Speech Pathology!! :)

During our project this week, I was given the opportunity to interview someone in the field of my interest. Her name is Katherine Roden. She is a Speech Pathologist who attained her degree at the University of Oklahoma! Woot Woot! She now works in elementary schools in Lawton and Walters. After Katherine graduated with a degree in Speech Pathology, she decided to go back to school to get a PhD in Education. So that’s just what she did! She took many of these classes online while she was working as a Speech Pathologist. This degree has really helped her since she does the majority of her work with children ranging from age 3 to 10. She says that her passion is children, but in speech path, you cannot attain a degree in exclusively to pediatrics. You also work with geriatrics, which include many elderly patients who have had medical incidents such as strokes. She says that her favorite part of her job is that one precise moment when you see the patient's eyes light up because they just realized that they are able to communicate something that they have never been able to do before. This is when the power of communication really touches home. She also says she loves the flexibility of her job. In Speech Pathology, there are so many different opportunities of locations to work at. You can work in a hospital, a clinic, an elementary school, a nursing home, or even private practice. Katherine loves that she has always been able to attend all of her children's school plays and all of their events. This flexibility in schedule and opportunities come because of her career choice. She is currently working in the school system, and she says it was always nice because when your kids get out of school, so do you. She says she loved that aspect of Speech Pathology.We also talked some about the program at OU. She said that it is a very competitive field, and that it is difficult to be accepted into the masters program. She also explained that not only was it competitive to get accepted, but "being there was extremely competitive." She said that they are not only looking for a good GPA, but they place a large emphasis on leadership, volunteer work, and your personal commitment and passion for the field of speech pathology. The extra curricular activities are a very important aspect to your resume when applying for the masters program. After speaking with Katherine, I am even more excited than ever (if that’s even possible) to jump right into it. I wish I could be a Speech Pathologist NOW! haha :) I found a website that talks a little more about Speech Language Pathology.... also I LOVE watching YouTube videos about it so here are a few of my favorites. :)

Kai's Speech Therapy

Madelyn's Speech Therapy

Kevin's Speech Therapy

Future at OU

Im so excited about my future at OU. There are soooo many things that I want to do. I started off this semester with rush and that was great. It was so busy, but I loved it so much. I really knew I wanted to do Homecoming with my sorority, Theta, so I tried out a couple of weeks ago and we have been having practices most nights. I have missed cheering so much and being a part of this has really made me realize how much I really do miss it. I love the enthusiasm you get to share and just the spirit of pumping up the crowd is a blast. I can't wait till next week when we get to perform. Its going to be great. It has really made me think about trying out for cheer next year. I am doing flag football with Theta and that is so fun too. Theta has really opened my eyes to so many things at OU already. I have had the chance to get to know Hayley Spencer who is involved in both panhellenic and HSLC and she has told me so many amazing things about both, so I'm pumped about doing some things there too. :) CAC has some great events that I am applying for so I hope to stay busy with that as well. I really want to stay involved bc I feel like in high school I did so much, and bc of that I had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people. I feel like at OU we have to start completely over...which i think is sorta a fun challenge. I also want to continue to be involved with church while I'm at OU. I have had four different programs that I have gone to, but it has been a problem because I keep having other stuff that conflicts with them. I am still trying to find the one that best suits me. The one that I have not gotten to go to at all yet is FCA. I have been waiting for a week where I don't have something on a Monday night. As for the real reason I'm at OU? Speech Pathology! I really want to work my hardest to keep a high GPA because I want to get into the speech pathology program over at the Health Science Center. I think being a Speech Pathologist would be incredible. I can't wait to see whats all in store for my future.

Attitude

Attitude! It’s the one thing that can make or break you. It controls so much of our lives that sometimes we just don’t realize it. Being positive in our daily lives helps us to reach our goals and also to help others when we are in leadership positions. This is the beginning of success. When I begin to think about attitude and about beginning each task with optimism, someone comes to mind. This person makes sure before she even begins to start a project, that her attitude is one of a positive and optimistic spirit. I can remember coming to this person numerous times in a distraught manner and within minutes, she had turned my attention from a “problem” mind-set to a “challenge” way of thinking. This simultaneously made my whole situation better. She has played a huge role in my life, not only as a leader, but as a comforter, and best friend. I admire her attitude toward every situation, and hope to be as positive and optimistic about each and every situation that arises. By following my mother’s footsteps and mastering this skill, I believe I will grow as a leader, as a friend, and as an overall happy and healthy person.
To me, “Our Attitudes are Our Most Important Assets” is the absolute truth. Without a ready-to-accomplish attitude we sometimes find ourselves stuck in a place of procrastination and problematic thoughts and create a world that just simply is more of a challenge then otherwise would be. When we do not have a positive attitude, it makes it that much harder to look into our futures and know that whatever arises, we will, without a doubt, be able to overcome it.. In addition, by having an I-can attitude, we also find that one will LEAD BY EXAMPLE, which is, in my opinion, the most effective way of leading. In turn, everything points back to the attitude and mindset of the individual. Thus resulting in an environment and committee that is successful in its attempts to undertake whatever project may be at hand.
Attitude, our friend or foe? Definitely something we want on our team!

Problem vs. Challenge

Challenges aren’t always easy to overcome yet somehow when you look back, they don’t always seem to be as a big of a deal. Why is that? I guess a lot of us are made up of either being, laid back, kind of, go with the flow type of people, and others are more OCDish about all the “problems” we are faced with each day. I specifically can recall a HUGE problem (or so I thought at the time) that arose my senior year. I was so pumped for senior year softball. Summer league would come before that though, and I was ready to work hard to be prepared for school ball to start in August. Then, about 6 weeks before school ball started, I was practicing with the team and broke my finger. Ahhh! All that I could think of was school ball coming up, and “what in the world was I going to do.” All the worst ran through my mind like casts, deformities, amputation, haha! You name it, it ran through my head. We made our way through the x-rays and waited for the doctor to come in. Unfortunately, the type of break I had wasn’t the so called “simple” kind. NOOOOOO!!! It had to be complicated. Surgery? Possibly. Too early to tell. I really didn’t understand all that he was saying because once he said I prob. wouldn’t be healed in order to start school ball, I was pretty much out of the conversation. We got in the car and I shed the typical, RIVER OF TEARS and BLUBBERED to my mom about how this couldn’t be an option. She talked to me, and once I was clear enough to listen, together, we came up with some options. I had to somehow turn this problem into a challenge. A week later, after the swelling was down, we went back to take another look and I was ready to take charge. Haha! We talked about my options, and I requested physical therapy 5 times a week. Yes, that’s right. Physical therapy 5 times a week FOR A FINGER!! The doctor looked at me like I was totally INSANE! But… he did agree to let me do it. It was a bit drastic, but it was the only way to hopefully have a chance to be ready for the season. At that point, I was still thinking about college ball possibilities vs. the whole, go with your career goals thing, and I knew I had to be on for my senior year. Anyway, I made it through therapy 5 times a week for about 6 weeks with no surgery. School ball started up, and I practiced, cautiously, bandaged, and protected, until the very first game. I thought I was ready, but my finger? Not so much. Haha! Anyway, I played, I had a great season, it…somewhat healed, and life went on. Its so funny now, looking back on it. I think there’s that competitiveness inside me that is always ready for a challenge. Inside, secretly, when a problem arises, I just want to whisper…..bring it!

Get Ready! :)

Seniors 10 of Lawton High,
Get ready for the journey of your life. Right around the corner you'll be in a whole new world, you never could imagine. Life at OU is simply the bomb. :) College life is so different from high school. Not that high school wasn't awesome bc it most definitely was! There was nothing like it, and probably will never be anything close...but college is going to be just as awesome--just in a different way. The memories are going to be as impacting as all the ones from high school, I'm sure. And there will never be memories to match those of college. As for some tips for starting off college right...
1. Do some research on your professors before you pick 'em. Bc you can. Haha. It can definitely make a difference in your final academic success.
2. This may sound like a bummer, but take a summer class before you get here... then you can take a lighter load your first semester to get adjusted. Some of my friends took 21 hours their first semester....can we say nightmere?!
3. Beware of the Freshman 15! Take on good eating/excercising habits before you get here.
4. Last but not least (bc there's sooo much more than this!) get used to a busy life. But one that is oh so much fun!

Bystander Behavior

By-stand-er n. one present but not taking part in a situation or event: a chance spectator.

Compliments of Webster’s Dictionary. Haha! That’s the official definition but being a bystander can mean so much more. Being a bystander in a dangerous situation carries much responsibility. To speak or to stay silent ultimately becomes one’s personal decision. Each one of us is made up of different personalities, morals, beliefs, and courage. Each one determines and affects our decision in whether we speak up or stay silent during controversial times. Many people are trapped inside themselves as if they are frozen, unable to conjure up what their soul seems to be screaming out. Others, with voices thundering through the air, seem to trumpet through every situation their hearts connect with. Is one wrong and the other right? Many debate this. I personally feel that it is a must to always speak up when you are a bystander during a dangerous situation. It is our responsibility to ourselves and those among us. To stay silent and allow events to occur, knowing that one is in harm or danger, is ultimately committing the act yourself. Staying silent is a dis-service to yourself as well. Staying true to ourselves by believing in our words will bring about a society with a conscious and a population filled with less violence.

Prioritizing the Priorities

Keeping priorities prioritized is a must. Haha! :) I think I was first taught about priorities when I was two. Haha.. just kidding. Actually, priorities are pretty helpful in keeping me on track. I remember first feeling overwhelmed by the thought of priorities. I think it was when I started junior high, and it was time to keep everything in order with 6 different classes and all that homework. I was so proud to get organized with my brightly decorated folders for each class. Haha! :) I was active in student council, cheerleading, and softball back then as well. That continued up through high school, and I was able to juggle quite a bit of stuff, but my parents always taught me what should always be at the top of that good ol' priority list. Along the way, I've used this to guide me:
J esus
O thers
Y ourself

I believe that putting God first is the most important thing for me in my life, then others--as everyone can use a helping hand, and then myself and all that I love to do.

My commitment to my academics, softball, cheering, student council and whatever I was currently signed up for was always important to me. Since I’ve moved to Norman and started college, I have been focusing on trying to keep them in order. It can be tempting to put off things with managing your own time, but I believe it is really important for me to stay focused on my goals. A plan always helps me so I always try to create one ahead of time. I spend most of my full day, working on academics, making sure to schedule in study time each day, then, that leaves the evenings for some down time. :) So far its working, so we’ll see how it goes! I am also in a sorority, and that can really keep you busy so its extra important to keep my planner by my side…Always. Hahaha

Have a great day! :)

Influences

Influences!? They can bring you to the top of the highest mountain or drag you through the dirtiest of roads. Either way, influences are here to stay.. When I think about influences in my life, I realize that I have been blessed by each and every one that has befriended me. Although not every influence is always a positive one, I definitely feel like each is presented to me as a lesson to grow from. I believe that every person I come into contact with influences me in some way, whether it's from a simple contagious smile to the grumpiest of moods. Each one will impact my life if only for a portion of each day; others will continue to impact me in a larger sense as I go on through this journey called life. Two very huge influences in my life thus far are my parents. They have influenced me in so many ways from their morals, passions, faith, and even their love language. These influences I consider my mold. They created a part of who I am today. I feel blessed for those influences and grateful to my parents in all they have shared. Now, here I am….a student at a university that seems to be as “giant” as they come. A whole new world of excitement, enthusiasm, with a tab bit of fear. Influences surround me with each turn. But I feel secure….safe….happy, and committed to my goals. My first influences of college were definitely my professors. First, unsure of what the college classroom would be like, it was the professors who influenced my first impressions of what I was getting ready to undertake. Some filling me with an excitement to learn and lead, while others may leave me feeling in a more casual mood. I have learned to take this and balance it and make it work for me. Lifestream church! Another positive experience thus far at OU. I love it. I imagine by just the four or five visits I’ve had that the pastor at this church prob. has made a huge impact on many people here. I expect it to be the same for me. For now….here I am….ready to go….and to meet each one with an open mind and a desire to learn.
Wow, …that was serious. Now off to watch some youtube to lighten the mood! :)

Have a great day!

About Me!

Hello World! :)
My name is Madison TaeLor Wells—Yes; the "L" in my middle name is capitalized—long story. :) I'm 18 and currently a student at OU! Woot woot! I am a Christian and try to live each day for Jesus Christ—He is my Savior and my rock as I go through each day. Basically, He... is…the bomb! :)
Lets see, a little about me. I grew up in the wonderful town of Lawton, OK. I graduated from Lawton High School (the best, by the way) where I cheered and played softball for four years. During high school I stayed pretty busy. I was in student council all four years, on the FCA leadership team, softball captain, cheer captain, Lore Queen and Homecoming canidate—along with lots of extra's in between. They definately made those years go by in a blink of an eye. Not cheering or playing softball in college definitely has been a change that is taking a while to get used to. I’ve played competitively for 7 years and definitely will have to find a way to fill that void. I’m thinking maybe intramurals soon. :) I miss softball so much. As for my fam?...I love them—tons. I don’t know what I’d do without them. I talk to them several times a day. Can’t imagine not. :) My parents are some of the coolest people you will ever meet. I admire my dad because he is always willing to offer a helping hand—no matter what. I admire my mom because she has this never-ending optimism about her. She can find the positive in any situation, and always seems to be able to turn a frown upside down. Haha! :) The support they show for my brother and I comes with no ties. Its unconditional, everlasting, and most of all uplifting. Oh yeah—I forgot to mention that I have a little brother who just started high school. He is 15 years old and insists he is my "older brother" simply because he is taller—silly boy! :) As far as pets go, I’m definitely an animal lover—for sure. I have had my share of animals from rabbits, birds, dogs, fish, and even hermit crabs. :) However, I currently care for only one pet. Well actually, my family now cares for her, but she is a very hyper-active Wheaton Terrier named Roxi. Her energy keeps me smiling without a doubt. My future goals consist of reaching a career in Speech Pathology. I hope to work in the school system with pre-school aged children. I have a passion for little kids, always have. Probably because I live to have fun—just lilke them. :) They amaze me with their enthusiasm for life, their never-ending excitement, their desire to learn, but most of all the ability to love with no limits. As for now, I’m so pumped that football season is finally here. I’ve literally been counting down the days. I’m a huge sports fan—no matter what sport. Did I mention I love softball? Haha! For a little more of a glimpse into my likes—laughing, working out, sharpies, and twizzlers....and oh so very much more. :)

Have a great day!!