where all my experiences lead me to!
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide communication services in the future?
The pandemic has allowed me to realize the importance of adaptation and change. This will allow me to remember the importance of flexibility when it comes to providing communication services to individuals in the future.
What’s next?
After graduation, I am attending Nebraska again in the fall in pursuit of my master's degree in speech-language pathology!
Brynley Klein
Stromsburg, Nebraska | Minor in education
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
Coming from a small town I was excited to be immersed in such a large campus, while still being so close to home. I decided to attend UNL because I saw many incredible opportunities to be involved, volunteer, and explore my passions.
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
I have been involved in a variety of clubs and organizations throughout my four years at UNL, but some of my favorite and most memorable experiences come from being a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, and NSSLHA.
What made you interested in studying Communication Sciences & Disorders?
Throughout my life I have been blessed to meet some incredible individuals who communicate differently than myself. Their influence on my life has shaped my passions and inspired me to learn and do everything I can to help individuals with complex communication needs.
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide communication services in the future?
The pandemic has posed a unique challenge to therapy service delivery. I was fortunate to be on a team at UNL who helped advance the teletherapy and ‘green screen’ resources that were used to deliver teletherapy when in-person therapy was not allowed. This project allowed me to see the incredible collaboration that the professionals in this field participate in. The pandemic reminded us that each day is a gift and it is so important to encourage and help one another in every way we can while walking through life with a positive mindset, regardless of the circumstances.
What’s next?
After graduation, I will be attending graduate school at Nebraska to pursue my master’s degree in speech-language pathology!
Amberly Parker
Columbus, Nebraska | Minor in education studies
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
The biggest factor in my decision to attend UNL was the program I wanted to study. I had heard so many great things about the communication sciences and disorders program at UNL, and I wanted to be a part of it. I also was looking froward to the atmosphere that I could experience as a Husker!
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
Pi Alpha Chi sorority and UNL NSSLHA
What made you interested in studying Communication Sciences & Disorders?
I became interested in studying this field because of the diversity that it offers. I can work in so many areas, see a variety of clients, and have the opportunity to do something different every day. I am looking forward to the variety of disorders I can treat and the individuals that I can help.
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide communication services in the future?
The pandemic has helped me to become more understanding and flexible. There are so many unknowns in the world and each person is going through something different, or handling situations differently. In the future, I will provide communication services that are best for each individual client by adapting to where they are and understanding that each one is different.
What’s next?
I will be attending UNL to pursue my master’s degree in speech-language pathology. I was also selected to be a part of the second cohort of the Mid-Plains Professional Upgrade Partnership – Interdisciplinary Preparation (MPUP-IP) in Deaf Education and Speech-Language Pathology, and I will begin that training this summer.
Rachel Weremy
Omaha, Nebraska
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
The biggest factor was UNL being affordable. It is also just the perfect distance from home.
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
I worked as a Sports Program Supervisor for the Campus Recreation. I played on a variety of intramural sports. I was a part of the Special Olympics Club and NSSLHA.
What made you interested in studying Communication Sciences & Disorders?
I saw the impact Dementia and Alzheimer's had on my grandmother and I wanted to make the end process a little easier on people.
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide communication services in the future?
Especially because of COVID-19, I believe that the field of speech-language pathology is going to be in high demand. It has changed my thinking in how I want to be able to deliver services to clients, and their caregivers. I know in the coming years we will see a huge drive with research surrounding COVID-19, and the road to recovery.
What’s next?
I will be attending Saint Louis University and pursuing my master's degree in speech-language pathology!
Special Education and Communication Disorders