On Seeing Them Graduate

While completing externships- I had wonderful, intellectual, and devoted professionals serving as my supervisors. As I was approaching graduation, I remember one of my supervisors telling me that she felt like she was a mother bird pushing me from the nest. She was sending me to "spread my wings and fly."

I now know how she felt. I had to opportunity to watch my first group of speech clients graduate high school and venture into the real world of college, employment, & adult relationships.
I met most of them as tentative freshman in high school. I called them from class and gave them their speech or language therapy schedules. They were so young and still overwhelmed, so they accepted the schedules and came at their appointed times.

As sophomores, they begin to become more comfortable. Often, this was the age where some introspection had taken over. They would begin to question the need for speech or language services.

Student:"My PE coach says that I talk just fine, I don't know why I have to come to speech."

Me: "Your articulation is fine, you are in language therapy...the fact that I have failed to teach you the difference is why you are still attending therapy. "

By the time they were Juniors- they had begun to mature in the art of negotiation...Although in a sullen manner.

Sullen Student: " I TOLD YOU, Fourth period is bad for me, I have geography and we have a project...couldn't we just skip this week? Even my Mom wants to know why I am in speech...NO DON'T call her...she has to work. FINE- I'll just come...WHATEVER!"

Finally, as seniors, a sense of maturity begin to blossom. The relationship would change.

Student: "Could you please help me with the vocabulary in English class- I am not doing great in that class." or "Could I practice my presentation in speech?" or "Could you attend my senior project presentation?"

As the maturity begin to unfold- the requests became more reasonable and based on a well-thought out process. "Could I be grouped with Leslie? We are both working on the same things and she is my friend? Also, we can't come during 4th period- but, we will come during 6th. Please remember to call the teacher and tell her."

Many of my previous clients have become my "friends" via facebook, etc. As we "chat" about their aspirations, challenges, and new lives- I can't help but feel a bit of nostalgia and am awestruck relentless march of time.

I cherish the moments that I had with these precious spirits and souls. I wish them lives filled with love, health, and joy.

Fly birdies....fly!!!