Introduction: My name is Hema. I grew up in Lucknow, India. I recently finished my undergrad at the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore. Next, I will pursue a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Student Corner with Ms. Hema Nair

Why did you choose Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (SLPA)as a career choice? - So, I grew up with my grandparents, and at the age of 80, my grandfather developed throat cancer, significantly affecting his feeding. That is when I learned about swallowing therapy and how a speech-language pathologist (SLP) helps make a difference in the lives of people with dysphagia. This experience drew me to pursue this field. I see this course as a perfect amalgamation of my hobbies and academic interests. It is an area of study that perfectly intersects the physical and the abstract. Most importantly, my innate urge to help others aligns with the prime goal of this field.
What are you most excited about in your graduate program? - I am most excited about meeting new people, making friends, attending lectures and participating in discussions, volunteering at research labs, and supporting clients in a new setting.
What concerns you most about starting your graduate program? - So, everything that's making me excited is also making me a little nervous at this point. Being an international student, I'm nervous about starting life in a new country. I'm a little sad about leaving my family and friends back in India. This massive change in education, lifestyle, people, and weather concerns me. But I'm also looking forward to making the most of it, and I'm sure I'll settle in well!
What is your favorite topic in SLPA? - My favorite topics are cognitive communication disorders, adult language disorders, voice, and central auditory processing.