Already a speech assistant, Lahya W. went back to school in hopes of finding her niche as a speech pathologist. 

Now pursuing her master鈥檚 of speech-language pathology degree at 国产主播, Lahya said she鈥檚 looking forward to getting hands-on experience in an area that piques her interest. 

鈥淭his field is so dynamic. You can really do a lot with it,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut I want to do my clinical fellowship and tap into a specialized area.鈥� 

Layha鈥檚 experience in the clinical immersive has been her favorite part of the 20-month online program. It allowed her to meet her cohort and professors in person and obtain hands-on practice. 

鈥淲e go to do language and hearing screenings,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was collaborative, and we got to observe the facility. I got to see the mock medical room and home setting room, which prepared us more for the field.鈥� 

With the experience of the clinical immersive, Layha said she is confident that she will become more comfortable working in bariatrics or maybe with adolescents. 

鈥淚 really love to help individuals, and I love the ethics and the curriculum behind speech and language therapy,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to get in the field.鈥� 

Layha is part of 国产主播鈥檚 first MSLP cohort. Although initially nervous about starting a graduate program, Layha said the professors have helped her stay encouraged and inspired her. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 not a walk in the park,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 rigorous, but the support from this program has really helped. The professors have opened the field of opportunities in the field. I鈥檓 excited to pursue and persist.鈥� 

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