Q&A by Claire Miller
Every year, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association selects communication sciences and disorders students from across the country to participate in its Minority Student Leadership Program.
This year, College of Education & Human Development master’s student Calia Howse was selected for the program, which is designed to “recruit and retain racial/ethnic minorities that have been historically underrepresented in the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology,” according to the association’s website.
Below, Howse discusses her personal interest in the speech-language pathology field, her experiences in the Minority Student Leadership Program and how she will apply what she’s learned in the program to her future career.
Q: How did you first become interested in pursuing a degree in communication sciences and disorders?
A: “As a Board-Certified Music Therapist, I often co-treat with speech-language pathologists in the pediatric hospital setting. This collaboration showed me how dynamic speech and music function as a blended therapy. It piqued my interest in pursuing a master's degree in communication sciences and disorders.
I also have a personal connection for why I’m drawn to the field. My father suffered a massive stroke, which left him with severe language impairments. During recovery, he regained speech production with the help of his speech-language pathologist on the rehabilitation team at the Shepherds Center in Atlanta. My drive for becoming an effective clinician is personal for me, and I hope to one day make a positive impact on a family as the speech-language pathologist made on mine.”
Q: What made you choose Georgia State University to earn your degree?
A: “Georgia State University is a melting pot of diverse opportunities for students in the Atlanta community. The communication sciences and disorders program at Georgia State provides a variety of clinical field placements. As a student clinician, I’ve been able to practice in unique settings, including an acute care hospital, a school for children with language disorders and our Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic on campus. I value a program that offers real-world experiences to integrate students into the Atlanta community. Bridging the gap between students and the community allows accessibility for those with communication needs.”
Q: What was your reaction to being selected for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Minority Student Leadership Program? What does this mean to you?
A: “I was completely surprised when I was chosen as a participant in ASHA’s Minority Student Leadership Program. Out of 200 applicants, 40 students in the field were chosen as leaders. I am proud to represent Georgia State’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and to grow and improve my leadership skills. Being selected further solidified that I am exactly where I need to be. Graduate school can be challenging, but seeing how other professionals thrive in the field sparked my excitement to be a continuous learner after graduation.”
Q: The Minority Student Leadership Program invited students to participate in a week-long leadership development experience in Boston, Mass., in November. What did you learn during that time?
A: “In the program, I was able to interact with diverse leaders in the field. We visited the presidential suite to meet the CEO and ASHA’s past and current presidents. We had an intimate panel discussion where we spoke about bringing positive change to lead us forward in the field as future leaders. I learned how to build professional connections with experienced leaders, and to cherish the clinical community connections in Atlanta. This experience ignited me to continue to thrive as a student and a future leader in the field.”
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: “Only 8 percent of speech-language pathologists identify as people of color, and only 3 percent of them identify as Black. This program encouraged me to use my voice as a leader within the field. It was so important for me to realize that my presence was needed as a leader to redefine diverse spaces. I will cherish the community we built and keep this unforgettable experience with me as a speech-language pathology leader.”