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Walking Confidently

I believe that communication is a socially driven experience, whether it be verbal or nonverbal, as it is at the center of all human interactions and events.  In some instances, individuals may communicate in other modalities, such as an individual who uses sign language or the individual who utilizes Augmentative Alternative Communication. No matter the method or modality, it is a form of communication and it is individualized to each person. With this belief in mind, I intend to evaluate, diagnose, and treat all clients with an individualized approach based on each client’s life, goals, values, strengths, and needs, while collaborating with their caregiver(s) and an interdisciplinary team. More specifically, I intend to “walk confidently in any direction.” I adapted this philosophy after my friends often said that if I were to write an autobiography the title should be, “Walking Confidently in Any Direction: The Courtney Kendall Story.” While my friends were initially referring to me leading the way in unfamiliar environments despite lacking any sense of direction, it has evolved to refer to how I approach any experience or obstacle I am presented with.

Building Relationships Based on Values

Upon first reading my hypothetical autobiography title, one may think that, just as I lack a sense of direction, I aimlessly tackle experiences. However, “walking confidently in any direction” has been adapted as my approach because it encompasses many of my core values: flexibility, life-long learning, open-communication, honesty, and collaboration. For instance, when I am presented with a new situation, I imagine the experience in the center, with several paths splitting from it leading to my end goal. Some paths are worn from previous use, and others have been relatively untouched; nevertheless, all paths will ultimately lead me to my end goal, some just more efficiently than others. If all paths will ultimately lead me to my end goal, how do I then determine which path I should take? While my own personal experiences from past paths help guide me, collaborating with others will likely lead me to a new path that I may not have taken initially. Taking uncharted paths not only expands my knowledge as a life-long learner, but also demonstrates the importance of open-communication and being honest about areas where I can provide insight and areas where I need to consult with colleagues and/or resources. Further, as the paths are likely to change and alter, being flexible and adaptable is crucial so that I can easily change course when needed. As a team, we will determine which path is most efficient for each individual, whether it be creating a new path or refining a path that has been traveled down before. 

Continually Growing my Cultural Awareness

I applied this philosophy when I participated in an interdisciplinary service-learning program in Liberia, Costa Rica. While there, I helped plan and facilitate various crafts, games, and socialization activities for seniors at the local senior center. I also had the opportunity to attend home health visits with the faculty physical therapist to provide ambulatory support to stroke patients, and played games and read to children at the local school to assist the faculty speech-language pathologist. This opportunity required constant collaboration and flexibility as I adjusted activities based on each person’s values, needs, and capabilities. As a current member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Special Interest Group 14- Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, I also have access to the most recent literature regarding the speech and language needs of diverse populations. By referencing the most recent literature and continuing to work with diverse populations both professionally and voluntarily, I intend to grow my cultural awareness and sensitivity to ensure I provide effective services to all clients I may serve.

Utilizing Evidence-Based Practice

 As I travel down these various paths in my clinical career, I also intend to continuously consult with colleagues and literature to ensure my methods are efficient and effective. I currently serve as a research assistant for the Voice and Swallow Mechanics Lab, and I intend to both grow my knowledge and refine my skills in reviewing literature pertaining to voice and swallowing disorders as I assist in various projects. As a current member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association’s Special Interest Group 13-Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia), I also have access to the most recent literature related to swallowing disorders to ensure my methods follow evidence-based practice. By taking these steps of action, I hope to achieve my future goals of being trained in fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) so that I can effectively work with diverse adults with dysphagia, as well as any accompanying neurogenic speech, language, and/or cognitive disorders.  

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