A Week in the Life…

of a first year Speech Language Pathology graduate student (2nd semester).

 

[photo credit]

MONDAY, February 10th

12pm Independent Study Class. Work on research project that will be presented as a Poster Session at the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing conference in April.

4:10pm Neurogenic Speech Disorders Class. We learn about the “neural structures that are responsible for speech, the types of neurogenic disorders that impair speech production, and appropriate assessment and treatment strategies for ethnically and culturally diverse patients with motor speech disorders.”

6:40pm Early Intervention Class. We learn to assess and treat language disorders in children ages 0-5.

Day ends at 8:30/9pm.

TUESDAY, February 11th

8:30am-3:30pm Clinic at Charter School

(Administer assessment to student [Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-4], provide therapy for remaining caseload of 8 students)

4:30pm- 5:30pm Aphasia Support Groups (adults)

6:40pm-8:30pm Stuttering TEST!

Day ends at 8:30/9pm.

WEDNESDAY, February 12th

12:30pm Brown Bag Lunch with Occupational Therapy students. (as part of Clinical Practicum class)

4:10pm- 6:30pm Sociolinguistics Class. We learn the basis for “understanding language and cultural variation and applications for the clinical process in communication disorders.”

THURSDAY, February 13th

12pm Review Assessment for Comps (Independent)

Study for upcoming Neurogenic Speech Disorder midterm

FRIDAY, February 14th

9am Early Intervention Observation- Home visit.

Then I wake up the week after and do it all over again!

What’s a typical week look like for you?

My Summer So Far…

I know it’s not technically summer, but since classes have been over for awhile (maybe 2 or 3 weeks, who’s keeping count?) I feel that my summer is already under way.

What have I been doing besides wearing the same Interview outfit over the past couple of weeks? (in no particular order)

Making cheesy collages like this one…

• Decided against straightening my hair for the summer to prevent the battle against humidity
• Fell in love all over again with blogging
• Have been blessed by God beyond belief not only to be attending my dream school for Grad Studies, but to have an awesome community of people who are supporting me along the way
• Joined some other new social site where people are signing up to meet people aka Flirt: Badoo
• Also joined LinkedIn- and cringe every time I’m notified that I’m connected to someone by e-mail
• Read Animal Farm and started 50 Shades of Grey
• Have felt like I’m loosing my religion by continuing said journey through 50 Shades of Grey and since then have not read past page 125ish
• Washing my hair almost every other day (a practice I’m not used to)
• Acting kinda skankish
• Responsibly gotten my mid-yearly Status check-up
• Adopted a little sister of sorts
• Have lamented over countless hours behind my computer screen
• Experimented painting my nails in some funky summer colors
• Have contemplated doing my follow up vlog to Rejection…
• Have suffocated on humid nights trying to sleep in a room that gets no outside ventilation
• Fallen asleep late night next to my bed buddy aka my laptop
• Pondered over paying any mind to the new season of Love and Hip & Hop: Atlanta
• Found out about the political climate in certain states while performing telephone surveys- my unofficial ‘job’ of the moment
• Have set intentions to start reviewing my coursework/start refreshing my memory before Grad school begins
• Am contemplating having a quiet birthday, although I’d rather be spoiled.

As you can see, my summer so far has been filled with all kinds of trivialities. I can’t say that I want it any other way right now.

What are some habits/plans of yours that mark the official beginning of summer?

Shortest Book Review Ever: Paper Dollhouse

Author: Dr. Lisa M. Masterson

Pages: 261

Reading Group Guide: No

Gist: This autobiography written by Dr. Lisa (as she is affectionately known on the Emmy Award-winning TV show The Doctors) follows the determined path of a Black girl who made it. Originally from Louisiana, Dr. Lisa tells the tale of growing up with a single mother and their super-close relationship. Her early life did not have privilege written all over it, and that makes it easy to relate to her story. The book chronicles her early life all the way to present day, but it’s not bogged down with too much ‘fillers’– she basically shares her foundational upbringing, educational experience and professional climb to becoming an Obstetrician and Gynecologist- an inspiring Black woman, indeed!

Best Line: ¨And the more examples that young black girls– or any girls– can see of a dream they thought was out of reach, the more possible their dreams become. Yes, I want to tell them, be a doctor…. Yes, take a chance on a wild idea. Yes, give your skills to the people who need them the most. Yes, I believe in you.”

Recommend: YES! If I was to ever pen a memoir, I would want it to read like her book. Let me start by saying that I had never heard of Dr. Lisa before visiting the Wendy Williams show, where she gifted the studio audience a free copy of her book. The first time I saw her (she stands about 5’2) I thought ‘She’s so cute, she reminds me of the Black girl from Saved By the Bell!’ Lisa from Saved By The Bell she is not! Dr. Lisa has come a long way and is very established in her own right. While reading her book, I looked at her like any other person (and not necessarily a TV personality) who made it in the struggle. The book reads very easy and Masterson traces her life effortlessly. It never feels like she’s overwhelming you with details or information. It’s a must-read if you’re looking for inspiration, even to give to anyone you know who needs that pat and reminder to Keep At It!

Paper Dollhouse can be purchased on Amazon.

Next Book on the Reading List:

Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones.

What’s the last book that inspired you?

ReCaping Memorable Books 2011

Top 5 Favorites of 2011

1.   The Help by Kathryn Stockett- This book was a commitment. It took me a couple of months but I’m glad I stuck through with it. The story was captivating, the characters were interesting and I have no interest in watching the movie– I was satisfied with the book alone.

2.   Native Son by Richard Wright- This was my first Richard Wright book and it was a heavy first. Wright was a controversial African-American author who documented the plight of African Americans. NS was not a fast read at all although it did have some action in the beginning, which then turns into a lots of self-reflection on some very deep issues. I think it’s a must read for anyone interested in African-American literature, but it is a depressing read all the same.

3.   The Noticer by Andy Andrews- This small and quick read is about a man named Jones who goes around spreading wisdom to needy souls. The book uses anecdotes to teach relevant lessons about life and love. Jones believes in perspective,  his goal is to try and change people’s perspectives about their seemingly-dire situations.

4.  Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert- I loved the author’s style of writing and her storytelling. This book was a refreshing, funny, and well-planned tale of a woman who takes a break from life to travel for one year. Gilbert is also the reason why I want to go to Bali now.

5.   Life of Pi by Yann Martel- Although I didn’t get through this entire book (due to time, not interest), I found it to be well-written and charming. It had the perfect balance of storytelling, life lessons, and humor. Eventually, we’ll cross paths again.

Other Notable Mentions:

Left to Tell: Discovering God Admist the Rwandan Genocide by Immaculee Ilibagiza (Non-fiction)

The Untelling by Tayari Jones

Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue

Yo! By Julia Alvarez

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

My reading goal for 2012 is to read more non-fiction and autobiographies, I’m already working on my list.

What should I add to my non-fiction and {auto}biographical reads for 2012?