Jayden is a MSc Speech and Language Therapy student. His favourite thing about the course is learning how speech therapists can improve the quality of life for people with speech needs.
What were you doing before you came to study at City?
I was studying a degree in Linguistics and Multilingual Studies at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
How did you develop an interest in your course and why did you choose to study this course?
I developed an interest in speech therapy in my search for a potential career path after graduation, as I’ve always wanted a fulfilling career that would make a difference to people’s lives.
I decided to study Speech and Language Therapy as it was one of the career paths in which I would be able to apply what I’ve learnt in my undergraduate degree into helping others.
One of my closest friends is also someone that stutters, and he was teased for it quite a bit in our schooling years. I wouldn’t want people to go through what he faced from our peers.
By becoming a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), I would be able to support and empower individuals who may be facing difficulties in communicating such as my friend, to build their self-esteem and allow them to communicate effectively.
Why did you choose to study at City?
I chose to study at City as it offers the most practical hands-on experience for its students, as well as access to many valuable placement opportunities.
What has been your favourite thing about studying this course?
It definitely is learning about all the different sorts of ways speech therapists can help improve the quality of lives of people with speech needs!
What is your favourite thing about studying at City?
Meeting many fellow students from different backgrounds and finding out about their life stories!
How have you found the teaching and facilities on your course?
Everything I need is readily accessible and the facilities are spacious and user-friendly.
Where have you been on your clinical placements, and what have you enjoyed most about these experiences?
As a first year student, I have not been on a clinical placement thus far. However, I am slated to begin a placement where I will be working with young people aged 11-19+ and I couldn’t be more excited!
How will these experiences help you with your future career?
Placements would definitely allow me to be more comfortable with the day in and day out of being a Speech Therapist, and most importantly the best ways in which to work together with clients in supporting their speech needs.
Have you overcome any challenges during your studies?
The shift to hybrid teaching (where we have both online and in-person classes) due to the pandemic has certainly adversely affected my ability to absorb information at times.
Thankfully, my lecturers have been very responsive and helpful to any questions posed on the forums on Moodle. This has aided me in my understanding of the content, especially for the classes which are fully online.
What kind of things are you involved in outside of your course?
I am looking to get involved in various volunteering opportunities around the area I live in.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I plan to become a practicing Speech Therapist! I have not decided which discipline in which I would like to specialise in yet though.
What would be your advice to anyone considering studying this course?
If you have always had the passion to help others, this is the course for you! There are many different avenues in which a Speech Therapist can specialise in so you will most certainly find your niche.
With advancements in medical technology and therapy practices happening all the time, you can be rest assured that you will never stop learning.