MSJ senior Lauren Silbernagel is on the path to earning her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
Currently enrolled in the Mount’s Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program, Lauren has worked and continues to work tirelessly. Making it into this program is a great accomplishment. On her feelings of accomplishment, Lauren says, “It instilled confidence in me that I am capable of succeeding, and helped show me that I have the work ethic to become a great clinician. It has made me want to work harder and do what I can to succeed academically.”
Although part of the Mount’s graduate program for Speech-Language Pathology now, Lauren initially came to the Mount as an undecided student. Lauren explains, “When I first arrived at the Mount I was undecided, and spent my entire first year figuring out what I wanted to major in.” During Lauren’s search for a major, she took an introduction class to Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. It’s this class that introduced Lauren both to the field of speech-language pathology and to MSJ Chairperson and Associate Professor in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Dr. Erin Sizemore Ph.D., CCC-SLP, who has helped guide her in pursuing a major. “I remember when I took this class just being so invested in how passionate my professor, Dr. Sizemore, was for this career,” explains Lauren. “It really inspired me to look further into this major, and allowed me to explore parts of language and communication that I didn’t have prior knowledge of.” Lauren describes Dr. Sizemore as a tremendous help to her and her pursuit of a major in Speech-Language Pathology. “Her passion and care have made me want to be the best I can be.”
While pursuing her graduate degree in speech language pathology, Lauren also played volleyball for the Mount, meaning she faced the unique challenge of being the first ever student athlete in the Master’s program for speech language pathology. “Being the first student athlete in the MSLP program, we had to work together to figure out my volleyball schedule conflicting with classes,” explains Lauren. Dr. Sizemore was flexible with Lauren during the process of helping her balance her athletics with her academics. “She was more than willing to work with me so I could succeed at both,” says Lauren. Lauren has also been helped by Mary Mazuk, director of the Mount’s Academic Advising Resource Center (AARC). “She helped me throughout the entire process, and eventually got me in contact with Dr. Sizemore,” says Lauren.
Looking forward, Lauren anticipates a career of service to humanity in this field.“When I first learned about the field of speech language pathology, I was immediately drawn to the idea of helping others. Ultimately, I decided to pursue this career because communication is such an essential part of our lives, and I want to help people find their voice, express themselves, and, overall, encourage others to grow and thrive in their communication.”
In her professional career within the field of speech language pathology, Lauren will be helping individuals from the newborn to the elderly. Lauren thanks the Mount, its faculty, and its staff for the help it has provided her.“The Mount, with its strong Catholic identity and values, has played a pivotal role in helping me embrace the principles of service and compassion,” says Lauren. “Whether within the local community or in everyday interactions, the Mount fosters an inclusive environment where respect and compassion are at the core of everything they do.”
Embodying the principles of service and compassion, Lauren prepares to help people find their voices.
Interested in Learning More about Speech-Language Pathology?
Visit our program page to learn more! Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences