Picture taken after presenting at conference.
Author: MaryGrace Ratcliffe | Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders | Semester: Fall 2022
Hello, my name is MaryGrace Ratcliffe, and I am a senior at the University of Arkansas studying Communication Sciences and Disorders minoring in Human Development and Family Sciences. Since my junior year I have been working with my honors mentor, Rachel Glade, to research Intervention for AAC in Public School and Private Practice Examined. For my research I observed at a public school as well as private practice to gain more knowledge surrounding AAC. This is where I observed users of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC). This project aimed to promote the importance of AAC, and to identify the differences (if any) in the way public school and private practice speech-language pathologists teach and use AAC with the students and families.
After developing my research, I had the opportunity to present at the 2022 Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention (ArkSHA) in Little Rock, Ar. Here, I presented what I found while observing at both settings and any recommendations I had for AAC and how it is used for intervention. This opportunity allowed me to move forward in my research because I defended my honors thesis project, and I gained experience presenting to an audience. After presenting, my mentor gave me feedback on how my presentation was. Being able to accept critiques and acknowledgment on performance is an important quality to have, especially for career development, and this allowed me to do so. Presenting in front of an audience can be nerve-racking for some and receiving positive feedback makes the experience so much more worth it. This trip exposed me to a professional environment that contributed to my growth, knowledge, and confidence. While at the conference, I talked with many sponsors, which allowed me to discuss in a professional manner while learning more about the various companies that support the profession of speech-language pathology. I also discussed with peers who were presenting and watched them present their honors thesis project. I found this entertaining because I learned more about what some of my peers were interested in and learned more information about their topics.
If I were to share advice with other students about my experience is to believe in yourself. Feeling lost and nervous are all normal feelings to have as an undergrad student and everything always ends up working out in the end. Believing in yourself promotes confidence within yourself and pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Next, I plan to earn my Master of Science following my senior year, and plan to pursue speech-language pathology as my profession. Through my research I have learned more about AAC that will benefit me as a future speech-language pathologist. Presenting at the 2022 ArkSHA convention gave me more knowledge, exposed me to professional skills, and left me with a meaningful experience that will help prepare me for gaining my Master of Science, and future career. I am thankful for this opportunity as a senior and am excited to apply these skills toward my education.