Meet Rebecca Lynn Bailey a first generation college student
Rebecca Lynn Bailey is the first in her family to attend college. This brings about its own set of challenges, yet Bailey succeeded. She is a Communication Sciences and Disorders student and also the chief officer of fundraising for CommunicAID+Nation, an organization that provides aid to individuals who have communication disorders. She’s helped raise funds with t-shirt sales. showing Autism: the Musical and other events. She is from Hartwell, GA and earned her B.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Georgia.
What made you choose Georgia State University and the College of Education?
I chose to attend Georgia State, in part, because it is in downtown Atlanta — centrally located — and allows for a wide variety of clinical experiences and internships. It’s also just a quick walk away from many coffee shops, which I visit far more than I should admit. When I interviewed for the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program I was immediately impressed by the number of opportunities the program has to offer, and how individualized it is for each student.
I decided I wanted to pursue a career in speech-language pathology when I was 16 years old. At the time, I was volunteering at a skilled nursing facility in my hometown. Through this experience, I was introduced to speech-language pathology and immediately I felt driven to learn more about the profession. I chose the CSD program because of its ideal location among various medical facilities in Atlanta and the abundant research opportunities for students.
What are your research interests while in school and career goals after graduation?
Currently, I work as a graduate research assistant at The Urban Child Study Center. I have been on this project for four semesters and will continue in the spring. During my time on this project, I have had the opportunity to work with children from a variety of socioeconomic and linguistic backgrounds. My time on this project has helped me acquire valuable clinical skills for working with culturally linguistic clients.
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in the medical field. Although I’m unsure about the particular setting, I do know I have a passion for working with individuals who have suffered a stroke so ideally, my future career will have a focus on that population.
Who has had the biggest influence here at the College?
I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Debra Schober-Peterson in the class, clinic and through CommunicAID+Nation. She is also one of my first clinical supervisors in the CSD program. The supportive feedback she gave me in my first semester was a fundamental part of building my confidence as a clinician.
Tell me about something you did in class or on a project?
One of the most interesting projects I’ve completed thus far was to build a model larynx! Dr. Eva van Leer gave this unique project to our voice class to teach the structures and functions of a larynx. It was definitely a beneficial and memorable assignment!
How is it being a first-generation college student in your family?
I am the first person in my family to attend college. Graduating with my bachelor’s degree has been my greatest accomplishment thus far, but it has certainly not been without struggle. I could never have gotten this far without the support of my family
What has been the biggest challenge in your work as a student?
My biggest challenge as a student was being a first-generation college student. The college has been one learning curve after another. I’ve learned there are many moments of success, but there are also setbacks. I’m fortunate to have a great support system to help me through both the good times and bad times. The most important lesson I’ve learned through this has been to take setbacks and make them work in your favor no matter what.
What has been your biggest accomplishment since you’ve been a student here?
As a graduate clinician my biggest accomplishment comes at the end of each semester. Throughout the semester, I watch my clients work hard and grow. Seeing their progress at the end of each semester gives a sense of accomplishment unlike any other.
