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Learn more about the Region 4 Regional Councilor Kristen Simko:
Academic Status: Undergraduate Senior
Major: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Expected date of graduation: June 2010
University: Butler University
Area of interest: Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing
I joined NSSLHA because: I am passionate about the field of speech and language pathology and wanted other ways to become more involved with the major. I hoped to learn more about the undergraduate program at Butler University, graduate school programs around the United States, and the career in general. I was very interested in the mentoring program that had been established, where students new to the major could seek advice from upperclassmen. I saw NSSLHA as the perfect opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas between students with similar interests and career aspirations.
I applied for a position on the NSSLHA Executive Council because: I applied for a position on the NSSLHA Executive Council mainly because I have had a great experience with our local Butler University chapter and would like to explore beyond our university. I would like to see new ideas and make connections with people from other NSSLHA chapters. I am interested in the leadership aspect of this position and the opportunity to gain a better understanding of ASHA and how it operates. I recently communicated with the former Region IV Councilor, Annie Kobilarcik, while seeking more information about the position. I wanted to first make sure it was a responsibility I could successfully commit to before I applied. As I heard more about the specific duties and benefits of a regional councilor, I became more interested and excited to apply for the position. This year I was able to attend the ASHA Convention in Chicago and found it to be a great experience! I hope to go to conventions in the future, as it introduced me to many new ideas and people, which I think would also come about from being on the NSSLHA Executive Council.
My vision for Region 4 is: to recruit underclassmen and retain membership. As a third year NSSLHA member, I have personally seen the benefits of being part of the organization since Freshman year and I hope to extend those benefits onto others who are interested. This year as Vice President of our NSSLHA chapter, along with the help of other executive members, we put together packets of important information for each member in our club. The packets included general information about the major, an overview of required and recommended courses, the guidelines for completing observation hours, and advice from upperclassmen. I think it was a great way to start the year, especially for new members, and I think it is something that could benefit each chapter in our region! I would also like to see a stronger correspondence between students and professionals, to bring together past, current, and future speech pathologists and audiologists!
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