ECUPrompts* EastCarolina is a member of the University of NC system and one of five (ECU, ASU,NCCU, UNC-G, and WCU) institutions that confer a master’s degree inspeech-language pathology. In 200 words or less, tell us why you chose ECU.I chose ECU because Ifeel strongly that the program is the best fit for my interests and thedevelopment of my potential contribution to society. I am particularlyattracted to the program at ECU because of its comprehensive structure and thefact that it offers graduate students a chance to select areas of study that satisfythe requirements for ASHA Certification. I also find the resources that areavailable, such as the Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic, and opportunities for externships to be appealing.
In addition, I admirethe fact that ECU employs experienced faculty who are leaders in the field ofcommunication sciences and disorders. In particular, I find the research on elements that contribute to the deficiency ofequity in service rendering and result inequalities that persist amid certainpopulation groups by Dr. Charles Ellis Jr very intriguing. As aminority male, I understand the intricacies of being a socioeconomically disadvantaged child while acquiring language.
I feel that East Carolina University can provide me with the education andtraining required to have a successful career in the field of Speech languagepathology, and I look forward to visiting the campus and meeting faculty. Speech-languagepathology graduates from East Carolina University are expected to serve asleaders in the discipline. In 200 words or less, describe how you willcontribute to this legacy of success in scholarship (learning and demonstratingthat learning to the community), leadership (creating communities to move ideasand policies forward in the greater society), and service (meeting the needs ofindividuals in a way that makes our society better).I will contributeto the legacy of success in scholarship by volunteeringboth locally and abroad. I will utilize the knowledge and skills attained atECU to provide speech services to underserved communities. I will present theresearch conducted throughout my career at conventions and research summits. Iwill contribute to ECU’s legacy through leadership by holding leadership rolesin organizations related to speech and hearing science such as the Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association and The National Black Association for Speech-Language andHearing. Through my leadership in these organizations, I will work to foster acommunity of professional and scientific enrichment and address thecommunication interests and concerns of my fellow practitioners.
I will supportideas and policies that will benefit communication science and disordersprofessionals and the greater community.I will contributeto this legacy of success in service by working at a school that serves students that are socioeconomicallydisadvantaged. In this setting, I will be able to make my greatest contributionto society. Children who have speech impairments, and are already at risk as aresult of the demographics and dynamics of their family setting, are even moreat risk due to these factors. *Individuals grow and change based on their life experiences.
In 200 words orless, describe your greatest personal strength, how you came to see it as astrength, and an area where you see room for continued personal growth.Mygreatest personal strength is that I exhibit a great propensity to learn andexhibit effective communication. Both in my personal life and in my academicand professional experience, I display an understanding and appreciation forcommunicating and collaborating with others. I first came to see this as astrength in during my childhood. I have always been a diligent learner. Icarried an attitude of dedication to learning which allowed me to attainlanguage effectively.
This ability will serve me well at ECU and in my careeras a speech language pathologist. In my work as a speech language pathologyassistant I am able to impart my language acquisition skills to my patients.An areawhere I see room for continued personal growth is my lack of experience workingwith geriatric Individuals. Many of my volunteer and employment experiencesinvolved working with young people. I served as a mentor to internationalstudents during my time in college. I currently work as a speech languagepathologist assistant at a pediatric clinic. I look forward to the opportunityof learning how to effectively treat geriatric patients at ECU. Doing so willallow to become a more capable and well-rounded speech language pathologist.