ODU Speech & Hearing Clinic

“My journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist began at 7 years old when I helped my little brother work on his speech homework, and today I am one step closer to that goal, thanks to the generosity of the Norfolk Sertoma Club. In my previous semesters at ODU I have greatly enjoyed helping school-aged children work on articulation, and I’m looking forward to working with children on their language abilities this semester. I hope someday to work in a private practice or children’s hospital so that I can work one-on-one with children who need intensive language and articulation interventions. Every day, I focus on becoming the best speech-language pathologist I can be, and I sincerely thank the Norfolk Sertoma Club for allowing me to focus more on my classes and clinical experiences than on my financial concerns as I continue to grow and learn as a future clinician.”

“I was influenced to pursue a career in speech-language pathology at an early age. Growing up, I experienced my mom needing additional support in communication exchanges due to her profound hearing loss. The profession of speech-language pathology helped improve her quality of life in countless ways. The Norfolk Sertoma Club scholarship will allow me to fully devote myself to my studies by purchasing text books and clinic materials without worrying about accumulating additional debt. Thank you Sertoma for the opportunity and support!”

“I have been interested in language and communication since early in my teaching career, with bachelors degrees in French, Graphic Design, and Art Education. Speech-language pathology is the area where I decided to further my expertise because of the importance of helping people to have a voice (whether through speech, visually, gesturally, etc.). I am excited to work in many areas of speech-language pathology such as articulation, language, aphasia, voice, and swallowing. I am grateful for the Sertoma Club’s scholarship, which will help support my pursuit of a master’s degree in this critical practice area.”

“My time at Old Dominion so far has been a great experience! I am almost finished with my first year and excited to continue my education as a future SLP. I would like to thank the Sertoma Club for their generosity and support of the ODU Speech and Hearing Clinic. As an out-of-state student, tuition can often present as a challenge. Sertoma has helped take some of that weight off my shoulders, I am very grateful to have received a scholarship!”

“My experiences as a graduate student have led me to be increasingly interested in working with the adult population of individuals with acquired communication disorders. The Sertoma Club scholarship has helped to alleviate some of the financial burdens of graduate school and has enabled me to further commit myself to my academic studies and clinical experiences. I am very thankful!”

“I am fascinated by the variety the speech-language pathology field has to offer, both in the disorders that are treated and the settings that a clinician can work in. Speech-language pathologists teach clients how to overcome their obstacles so they are successful regardless of the setting, which is what makes this field so remarkable. Sertoma is helping me achieve my goal as a future Speech-Language Pathologist by allowing me to worry less about how I am going to afford tuition, I am extremely grateful.”

“I feel so lucky to be a Sertoma Scholarship recipient. I have been enjoying my time in ODU’s graduate program so far. Right now, I think I am most interested in working with laryngectomees, aphasic adults, individuals with brain trauma, and our aging population. However, I also really love kids! I spent many Summers working as a camp counselor and I really enjoyed working with young children in my clinical placement last Spring. The graduate program at ODU provides many opportunities to work with a variety of populations and I know I’ll be well prepared for whatever field I go into. I am so grateful to the Sertoma Club for this scholarship opportunity that has helped me with tuition and textbook purchases. I can’t wait to see where my career takes me!”

“My interest in Speech-Language Pathology was founded through my passion for working with individuals with disabilities combined with my desire to help others. I have been fortunate enough to see the impact that Speech-Language Pathology has had on individuals with and without disabilities. I plan to work with a pediatric population and to continue to learn more about my profession throughout my life. Communication is a crucial component in everyone’s day and I am looking forward to having a positive impact on many children’s lives. I am so grateful to be a recipient of the Sertoma scholarship that is helping me to complete my education and reach my goals!”

“My interest in the field of Speech-Language Pathology stem from my desires to build bonds with people and help others in daily communication. I have a natural desire and ease for making connections with individuals of different age groups and backgrounds. What I like about my profession is the wide variety of work environments that i’m eager to gain expertise in. I am an open book when it comes to experience and have interests in working for the rehab department in a nursing home, working with children in an elementary school, and working in a hospital setting. Thank you Sertoma, for this scholarship… for the opportunity to focus on school more so that I can continue my education and work toward my goal as a Speech-Language Pathologist who will make a difference in someone’s life!”