Three speech pathology and audiology students—Grace Rheinheimer, Abby Mugler, and Hannah Majka—reflect on their Calvin experience so far. Learn more about how they are being equipped to make an impact while they are still in college.
Why are you interested in studying Speech Pathology & Audiology?
Grace: I became interested in Speech Pathology after job shadowing SLPs in various settings when I was in high school. I have really enjoyed learning about the medical aspects of speech-language pathology, especially the ways we work with cancer patients.
Abby: I always knew I wanted to do something in the healthcare field. After shadowing a speech pathologist in a nursing home in high school, I loved the emphasis on language and the brain! I love how speech pathology works with all ages and with so many diagnoses, and that we can make a real impact on people's lives.
Hannah: I love how rewarding the field is. As a clinician, you get to see the progress your clients make each week and hear them talk about how therapy is helping them. It’s fulfilling to know that the work you are doing is making a difference in someone’s life.
All three students highlighted how their favorite experience in the program is working with and building relationships with patients in the on-campus donation-based clinic.
Grace: Not only have I gotten to build relationships with the clients I have personally worked with, but I have also gotten to know the clients who come to the clinic on Wednesdays when I am working at the desk.
Abby: I have worked with a wide range of kids and adults, each with their own unique experiences and difficulties with communication. It is an honor to work with these individuals, hear their stories, and walk with them on their therapy journey!
Hannah: I love adding fun things to pediatric therapy sessions while still targeting communication goals. I have always known that I wanted to work with children, so being able to gain this experience has been very beneficial in preparing me for my future career.
Why did you choose Calvin?
Grace: My decision to come to Calvin’s program was largely based on the amount of clinical experience we get throughout graduate school, as well as the observation opportunities we have in undergrad. I was also drawn to the program because of the relationships we can have with our professors and clinical instructors and the support they give us.
Abby: I was looking for a smaller Christian school where I could have a combination of growing my academics in a faith-based setting. Calvin's speech pathology program caught my eye immediately because of the 3+2 program, where I could get my master’s degree in 5 years. I loved the campus, the focus on community, and the academics, so it was a great fit for me.
Hannah: I chose Calvin because I felt such a strong sense of community when I came to visit campus for the first time. Everyone was so welcoming and kind, so it felt like the perfect fit for me. I was also really drawn to the five-year speech pathology program, which allows you to get your master’s degree in five years instead of six. Not many other schools offer this type of accelerated program, so this was a big selling point for me.
1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.” These students exemplify the biblical principle of using their gifts to serve others in the field of speech pathology and audiology, being faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.
