On Sunday, the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology candidates came together at Assembly Row to celebrate with each other and receive program awards along with students in the Certificate of Advanced Study in Literacy and Language. The next day, 58 of them received their M-SLP degrees and 16 received their Certificates of Advanced Study. 

Caroline Collier was recognized with the Julie Atwood Award for Excellence, given to the graduating student who possesses a strong base of academic knowledge, applies theory to the delivery of clinical service in an exemplary manner, and demonstrates the highest values and ethics, the ability to apply research findings to clinical practice, and the potential for professional excellence and leadership. It is named for Julie Atwood, former Director of the Speech-Language Pathology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital and Professor at the Institute. Laura S. Gonzalez earned the Kenneth N. Stevens Award for Research, which honors a graduating student who has demonstrated superior performance in conducting research that produces new knowledge about normal or disordered communication. She also created bilingual resources that are being used in two local schools and the Julie Atwood Speech, Language, and Literacy Center at the MGH Institute.

There were additional awards given to students that the CSD faculty wanted to acknowledge, including Kevin Patrick Harris for leadership, Emile Eyad Zahr for clinical scholarship, Alyssa Garza for research, and Malley T. Andemeskel for community building. 

The Faculty Award for Excellence that honors a current on-site or adjunct faculty member or term lecturer who excels at presenting material in a highly effective manner, fosters an atmosphere of individual inquiry, welcomes discussion and diverse points of view, and inspires students to apply and further their knowledge beyond the classroom, SLLC and external placement experiences, went to Laura Hirner while the Award for Excellence in Clinical Supervision, which honors external clinical supervisors who have contributed significantly to the graduate student clinical experience by serving as an excellent role model, collaborating with other professionals at the external practicum site, providing opportunities to students that help to shape their ability to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners, and demonstrating evidenced-based practice principles in their practice, was awarded to The Boston Children’s Hospital Augmentative Communication Program. 

Kayley Foster was chosen by her classmates to speak on their behalf. She recounted an experience that typified why she, and many others, want to become speech language pathologists. 

“I’ll never forget when a patient stopped me mid-therapy and asked me why I was there,” said Foster. “I stopped in my tracks and asked her what she meant by that. She said to me ‘I’m so happy that you’re here but you don’t have to be here. I have to be here in this hospital room in order to get better why are you here?’ Her question caught me off guard. In my eyes, it was a privilege to be there doing something that I have been working towards for so many years. We live in a society where helping professions are undervalued despite the dedication it takes to pursue this career path. The work that we have done thus far is a testament to our perseverance, passion, and willingness to do whatever it takes to enrich the lives of others.”

A day later, at the 45th Commencement Ceremony, another SLP student chosen by her peers on behalf of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and School of Healthcare Leadership graduates, also shared an experience with a different type of patient.  

“There were several moments when we felt like fledglings, unsure of whether or not we were ready to fly into the real world, but truth be told, we’re actually far more competent than we realize,” said Akshaya Kannan. “We’ve been equipped with valuable experiences that have shaped us into capable and inclusive professionals: experiences such as simulations, collaborative learning, observations at Mass General Brigham, and more. We’ve also had the opportunity to work with high-quality standardized patients. So high quality that in fact, I almost didn’t realize that my standardized patient was an actress until I saw her sprint outside between simulations to move her car.”

Kannan concluded her speech with a poem she wrote about the journeys they have taken as students the MGH Institute:

Whether there was an earthquake or wildfire, extreme cold or heat,

We still saw patients and went to class, and that’s no small feat.

We would see patients all throughout the day and then go to class at night,

At times, we forgot the feeling of going outside and seeing daylight.

Spending countless hours studying at Shouse

Really made it feel like it was our new house.

But in the process, we began to grow fond

Of patients and peers, with whom we formed new bonds.

We learned about ethical issues and when breath becomes air,

And we’ve learned that in many cases, life can be unfair.

There may be several things on your mind that you want to do and say,

And while it may not seem like it, there is ALWAYS a way.

Granted, the grueling hours may have tired us out,

And on certain days, we may have experienced self-doubt.

But then you see the strides that your patients have made,

And it warms your heart to see the role that you’ve played.

It makes every bit of effort completely worthwhile,

Especially when they look at you with a genuine smile.

Be it working with little kids or teens or adults,

You make a difference in their lives, and it shows in their results.

So take that leap of faith, and don’t ever be afraid,

Prioritize your dreams, and never let them fade.

Happiness leads to success, NOT the other way around,

So keep moving forward, and don’t let anyone shut you down.

Believe in yourself, and you’d be surprised

By how many of your skills you can actually generalize.

Just know that wherever you end up, you will thrive,

So congrats on graduating, Class of 2025!