My interest in Speech Pathology is rooted in my family history….

During my 12 month bridging course, I sought out volunteer work at a local public school and day care, when I assisted a speech pathologist. Both facilities were in low socio-economic areas and had a high attending of bother Indigenous and underprivileged young children, some with very cad circumstances. I loved helping them and seeing what a high difference just one person who cares can make to their self confidence, trust and ultimately their entire future.

Being a new dad myself, more than ever, I believe every child deserves the opportunity to be happy within themselves and I want to help them achieve this through speech pathology. I will complete this current year of university and the remaining 3 years to attain my degree in Speech Pathology, which will be a proud accomplishment in itself whilst supporting my young family.

I will endeavour to work in the public school sector (like my volunteer work) in order to reach children who ordinarily may not have the means or opportunity to attend a private clinic. I believe integrating speech pathology with mainstream education is an excellent way to help children feel normal, rather than making them feel different or like they need extra help.

Once I am working in schools, I would love to collaborate speech pathology practices with Indigenous programs such as ‘Bro-speak’. The program is designed to ensure young Indigenous boys are keeping up and thriving in our public schools by providing a consistent, safe space at school and crucially, helps them transition from primary to high school. Most importantly, it ensures the boys feel truly supported and genuinely cared about through understanding and meaningful connections with an Indigenous male mentor. During my volunteer work, I was lucky enough to have gained basic training in this program and see it as a great opportunity to reach our youth on a broader scale. Too often our young kits are perceived as quiet or shy, when in truth it is embarrassment or fear of getting their words wrong that prevent them from speaking up. Unfortunately, this has a flow on effect, further hindering their education which often results in them being disadvantaged before they have even finished primary school. I am determined to break this cycle and make sure our kids are not being left behind or set up for failure before they have even begun.

The final year of university is in full swing! I’m approaching the halfway point in my final semester. I’m currently studying:

• Professional issues 2
• Research review
• Complex clinical placement
• Communicating with Aboriginal People Across Genres

For my research review I have chosen to look into the speech and language development of children exhibiting executive dysfunction. I plan on exploring this space, identifying gaps in the research, and using this journey to guide future clinical decisions. For my clinical placement, I have been lucky enough to work with amazing individuals within transgender voice – helping clients with vocal strategies to soften their voice. I also am soon to experience a paediatric feeding placement at the John Hunter Hospital and a stuttering placement.

The semester most recently completed was a bit of a blur, an enjoyable rollercoaster. The highlight was accepting a job as a full-time speech pathologist in Tamworth, starting Jan 2025! HOW EXCITING! My wife and I are really motivated to finish on a high, get the house packed away and relocate the family. Thank you greatly for your ongoing support throughout my time at university. You have truly impacted my life in the most positive way.