Taylor Tweedle received an M.S. in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. She was also the president of CommunicAid+Nation.
Tell me about CommunicAid+Nation – how did you get involved?
CommunicAid+Nation was started by Meagan Glover, a Georgia State student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. It’s an organization that provides aid to individuals who have communication needs, regardless of age or etiology.
So far, we have given out three awards to individuals with communication needs including a mini iPad to an individual with a traumatic brain injury, an iPad to an individual with aphasia, and a monetary award to individuals in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at GSU who were going on a service trip to Jamaica. The money helped to buy therapy materials for individuals with communication needs at Mustard Seed Ministries.
CommunicAid is growing quickly, with two other collegiate chapters at the University of Georgia and the University of West Georgia. We’ve also held fundraisers that included a movie night at CineFest, where we showed “Apashia: The Movie,” and trivia night at Hudson Grille.
Do you and Kim Gold (another CEHD student) work together on CommunicAid Nation? How did you meet?
Kim and I met through the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Kim was the president of CommunicAid+Nation right before me, so she has been a huge help to me as I’ve been the president. Kim has also been instrumental in helping CommunicAid+Nation at Georgia State University grow!
What made you choose the College of Education & Human Development in particular as well as Georgia State University?
The College of Education & Human Development offers many opportunities to become a graduate research assistant and get involved with research related to communication sciences and disorders. Georgia State’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program also has a wonderful clinic and great relationships with internship sites around the Atlanta area. Also, you can’t beat Georgia State’s location!
Why did you choose the program you’re in?
I chose this program because I have always wanted to become a speech-language pathologist. When I was younger, my little brother had vocal nodules and needed to see a speech-language pathologist – they developed a great relationship. After learning about all of the different things that speech-pathologists could do, I decided that it would be a great field to get into.
What are your research and career interests?
I would be interested in doing research on teenagers who have had traumatic brain injuries. And for a career – I would love to eventually work with teenagers and adults with brain injuries in an outpatient rehab facility.
Who has had the biggest influence on your academic and/or career trajectory at the College of Education & Human Development and why?
I have really loved learning from Dr. Eva Van Leer in our dysphagia class. She is very passionate about teaching and makes sure that we leave her class knowing the information. I wasn’t really interested in swallowing before taking the class, but now I think that I would potentially like to work with individuals with dysphagia.
What clubs, activities or hobbies do you have outside of the classroom?
I love running on the BeltLine. My dad and I run half marathons and 10ks together on the weekends. When I’m not running, I love being outside and reading. I also enjoy crafting and would love to open up an Etsy shop in the future!
What do you like best about attending a downtown university?
I love the close proximity to everything in downtown Atlanta. When I have a break from class, one of my favorite things to do is walk to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market and grab lunch.
What has been the biggest challenge in your work as a student?
My biggest challenge has been balancing my school work and time for myself. Graduate school is pretty much a full-time job, so I had to be pretty intentional about carving out a little bit of time to relax.
What is your favorite quote?
“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” – Roald Dahl.