ATSU-ASHS Speech-Language Pathology program offers strong community for students
Posted: December 4, 2024
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program student Maya Waehrer remembers what it felt like when she first began applying to graduate school.
It’s a big part of the reason Waehrer wanted to become an ATSU student ambassador.
“I chose to become a student ambassador because I take great pride in being part of ATSU’s SLP program, and I’m eager to share that pride with others,” she said. “I enjoy the opportunity to connect with prospective students, sharing my experiences and helping them see the sense of community and diverse opportunities that ATSU offers. Applying to grad school can feel overwhelming. I remember feeling unsure of where to start. That’s why I want to be a resource for future students, offering guidance and support to make the process a little less daunting. It’s incredibly rewarding to play a part in their journey and help them envision themselves as part of this vibrant community.”
Waehrer glimpsed that community on ATSU’s social media channels, which first drew her interest to the program.
“I chose to attend ATSU for the SLP program because I was drawn to the unique sense of community, which I observed through images on Instagram. This strong, supportive environment was something I found to be distinctive to this program and is something I value very highly,” she said. “Additionally, the program’s focus on multicultural and linguistic diversity resonated with my personal and professional goals, as I am passionate about working in diverse communities, and addressing the communication needs of individuals from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
“I enjoy being an ATSU student because I have access to lots of study spaces on campus where I can work collaboratively with my peers and where our professors come and interact with us outside of class. There are tons of opportunities to volunteer, having the YMCA on campus with a complimentary membership, and opportunities to work interprofessionally with other students on campus is something that stands out about ATSU, and that I enjoy having access to as a student.”
Waehrer, from Washington, DC, attended the University of Vermont and has bachelor’s degrees in linguistics, with a concentration in psycholinguistics and Spanish. She is also TESOL (teaching English as a second or foreign language) certified.
In addition to serving as an ATSU student ambassador, she is a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA).
Ultimately, Waehrer hopes to become a culturally competent clinician who is well-equipped to support her diverse clients.
“ATSU is helping me prepare for this by emphasizing the importance of treating patients as whole individuals, beyond their specific diagnoses. The program teaches us to recognize and respect our clients’ unique feelings, beliefs, and values, which may differ from our own, ensuring that we provide care that is both empathetic and inclusive. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with my goal of fostering a supportive, culturally sensitive environment for all my clients,” she said.