Graduate / Speech-language pathology - essay opinion needed [5]

Thanks so much for your feedback, Sarah. I've made your suggested changes, and changed things around a bit. I'm not positive if the opening makes enough sense...any other feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks again,
Amanda

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When Barbara, a woman of 60 years who had suffered a stroke in 2006, smiled and hugged me tightly after our communication-building computer session, I knew that speech therapy was the profession that was meant for me. I was not always so sure of my career path, although there have always been certain subjects that I have gravitated towards. From my earliest memories as a child playing with friends, to my current job as a public relations assistant for one of New Jersey's largest health systems, communication is the one constant that has carried me through life. I have always been interested in observing and learning about how people communicate with each other, whether through speech, listening, or nonverbal cues.

It seemed only natural that, when applying for undergraduate programs, I decided communication studies would best suit my educational interests. Upon graduating Magna Cum Laude from Montclair State University this past May, I continued to work for the health system I had interned with during my last year of college. There, I found that working in the corporate world did not give me the sense of fulfillment I craved. Along with my long-standing interest in communication, has always been my desire to help those less fortunate than myself. Through the years, I have volunteered for many different organizations, and always feel accomplished when I know that I have assisted someone, or something, in a positive way. After working in an office environment, I realized that I do not just want to sit behind a desk and stare into a computer screen all day; I want a career that will enable me to proactively help those in need.

After speaking with several professionals and viewing them in their work environment, I discovered that speech therapy would be a perfect fit for me. It is my hope to learn as much as I can about all aspects of communication disorders before beginning my graduate studies. I am currently enrolled as a non-degree student at a state university, enabling me to take a few speech courses before I am a graduate student. I also volunteer on a weekly basis, working one-on-one with adults, like Barbara, who suffer from aphasia -- a language disorder that is usually a result of stroke or other brain injury. Volunteers use software programs to help members improve their memory, cognition, speech, and learning skills. It is a very gratifying experience to know that the people I am assisting greatly appreciate my efforts to help them build their skills.

It is my goal to earn a master's degree in speech and language pathology so that I may go on to become a practicing speech therapist. I am excited to begin this step in my educational career. (here I will insert information that pertains to each school I will be applying to)

Graduate / Speech-language pathology - essay opinion needed [5]

i love it! thanks so much :)