Danielle Deveaux

For Danielle Deveaux '18, Speech Pathology is a way to be an agent of renewal for Christ, helping people who struggle to communicate while spreading the good news.

What people and experiences prepared you for a career in speech pathology?

It's a little cliché' but, growing up I had a cousin who was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, which at the time, I knew absolutely nothing about. Being a family member, is resonated a little more than usual, that I wanted to be able to help those people who couldn't communicate as a freely as I could and give them a better life. I had always been active in community outreach and involved in a lot of church group, so I believe those things, although I didn't know it at the time, prepared me for my career.

How have you learned to apply your faith to clinical practice?

From a young child, my parents instilled in me that prayer changes things and that God is always there for us. It was no different when it came time to apply that to my clinical practice. Of course at times we doubt ourselves (I know I did), but I always go back to the teaching from my parents and the memories of difficult situations being overcome by trusting in God.

Why did you choose to major in speech pathology?

I always laugh when I think about my response to this question. When it came time for me to choose a college major, I struggled. I knew I didn't want to be a doctor, lawyer, or teacher. I knew that a desk job was not my style and that I loved to interact with people. I had never heard of speech pathology until I watched an episode of MTV's True Life. The episode was focused on adults who stuttered so severely that it affected their day to day life. My heart went out to those people and when I saw that they visited people who had a career dedicated to helping them, I knew that that was something I wanted to do. I had made my decision from watching TV!

What part of Calvin’s mission resonates with you, and why?

Being an "Agent for Christ"- to be an agent is something special, people depend on you and in this case it's God, he's depending on us to spread the good news and love to others and I love that I chose a school that believe that

What’s one thing that surprised you about Calvin?

I’m not really sure what I expected going into Calvin, but it was comforting to know that Calvin's students and the faculty in the Speech-pathology department were so open to welcoming me and treating me as if I belonged, especially since I was 'late' in joining the cohort I did.

What is your favorite space on campus, and why?

I would have to say my favorite space on campus would be in the Devos building in the Speech Clinic. There is a large room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the parking lot and it is a beautiful sight, especially when the sun is about to set. Not much people have the privilege of seeing this room since only the speech pathology majors have access.

Did you receive any scholarships or financial aid at Calvin? If so, what would you say to the donors who made that scholarship (or your financial aid) possible?

Yes I did. I would say God bless you and thank you for providing for those of us who couldn't do it alone.