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| (Katelyn) |
The very question I always had in my mind
during my college days was “what/ where will I be 5 years down the road?” It
wasn’t a simple question at that point in life.
But after my A levels, I didn’t have much struggle choosing which path
to take because I knew I have always wanted to be in the healthcare sector. I
want to be part of the team that touches lives, reaches out and makes a
positive difference in someone’s life while they cope with their disabilities
and navigate their way to recovery.
“I want to be a speech pathologist!” was what I told people.
Normally, people will go “Oh, help me with my public speaking… And my presentation skills…”
A common misconception on Speech Therapists is that we are elocutionists or public speaking experts, basically bringing normal speech to a higher level. But nope, we don’t run public speaking training programmes; we enable our clients to have a right of say in their lives. Speech Therapists see a wide range of clients from infants to elderly with communication and language disorders as well as upper anatomy disorders such as eating, drinking and swallowing problems. Celebrating a joyous occasion over food, laughing and talking seem like daily ABCs to us. But many people are actually hindered by their circumstances to express, to voice and to interact with people. Every individual has a maximum and optimum functioning level. So as an aspiring Speech Therapist, I would like to help build the bridge to achieve this- to let their needs, wants, emotions and aspirations be heard. It will truly be a joy not only to see them be able to speak or communicate, but also to see them establish real human relationships, do what they enjoy and attain the quality of life that was taken away from them.
Travelling 4000 miles away from home to study is never an easy feat. Although fears and uncertainties plagued my initial journey, the beauty of Brisbane city and the warmth of the locals soon resolved them. Brisbane is a laid-back but upbeat city, with plenty of promenading, outdoor entertainment and vast beaches like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. I usually spend my free time gathering and relaxing with my new friends and at times, exploring the vibes of Brisbane city. Every day is a fresh adventure as everything is entirely new to me here. While studying the expertise for my profession in future, I’m learning about life too- independence, resilience, courage, diligence, positivity and strength. I feel utmost blessed and thankful to be able to study in such a prestigious university and living in such a lovely city. Studying aboard is filled with a lot of thoughts of missing home as well as ups and downs, but counting my blessings rather than worries, I’m sure it will be a life changing and fulfilling 4 years ahead.
So back to the question- what do I see myself as 5 years down the road? Honestly, as naïve as it may seem, no earning of big bucks, no high ranking positions or calling the shots in the office… I see myself in a job that I love. I will be caring, serving and leading the people around me in all the small ways I can. I will make a difference- a difference to the people around me. I will do small things with great love, with abundance of kindness, smiles and hope.
Yeo Shu Qi Katelyn,Written by:University of Queensland,Speech Pathology Year 1 (QLD)
“I want to be a speech pathologist!” was what I told people.
Normally, people will go “Oh, help me with my public speaking… And my presentation skills…”
A common misconception on Speech Therapists is that we are elocutionists or public speaking experts, basically bringing normal speech to a higher level. But nope, we don’t run public speaking training programmes; we enable our clients to have a right of say in their lives. Speech Therapists see a wide range of clients from infants to elderly with communication and language disorders as well as upper anatomy disorders such as eating, drinking and swallowing problems. Celebrating a joyous occasion over food, laughing and talking seem like daily ABCs to us. But many people are actually hindered by their circumstances to express, to voice and to interact with people. Every individual has a maximum and optimum functioning level. So as an aspiring Speech Therapist, I would like to help build the bridge to achieve this- to let their needs, wants, emotions and aspirations be heard. It will truly be a joy not only to see them be able to speak or communicate, but also to see them establish real human relationships, do what they enjoy and attain the quality of life that was taken away from them.
Travelling 4000 miles away from home to study is never an easy feat. Although fears and uncertainties plagued my initial journey, the beauty of Brisbane city and the warmth of the locals soon resolved them. Brisbane is a laid-back but upbeat city, with plenty of promenading, outdoor entertainment and vast beaches like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. I usually spend my free time gathering and relaxing with my new friends and at times, exploring the vibes of Brisbane city. Every day is a fresh adventure as everything is entirely new to me here. While studying the expertise for my profession in future, I’m learning about life too- independence, resilience, courage, diligence, positivity and strength. I feel utmost blessed and thankful to be able to study in such a prestigious university and living in such a lovely city. Studying aboard is filled with a lot of thoughts of missing home as well as ups and downs, but counting my blessings rather than worries, I’m sure it will be a life changing and fulfilling 4 years ahead.
So back to the question- what do I see myself as 5 years down the road? Honestly, as naïve as it may seem, no earning of big bucks, no high ranking positions or calling the shots in the office… I see myself in a job that I love. I will be caring, serving and leading the people around me in all the small ways I can. I will make a difference- a difference to the people around me. I will do small things with great love, with abundance of kindness, smiles and hope.
Yeo Shu Qi Katelyn,Written by:University of Queensland,Speech Pathology Year 1 (QLD)
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