For Megha C., the path to becoming a speech-language pathologist began when she was just 10 years old. Growing up in a close-knit joint family, Megha witnessed her youngest cousin鈥檚 transformation through speech therapy. 

鈥淗e was almost 4 and not speaking. Now, at 13, he鈥檚 completely verbal,鈥� she recalled with pride. 鈥淪eeing that change inspired me to dedicate my life to this field.鈥� 

Speech-language pathology is a dynamic field that extends far beyond helping people speak.  

鈥淲e work with everyone 鈥� from infants in the NICU to senior citizens.鈥� The field encompasses various specialties, including voice disorders, stuttering, feeding and swallowing, and cognitive-communication issues in stroke patients. It even delves into literacy disorders and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for nonverbal people. 鈥淚t鈥檚 such a vast and rewarding field,鈥� Megha said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e always learning, and there鈥檚 never a dull moment.鈥澛�

Megha鈥檚 passion for helping others took root early. In middle school, she co-founded Lywood Awareness Buddies (LAB), an organization that bridged the gap between general and special education students. From presenting at Board of Education meetings to organizing community symposiums, Megha demonstrated her commitment to fostering inclusion and understanding. Today, LAB鈥檚 legacy continues, influencing younger generations to embrace diversity and empathy. 

Fast forward to her time at 国产主播, Megha relocated from New Jersey to Dallas to make the most of her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program.聽

鈥淓ven though the program is online, I wanted the experience of a new city and the opportunity to connect with my peers and professors in person,鈥� she explained. The 国产主播 Texas campus and supportive environment have made her feel at home, offering study spaces and a welcoming community. 

As an online student, Megha remains deeply engaged. She serves as the president of WCU鈥檚 chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and was recently elected to its national Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA) work group. Her leadership roles allow her to advocate for a more inclusive environment, a cause close to her heart as a South Asian daughter of immigrants.  

The program鈥檚 flipped classroom model and on-site immersives have broadened Megha鈥檚 horizons. 

鈥淚 came in set on working with children with autism, but now I鈥檓 exploring stuttering and neuro disorders,鈥� she shared. These experiences, coupled with the support of faculty and Program Dean, have bolstered her confidence. 鈥淥ur professors genuinely care about us as individuals, not just as students.鈥� 

For now, Megha remains focused on her clinical placements, eagerly anticipating the day she can help others find their voice, just as her cousin once did. 

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.