First Impressions

So, here I am, in week 2 as a first year grad student. I have successfully made the adjustment from employee/student to grad assistant/graduate student. In the last two and a half weeks, I have gone to the SLP orientation, met with my academic adviser, registered for classes, bought textbooks, met with my TA supervisor, got my first clinic assignment, studied my client's file, met with my clinic supervisor, and went to classes. Whoa. It's been an adventure.

At Ithaca, we begin our clinical practicum first semester of first year. I like this because I feel that I will greatly benefit from as many semesters of experience as I can get under my belt before the outside placements during the spring semester of year two. So this semester, I will have my very first client, one on one in the clinic on campus! It's a crazy thought for a girl who was told at the beginning of her journey that she'd never make it to grad school.

Anyway, I have a few thoughts about grad school so far that might be helpful to anyone thinking about going someday. First, try as hard as you can to visit your school before you accept a spot there. My first impression of IC were very accurate, and I am so glad that I was able to get a preview of what my time would be like here while on my tour. My first thought about the clinic was: ideal. It was updated and modern, unlike some of the other clinics I had seen, and it had everything nicely fit within a relatively small space (clinic rooms, sound booths, voice lab, observation rooms, etc). Ithaca had a great clinic. Not only was the clinic impressive, but my tour guide and co-assistant chair of the department was more than happy to answer any questions I had and to encourage me during my application process. Now, I find that IC's faculty and staff in the SLPA department are all friendly, encouraging, and very intelligent. All of my professors, I feel confident, are ready to prepare us for the field--not to trick us on tests, or make us do busy work, no, they want us to do well and they want us to know our stuff. It's quite exciting. I'm also a nerd.

Second, don't freak out too much about clinic. So this is actually something I've had to repeat to myself for the last two weeks. And honestly, I'm still repeating it. My first client is AAC. I don't have any experience with AAC at all, and I haven't completed any clinic hours yet (FYI: ASHA requires you to have 400 clinical hours by the time you receive your Master's degree). So reflecting on my inexperience and the fact that I will be planning treatments and goals for an individual in just a few days, I tend to be inclined to freakout. But then I take a step back and think about the individual, my client. This is another person, and people I have experience with. My whole life up until this point has consisted of interacting with people in different settings and for various purposes, so this is just another experience. A new one. I'm sure that everyone can relate, and this is why we shouldn't freak out about clinic. Also, we have an awesome team of faculty or staff members behind us to help us figure out how to serve our clients and to guide us to success! So each time I'm ready to run for the hills from worrying, I try to remember these things.

Third, there are some things you have to consider that you didn't think of before. Just be prepared for point number 3, no matter how vague it might seem. I came here with a budget, lists of things I'd need, and expectations in my mind of how things would go. So far, things are very different than I thought they would be--and this isn't a bad thing! There are things you just don't know to think about in advance, but you will figure it out along the way. Here's a list of a few physical objects I didn't even consider working into my school supplies budget:

1. Children's books
You'll probably want these for use with kids or maybe even adults. You can use them for reading passages for assessment or therapy, but they are just a nice tool to have for your own stash of SLP supplies. Fun tip: I got about 30 books from my local thrift store, and only 1 was over a dollar!

2. White board
I didn't even think to buy a white board for therapy, but it's essential for my client, and I'm sure will be useful for many others as well. I'm also planning on buying a large mirror for artic therapies, but I don't need one quite yet.


3. Snacks
My client will be with me for over an hour once every week, so my client needs breaks. And snacks. She loves her snack time and it acts as a reward time in and of itself. You might need to have some snacks on hand for your clinical time. Note: be sure to get any dietary needs from your client before you get snacks for them.


4. Voice recorder
I actually cheated here. I already had a voice recorder from when I did voice lessons in undergrad (it was fun!), but I know that some people might not even think to buy one on their own. Not everyone at IC has one, but I think it's a great thing to add to your supplies stash so that you have it when you do need it.


5. iPad
I've never owned anything Apple related in my life. I am, though, planning on purchasing an iPad next fall before I start my externship semester (Spring of second year). The reason why I'm planning on going iPad is because the App Store has so so sooooo many apps for SLPs. More than what Android is offering. Also, my very first client uses an iPad as her AAC device. There's an app right on there that you can program for them! And she has the same app on her iPad at home. So right off the bat, I feel like my future purchase is justified! It's going to be such an awesome tool to use in therapy. I can't wait to explore it! Note: Buying in October or November (Black Friday!) is the most cost effective way to go. Apple usually releases the new model in October, so the previous year's model goes on sale after that. Or you could wait for the deals for Black Friday, because I know there are some great ones out there then. One of the reasons I want to get one while I'm still in school is because you can get a discount for being a student from Apple iteself. So check out all of your options if you're looking to buy one of those pricey tablets.

So these are just a few of my thoughts thus far into my program. I absolutely love my school and department, and feel so privileged to be here. And I am definitely feeling the support from all of my mentors/faculty members. I wish you the same in your own journeys to grad school!