My journey to being an SLP wasn't normal by any means, but I still love to share my story in hopes of inspiring just one other person who might be in similar shoes.
I don't have a great story about why I became an SLP. I knew I wanted to work with kids, but my mom was a teacher who encouraged me to be ANYTHING but that, so I had to poke around. I started college with an interest in juvenile justice. I wanted to help the ‘bad' kids. Then when I was 19, I found out I was pregnant. That will change your life. Soon after, I had a beautiful baby boy and I was interested in finding out more about how he would grow, so I took a child development class. Which led to child psychology, which led to communication disorders. To say I loved it, was an understatement. It's that whole clouds parting, angels singing feeling when you discover your passion. But I discovered something else with this profession, that may just be even more important.
Girlfriends. Best friends. People like me. I've always had a bestie, depending on the season of my life. And I'm still friends with most of those women. But after I had my son, my life changed. And I had some friends who couldn't really keep up with that. Being a mom isn't easy…and being a mom in your early twenties puts an interesting twist on it. I wasn't out partying and hanging out. I was changing diapers and breastfeeding. In fact, for my 21st birthday, I distinctly remember eating take-out from Olive Garden with my son's dad while nursing baby E in my lap. Not exactly most people's memories of becoming legal 🙂
When I started the in the communication sciences & disorders program at FSU, I met some women who, to this day, are my best friends. We were all going through this incredible science experiment that colleges like to call grad school, and they became like my family. These were women who held my toddler and came to birthday celebrations. They loved him. And I loved them for that. They understood me. In a time of life that was extremely challenging, they kept me sane. At the end of grad school, when my mom passed away, these were the people who lifted me and carried me with their support. They listened to me cry and hugged me when I needed it. They were, and continue to be, my tribe. And last month, when E turned 13, we all talked about how crazy it was. We have shared so many of life's defining moments…weddings, babies, deaths…we have all grown up together.
It's been almost 8 years since I walked across that stage to earn my master's degree and I continue to meet amazing men and women, who are a lot like me, and who have become my friends. They come from all across this country and the world, thanks to this little blog. I am forever grateful for other SLPs. This community of people is simply amazing. And while I LOVE riding the waves of helping children become better communicators and learners everyday at work, the community of SLPs help me be the person those kids need. Being an SLP brings so much joy to my life. But becoming an SLP was one of the greatest journeys of my life.
![Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) play a crucial role in children's language development. One often overlooked but highly beneficial area to incorporate into speech therapy sessions is print knowledge. Understanding the importance of print knowledge can enhance therapy outcomes and foster literacy skills in children. I recently worked on a paper with some colleagues about the importance […]](https://i.pinimg.com/236x/ce/7f/bd/ce7fbd4a90a9683531d8b43d60ee2a68.jpg)
![Are you gearing up to supervise Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) graduate students this semester? Wondering how to initiate a positive and welcoming atmosphere? Here's a glimpse into a simple yet effective approach: Welcome Email: Setting the Tone A few days before the semester kicks off, I initiate a warm welcome by sending out a thoughtful email […]](https://i.pinimg.com/236x/c9/6b/cc/c96bccc987e6dacdaaf50eb3db1b9c47.jpg)
You are inspiring! Thanks for “putting yourself out there”! 🙂
I get all red faced when people say that kinda stuff to me, so picture me blushing. Thank you Mary!!! Your support means so much to me! xoxo
Thanks for sharing your story! I am a blogger newbie and feel like I am becoming part of yet another tribe. I love it! Sorry about you losing your mom, Jenn. I bet she is sooo proud of you!
Thank you Anne!!!
I feel like every time I read more about who you are, I’m more and more convinced we’d be best friends if we lived in the same place.. haha. I’m not a planner, and most of my blog stuff is done on a whim, too. The same could be said for a lot of my therapy, too. Even when I have something planned, I often scrap the plan or take it in a different direction because of something that has happened during the session that I didn’t plan for. So, I pretty much stick to a general idea of what I’m going to do, and then I see where the session takes us!
Anyway, you are amazing and I love love love your blog and all of your ideas. I love how honest you are in many of your posts– it’s refreshing! You are such an inspiration to me both as a person and an SLP! Your mom would undoubtedly be crazy proud of how far you have come and how many lives you touch on a daily basis since the time of her passing. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re awesome!
Kari, we would totally be bests. I think you are adorable and I’m so glad we met! Thank you for your very kind words, they mean so much to me!!! xoxo
Great story. Good for you for embracing it!
Jenn, your post made me cry. No joke. I have always been so impressed by you- a kick ass SLP and blogger? Yes. But also a single mama who did all this with a BABY. There were days when I had my first that I was so exhausted I could barely function and you? You were in grad school! Such an inspiration. Plus, you are just a cool chick 😉
There’s no crying in blog hops! Thanks my gorgeous friend!!! You inspire me all the time and it makes me so happy that I’ve gotten to know you!!!! xoxo
I loved your story (and that adorable picture)!! This online community of SLPs (and my real-life SLP friends) are amazing!
I love to hear stories of how people ended up in our field. It is great to have friends to get you through grad school!
Isn’t it awesome? So many different paths!
Thanks for being vulnerable. 🙂