Growing up in Camden, Arkansas, I always knew that I wanted to do something that would make my family proud as well as my community of origin. When I was younger, I dreamed of attending UAMS and finding a career that would make an impact in the healthcare field. I have always known that I wanted to work in healthcare, especially after seeing my mom in action as a nurse in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. It always seemed so paramount that I will be like my mom and make a difference in the lives of patients whether it be through nursing or another avenue of healthcare.
I studied communication sciences and disorders at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I was drawn to the communication sciences and disorders profession primarily due to personal experiences with family members who have speech disorders, but once I became immersed in the academics of the profession I realized that this was my field to make an impact. I believe that everyone should have access to communication if they choose, and I like to be able to be a liaison of communication for my patients.
I never could have imagined that I would ever make it to this point in my academic career, but I am so grateful to the faculty, staff, and mentors that I have gained in the UAMS circle! Furthermore, thank you to the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and the College of Health Professions for equipping me for a future as an audiologist.