The commencement speech given by JMU's president touched me to the very core of my soul. I know that his message was directed to the 300+ graduates and not to the visitor Sharon Funk who was sitting up in the bleachers. Yet it WAS directed right to me from every angle in the convocation center. Bulls Eye right to my heart.
He talked about his experience when he was in the audience of a speech Steve Jobs was giving. I immediately got goose bumps because Steve Jobs and I have something in common. We both have been touched by pancreatic cancer. He said that Steve talked about finding a job that you love and sticking with it. Making a difference in THAT job. I felt so blessed that I have been able to do just that. I have wanted to be a speech therapist ever since I was 14 or 15 years old.
My grandmother had a stroke and as a result was put in a nursing home. My grandma lived in New Jersey, where I was born and lived until 3rd grade. I remember walking with my mom to the telephone booth in Orkney Springs so that she could call her only sibling, Aunt Judy, to find out how Grandma was. I remember my mom telling me that Grandma had lost her ability to speak. A speech therapist was working with grandma to teach her to say her name again. I thought that must be the coolest job in the world. That's what I wanted to be. I wanted to teach people to talk!
I have never wavered from that decision and here it is, after 32 years in the public schools, I have been able to help a countless number of children improve their communication skills. Have you ever thought what it would be like to not be able to communicate? I share with every one of my fellow SLP colleagues in saying that we have! Communication is powerful! What a gift it was to decide so MANY years ago to make a difference in children's lives by helping them communicate. I found the job that I LOVE and am sticking with it.
5 comments:
Sharon you are that miracle worker speech therapist. I have told you countless times how you have saved so many children. I know once a child gets in your care it opens their world to speech and literacy.It is so obvious you love what you do. Playing with toys each day. For all those children you touch thank you for the gift of you. :)
From one mother whose son you helped... Thank you! You helped my boy grow into the confidant learner he is today. How you teach kids to master sounds or use auxiliary verbs is beyond me. In just one year you did for my son what I couldn't do for him for so long. I am convinced there must be some magic involved in that therapy of yours. Thank you!
I AM SO GLAD YOU HAD A NICE WEEKEND.
Your love of teaching and helping students has been such a source of inspiration for families AND teachers. Thank you! Can't wait to have you back and continuing on with your special gift :)
You were such a great help during my time at Catoctin, informing me of your abundant amount of knowledge in your reputable field. I was truely blessed to have worked and learned from an expertise!
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