Why Rachel Chose the BA Speech Track

Rachel Lapin shares her journey towards earning her Bachelor's in Psychology - Speech Track.

How did you first hear about Sara Schenirer?

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are all over my community! Growing up in a frum environment, going to school, and interacting with extended family, gave me many glimpses into the work that an SLP does. One personal experience that stands out is when an extended family member gave birth to a baby with Down Syndrome and I witnessed an early intervention speech therapist work with the newborn. It was eye-opening to realize that the job of a speech therapist often begins way before a child is even nearing speech abilities. As I got older, I understood even more how rewarding the field can be and the broad variety of specialty areas.

Once I knew I wanted to pursue this career, the next step was choosing a school and Sara Schenirer was the obvious choice. My older sisters earned their degrees here and during their years in college, I heard about the academics, the student support, and how the program is hashkafically aligned with our values. I also spoke to someone who had attended Sara Schenirer for her undergraduate education and then enrolled in a different college for her graduate program since Sara Schenirer did not yet offer a master’s degree in speech at the time. She told me that she could not even compare the level of support and guidance between her graduate program and undergraduate experience – Sara Schenirer’s was far superior. With all this positive feedback, I chose to attend Sara Schenirer and while obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I saw for myself how supportive the experience was and decided to continue with my master’s.

What inspired you to pursue Speech-Language Pathology?

I've always wanted a career that involves helping others and changing lives for the better. Recognizing the importance of being able to communicate effectively to be a productive member of society made me realize the impact a speech-language pathologist can have on the life of a client. The idea of being the person to facilitate someone gaining or regaining the ability to speak and have a voice is so gratifying. Before embarking on this path, I spoke with various speech-language therapists who all conveyed their passion for what they do and expressed a high level of job satisfaction regardless of how long they have been practicing.

How prepared did you feel when you first started? What surprised you most about your classes?

Although I did not necessarily know what I was in for when I began the bachelor’s program, I received a pro tip that really helped prepare me for my studies, which was to get started on taking Coopersmiths before classes began. Coopersmiths are a major part of the undergraduate program. They are accredited self-study courses and exams (similar to CLEPs - College-Level Examination Program credits) and enable students to obtain a bachelor’s degree in one year. This is because the primary focus of the undergraduate program in Sara Schenirer is the “major” – i.e., the psychology courses of which we took 45 credits worth. Less crucial components are acquired through the use of Coopersmiths. Not only did I jump-start my degree progress and gain background knowledge in psychology, but I also was able to complete numerous required exams without having to juggle them simultaneously with schoolwork.

What has been your favorite part of your experience so far? Most challenging?

The classes are fascinating, I enjoy my studies immensely, and I've made some great friends! Another positive aspect is that I get to learn from the very best teachers, professors who are active leaders in their fields and have real-world experience. The assignments and tests are definitely demanding in the sense that they are designed to train us as clinicians, ensuring we’ll be able to put our learning into practice. They are created in a way that drives us to hone our clinical judgment and writing skills so we are prepared to be the best clinicians possible. Through the clear guidelines, preparation, and support of my teachers, I feel equipped to rise to the challenge and continue to develop the tools necessary for success in the field.

What skills or strengths do you think are important for success in Speech-Language Pathology?

Some of the skills imperative to success in the field of speech-language pathology include critical thinking, the ability to troubleshoot and problem solve, clinical writing, and interpersonal skills. These are important for diagnosing and treating patients, keeping documentation, and establishing and maintaining rapport with clients and caregivers.

How much time do you spend on coursework outside of class?

This program definitely keeps you busy. There are short weekly videos that must be viewed before class that introduce you to that week's topic. There are also quizzes, assignments, group projects, discussion posts, and exams. A major factor in determining the workload is individual organization and time management skills. This is something that we all learned how to do as we went along.

How does the schedule fit with your lifestyle?

The program schedule is great. Classes take place a few evenings a week, leaving Sundays and weekdays open. This enables many students to hold a job during regular daytime hours. Students are also allowed an allotted number of absences per course per semester, which is helpful as personal things can sometimes come up such as family or close friends’ weddings. The college is very understanding if a student herself is getting married, working with the kallah to ensure she doesn't fall behind and completes her degree requirements on time.

How would you describe the support you receive from Sara Schenirer staff and professors?

The level of support is unmatched. Every student feels she is personally supported and cheered on throughout her journey to obtaining her degree. Additionally, it is evident how hard the administration works to create and maintain a curriculum that aligns with our hashkafa. Any concerns – whether personal, hashkafic, or beyond – are taken seriously and real measures are engaged to address and help resolve them. I have seen this happen in real time and it’s something  all the students appreciate.

What advice would you give to new students starting out?

Take it slow and steady and try not to stress over what is coming up. The degree requires a lot of work, but you will learn and enjoy it so much iyH! One specific tip that really helps me is to use a weekly planner to ensure you are meeting all deadlines and plan when to complete assigned work. If  any issues arise or you need additional support, reach out early. The staff is there to assist you and are happy to do so.

What are your goals after earning your degree?

I plan to pursue a career in the field of speech-language pathology, but have not yet chosen a specific specialty area. The array of courses opens students up to observing different areas of focus and what they entail, how to treat clients in those areas, and a glimpse into "a day-in-the-life" of an SLP in each specialty. The variety of classes and diverse expertise of the professors enables students to learn about and gain an understanding of a broad range of specialty areas within the field.