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Abby LaForest is a Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences major from L'Anse, Michigan. She anticipates graduating in May of 2023.
Why did you decide to come to NMU?
My mom is an alumnae, so she recommended NMU when I was still going through the process of choosing which college I wanted to attend. At first, I wasn't so sure because NMU fell in such close proximity to my hometown, but I went on a campus tour and was blown away by how NMU feels like a different world. Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming, and there's something about the campus community that really makes you feel at home, even when you're miles away from where you grew up. I came to NMU because I felt that I could find myself here, and I have! I've found myself through the friends I've made, clubs I've joined, relationships I've formed, and overall, while going through the learning process of figuring out what I love and who I'm meant to be.
How did you decide your major/minor?
I decided my major on a whim, actually. The Speech Pathology field was recommended to me while I was still in high school, while I was deciding what I wanted my major to be. In the end, I took a leap of faith by switching from my previously-declared major to Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. At my core, I knew I wanted a career where I could help others and really make a difference in their lives, and taking that leap of faith has definitely paid off. I fell in love with the SLP program here at NMU because it makes me feel like I'm a part of something bigger than just me. I also found myself fascinated with the anatomy of the speech mechanism and the process of communication, so being able to help those who may have a difficult time in that area is the primary motivating factor for my educational goals. As for my minor, writing has always been a hobby of mine and NMU has excellent courses that allow me to cultivate my skills and build on what I enjoy.
What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major?
Attending a talk with Nyle DiMarco! It was super cool to hear about his experience on America's Next Top Model, and also how he advocates to raise awareness and bring representation to the Deaf community. Listening to him share experiences from a perspective that's different from my own, and in my major specifically, being able to acknowledge and understand those perspectives is one of the beginning steps I can take in order to help my clients to the best of my ability.
What are you involved in on- and off-campus and what has been the most rewarding experience?
On-campus, I'm involved in Superior Edge, the Student Leader Fellowship Program, the National Student Speech, Language and Hearing Association (or NSSLHA,) the Honors Student Organization, the Conspectus Borealis Board of Reviewers, and the Honors Program. I'm also employed as a student assistant at the Career Services office on-campus. Off-campus, I usually enjoy hiking with my friends in all the cool spots around Marquette, collecting Pokémon cards, watching Scooby-Doo with my girlfriend, and going to the PEIF! The most rewarding experience I’ve had so far has been being able to form those healthy, solid relationships with the people in my life throughout my time at NMU, because I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.
What does “be Northern” mean to you?
"be Northern," to me, means inspiring growth in the world around you. NMU is a university that fosters growth in both its students and the community and being Northern means that you give back the same energy that the world gives you to succeed. The more you say yes to opportunities, dedicate your time and effort, and overall work to achieve the goals you want, the sky's the limit when it comes to the life you can live. Also, being kind to yourself and others is a huge part of what "be Northern" means to me. It sounds cheesy, but you're the only version of "you" in this world, and every person you meet will have an impact on you in some way, so being Northern also means being kind to ourselves, the world, and each other.
Further comments about your NMU experience?
Don't be afraid to take opportunities that scare you a little bit! If there's something that fills your nerves with butterflies, more than likely it's going to be something great, and you'll never know for sure unless you actually go for it! I promise you, even if things don't always work out the way you want, you'll be able to learn from the experience and better recognize the things you want further down the road.