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Meet Valeta Gage, a speech, language, and hearing sciences major, business administration minor from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She plans to graduate in 2022.
Why did you decide to come to NMU?
NMU was my top choice because of the location and the program! I knew I could get an undergraduate clinical experience in the SLHS program which would put me ahead while trying to get accepted into a Graduate program. I was also able to go into the Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic when I was in high school and meet a few of the professors in this major and felt so welcomed and like it was the place to be.
How did you decide your major/minor?
In my junior year of high school, I was able to shadow a Speech-Language Pathologist and on my first day watching, I knew that it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life! Then once I entered college and sat in my major classes, that decision was validated because I found, and have continued to find, all of my classes so interesting and I've learned so much.
What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major?
As a part of my major, I was able to work with a person over the summer of 2021, to habilitate her second cochlear implant! In this process, I was able to get experience working with and learning from a client that had two cochlear implants that she hears with. She also allowed me to zoom into her Audiology appointments and be a part of the process of setting the cochlear implants to the right volume and settings for her!
What are you involved in on- and off-campus and what has been the most rewarding experience?
On-campus I am involved in the NMU Chapter of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) as the president, the NMU Wesley Campus Ministry as the peer leader, and the Travel club volleyball team. NSSLHA has been the most rewarding experience because I have been able to connect to the other students in my major as well as Speech Language Pathologists around the community and Michigan when we go to the Michigan Speech Hearing Association conference.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan to continue on to Graduate School to receive my Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. After that I want to either work in a hospital with patients that have suffered strokes or traumatic-brain injuries, or own my own practice. Traveling and seeing what the world has to offer is also on my bucket list as well.
Further comments about your NMU experience:
My NMU experience was made because I was always trying to get involved within the community and on-campus. I was a Resident Advisor in the Halls, an Orientation Staff member, and was a part of the Student Leader Fellowship Program. All of those experiences, and many more, have allowed me to network and connect to other people which I know will help me down the road in my future career.
My professors within the SLHS program have also continually supported me and pushed me to be the best I can be by creating intriguing opportunities and lessons that have helped me prepare for my career in the future.