Introduction

Inspired by various SLT blogs (Speech and Language Thera-peers; Therapy Ideas and If Only I Had Superpowers to name a few), #slt2b and #slpeeps debates on Twitter, and my housemate Nicole's travel blog (This Is Europe 2012), I'm attempting to start my own SLT blog.

I'm currently in the final year of the Postgraduate Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy at City University London. I love the course and have no doubt it is the right career path for me. I'm still not entirely decided what path I wish to pursue when I graduate in (eek) July, as I come out of every lecture, be it aphasia, dysfluency, voice or SLI convinced that is my calling. I'm fairly sure I want to work in paediatrics, but I haven't had my adult placement yet (that is a treat for my summer block placement) so could well change my mind. I do enjoy working with parents, carers and teachers so perhaps my grown up side will come out. I can't imagine not working with children though so it's a hard call!

I'm currently on a weekly placement in a Language Unit in a fairly deprived London Borough. Over the past few months it's been a steep learning curve as I begin to take responsibility for my own caseload, but having that creative and clinical freedom is more and more enjoyable. I love trying to find new ways to teach new things, and finding out which technique works best for that particular individual over another.

I intend to blog about my experiences and thoughts about placement, university and the field as a whole; whatever takes my fancy! My aim is to clarify the thoughts that are often fleeting as I become preoccupied with essays and coursework, when in reality taking the time to think about these issues would probably help my improve my work as a developing clinician. Here goes...