Meet this week’s Campus Celebrity, Jessica Moore! This is Jessica’s last quarter at UCSD as an undergrad! In addition to being VP Membership Recruitment for Alpha Omicron Pi, she is a volunteer at a speech therapy center and a research assistant at an autism lab, and is applying for grad schools in speech pathology. She exemplifies strong leadership and well-roundedness, which makes her the perfect Campus Celebrity!
Major: Human Development
Year: Fourth
College: ERC
Hometown: Lancaster, CA
1.) What got you involved in your volunteer position?
I got involved in my position as a volunteer at the Crimson Center for Speech and Language through the Human Development Program. One of the Human Development advisers coordinates research sites for a Human Development course on field research. As a student in that course, I developed a closer relationship with her. As the course came to a close, I asked her if she knew of any speech pathologists I could shadow. She told me the Crimson Center was a previous research site and that I could contact them to see if they had any volunteer positions available. I contacted the director, Karyn, and met with her. I began volunteering a few days later, and it has been a wonderful experience.
2.) Why do you want to go into speech pathology?
I initially became interested in the field of speech pathology in high school as a volunteer in the therapies department in a health clinic. The opportunity to work one-on-one with clients week after week appealed to me. I also liked the opportunities to promote personal growth and improve quality of life in clients. As a volunteer, I noticed that a lot of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder received speech therapy. I have since learned more about Autism Spectrum Disorder through my role as a research assistant at an autism research lab and my role as a volunteer at an after school program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. My desire to become a speech pathologist is closely linked with my desire to work with individuals on the spectrum. I like that speech therapy, along with other services, can empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
3.) What has been the most valuable experience for you in college?
The most valuable experience I have had in college is my position as a research assistant at an autism research lab. I have learned so much about infant development and research through the position. The position has also strengthened my desire to work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder as a speech pathologist. I have learned so much information through the position that I will apply to my practice as a speech pathologist.
4.) Do you have any advice for freshmen?
My biggest piece of advice for freshmen would be to get involved. Find something you are passionate about and pursue that outside the classroom. There are so many opportunities for this at UCSD, including clubs, organizations, and research opportunities.