Clover Park School District

Current career/job:

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, Clover Park School District.

Describe the path you took from high school graduation to where you are today:

I attended Clover Park Technical after high school until the television broadcasting program was discontinued. I later attended Pierce College.

How did your experiences in Clover Park School District help prepare you for this path?

When I was a senior, my cap and gown were stolen out of my locker. I was in despair as the office was not sure a new one would arrive in time for graduation. This showed me that students have struggles I never imagined. A student stole my gown because they could not afford one. I had very little exposure to poverty and this helped me to gain perspective on students that struggle in school sometimes because of very little support at home. I always had parents involved with my schooling and activities and my friends had the same. I never forgot that experience. Eventually, I decided I wanted to tutor struggling students one on one or in a small group. That is what I do today in the district with speech and language therapy.

Who was the most influential teacher or administrator to you as a student in the district? Why?

Mr. Masters was my favorite teacher in high school. He taught me to think " outside the box.' We did language arts lessons and looked for the hidden message in the literature. It was a class filled with intrigue. Mr. Brummond was a great music teacher as well. It was an awesome experience to perform at the state competition with the Swing Choir in Gresham, OR.

Do you have any favorite memories from when you attended school in Clover Park School District?

I always enjoyed a great pep rally! I enjoyed choir and swing choir performances. I was always involved with after-school activities. In my senior year, I was the Pep Club president and supported all the sporting events. I also was involved with Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). I will never forget when the FBLA visited a battered women's shelter. I learned about being a business leader and about giving to community.

What opportunities exist in your career sector for new graduates? Is postsecondary education required for this field?

To be an Speech and Language Assistant you need two years of college or need to pass the assessment test.