I’m writing to express my intent in applying to the University of South Alabama’s Audiology program for Fall 2019. I’m interested in your program because it offers a thorough education in necessary skills, experience in a variety of clinical settings, and ample research opportunities with faculty members. I am a good candidate for this program due to my ambitions to obtain a strong foundation in hearing and balance disorders, my research experience and interest, and my motivation to further my education.
A combination of my dedication to helping others and my desire to find a career in healthcare first led me to the field of communication disorders. Initially, I was unaware of the field of Audiology and considered a future as a Speech Language Pathologist, but after volunteering as a research participant I was motivated to learn more about this field. After my first few classes in Audiology, I was certain about my choice as my enthusiasm towards a career in this field grew. Through each course, I spent time in the Audiology clinic and familiarized myself with the different skills and abilities needed for this profession. I learned that an Audiologist must be patient due to the puzzle-like nature of audiological assessments; compassionate and supportive throughout the counseling and treatment portion of assessment; and critically thorough and thoughtful to determine the best form of treatment for each patient.
A clinician must be committed to helping patients not only hear better but also feel better. I also realized that diagnosing, treating, and counseling patients with audiological and vestibular disorders will give me the most satisfaction in a career due to the various opportunities within the field and the impactful nature to patients. The AuD program at USA would allow me to foster the skills necessary for this profession and provide me with valuable opportunities to explore various clinical settings.
In the spring of 2018, I became a member of the Childhood Language Lab. Along with my mentor, Dr. Brenda Beverly, I was selected for a competitive Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Under Dr. Beverly’s guidance, I conducted a comparison of language and communication outcomes in children receiving Parent-Child Interaction Therapy from USA’s Psychology Department and presented the results at the Undergraduate Research Symposium poster session. Through this experience, I learned the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in research and gained valuable language sampling skills and techniques. I also gained a better understanding of the research process and how it drives best practice in the clinical setting. Furthermore, this project helped me realize my passion for research. I aim to get involved in vestibular dysfunction research in graduate school, which is why I am interested in furthering my education at the University of South Alabama. In my experiences at USA, I have found that the program provides ample research opportunities for students and that professors actively encourage exploration of clinical topics.
Through my leadership in various organizations, research experience, and coursework, I have thoroughly prepared myself for this demanding but rewarding graduate program. Serving as Chi Omega’s Director of Community Service and Philanthropy for two years fostered my leadership skills while other members and I contributed to the community. My position required critical and creative thinking, thorough organization and time management skills, and dedication to service. While I managed many tasks as Director, one of the most important expectations was planning the biggest philanthropic event and longest-running tradition at our university, Songfest. Under my leadership, Chi Omega was able to make considerable increases to the amount of money raised for our philanthropy, Make-A-Wish Alabama, and to our overall amount of service hours obtained per year.
During my time at USA, I also served as an Orientation Leader and a Jag Guide, both of which allowed me to gain valuable experiences in teamwork and effective communication with individuals who differed socially, economically, and culturally from me. Working alongside USA faculty and staff members to provide prospective students with the best experience during their admissions process strengthened my compassion for assisting others as they pursue opportunities to better themselves. Additionally, these roles shaped me into a diverse communicator and leader able to assist others in a variety of situations while also being sensitive of their varying situations.
I want to become a successful clinician who can assist different populations and work in a variety of settings. The Audiology program at the University of South Alabama would allow me to do so. The program offers a plethora of clinical assignments and research opportunities, and after discussing the program with current students, I can see myself continuing to excel here. I am confident that a Doctor of Audiology degree from USA would provide me with the skills necessary to become a knowledgeable, capable professional who provides exceptional and client-based audiological services. I would be incredibly grateful to continue my education at USA and become an AuD student, and I am certain I would be an asset to your distinguished program due to my research experience and interest, motivation to further my education, and passion for helping others.
