My Original Essential Question

There is no secret about how interested I am in multiculturalism. I wish that we would cover more material in our classes that focuses on issues within this realm. As this world becomes smaller through the use of the Net and faster modes of transportation we as humans are coming in contact with other humans that may not possess the same convictions, standards and ideas that most of the humans in our part of the world do. So their must be some way to bridge the gap so that we reduce the chances of innocently offending someone that we may want to have a relationship with personal or professionally. During this time of war I think that this is really important. This is important to those that are travel or embarking on a business venture in different countries.

Essential Questions: How can the profession of Speech-Language Pathology be use in the international community and how should one prepare for that type of position?

Lekei’s Personal Values

My family gets excited when any of our relatives decide to further their education by going to college or learning some type of training. But there is no one opinion that governs our views as a family on education, however I think there is consensus that education an important tool that can improve ones life. Nevertheless our attitudes toward education range from some of us agreeing with the educational system (some don’t) and some of us have graduated from college (some haven’t finished high school). Right now I will focus on my parents, they didn’t have a chance to receive the good educations that they deserved, but they believed that their children should. My mother was very involved with my schooling, she was so proud of anything I brought home from school or did at school, she wanted to make sure that she supported me. Mom never put unnecessary pressure on me to make excellent grades, her main concern was that I put forth the best effort I could and whatever the result of that ended up being-- I could still be proud because I did my best. My father was really laid back about things; he understood that I was a kid that loved school and learning (especially once I moved to Virginia). But when I needed to be reminded on where my father stood in regards to education, his approach was direct and firm. I remember rushing home one day and finishing my homework really quickly, so that I could go play outside with my friends. Well my father appeared out of nowhere, and then he asked about my homework. After he asked about my work, he made the statement of “ my kids don’t half-step” that was a cue for me to go back and do my homework the right way. Just recently my father’s attitude for learning a new skill has influenced me, because he is in his mid forties and has just started to take piano lessons--I am so proud of him. The value I derive from this is that if you want something go for it, no matter where you are in life. I know I haven’t discussed all the feeling my family has about education, but these were instances that have always stood out in my mind. I think may parent’s feelings toward education influenced my thoughts towards education by not pressuring me to bring the top grades home, but instead they stressed my efforts toward learning which allowed me an open opportunity to just focus on enjoying learning (mistakes and all). They were and still are supportive of my decisions, this has allowed me to focus on things that interest me, it has allowed me to think seriously about the path I must take in my career (because I am the one responsible for my future), it has allowed me to focus on what conditions I learn best under and to understand my strengths as well as weakness. I believe that they have taught me not to settle for what others want or to become what others think I am. But that I should be the person I want to be, that I should stand-up for myself, and that I should make my own decisions. If I could tell my whole life story it would be obvious that these elements are a portion of what make up the person and student I am…. and the one I shall be.

Lekei’ Learning Future

The first thing that will cause me to continue to move forward in this profession and academically is to make sure that I am passionate about what I am doing. I have to do things that interest me --things that I believe in. Second, I have to know whatever I am doing will make a difference in my life intellectually or professionally. Third, I have to understand that some of the answers I may be seeking may not be easily discovered (more effort maybe required in different situations to obtain end results). And fourth, I have to be willing to learn and to think differently-- to see things from different perspectives. I can examine my learning by observing the way my thinking about different subject(s) evolves and observing the way I apply the new information to my personal or professional practices. Of courses I am not saying that everything I learn about will cause me to change the way I think and do things, but by being open to new information will allow me to actually learn something new or either reinforce my beliefs and actions towards what I am already doing. As a student and a professional it is crucial to my development that I remain aware of changes occurring in this field, this includes being aware of latest methods of treatment (one may be better suited for a client), being aware of new laws, being aware of opportunities to add my academic studies, being aware of the needs of the public concerning this field, also that as I mature I deepen my understanding of what being a SLP is all about. Communication is what SLP specialize in, it is only fitting that we have the ability as students and therapist to network with others that are in this field and those that interact with us in this field in whatever capacity (patients, lawmakers and other professionals).

I have learned that the way I learn best is studying and analyzing the material for myself (this includes putting the concept into my own words). Many times I find myself looking outside of a testbook using other information sources like the Internet and talking to someone that is successful at want I am tying to learn. Teaching someone that may not have as good of an understanding than myself, helps me apply what I know, and retain it better. I also like to review with others --and last, I work at my own pace… if I don’t understand something as quickly as someone else-- it’s o.k. with me as long as I get it at some point. One more thing I would like to add is that I discard any method that does yield successful results (the ability to modify).