Hi!

My name is Leslie Martinez, and I am currently finishing my Bachelor's degree in Psychology while pursuing my Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) certification. A significant influence on my academic and professional journey has been my engagement in the COM 204: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism course. I am excited to share how the knowledge I've gained in this class will serve as a foundational pillar for my future career in speech-language pathology.

Currently, I work as a behavior technician in an elementary school, where I interact daily with children facing various communication challenges. This experience has underscored the importance of understanding the complex systems involved in speech and hearing. The insights I’ve gleaned from COM 204 have enhanced my ability to support these children by providing me with a deep understanding of the anatomical and physiological principles underlying speech production and auditory processing.

In this course, I have explored critical topics such as the anatomy of the vocal tract, respiratory system, and neural mechanisms involved in speech and hearing. Each component we studied has direct relevance to my future role as an SLPA. For instance, understanding how specific structures contribute to sound production will allow me to identify and address articulatory issues in the children I work with. Moreover, knowledge of the auditory system is crucial for recognizing hearing impairments that may impact a child's language development.

The hands-on learning experiences in COM 204, including dissections and visual aids, have also bolstered my comprehension and retention of complex material. This practical application of knowledge is vital for translating theoretical concepts into real-world scenarios I will encounter in my career.

I am excited to continue building upon the knowledge from COM 204 as I advance in my studies and eventually transition into my SLPA career. I hope this e-portfolio serves not only as a showcase of my academic journey but also as a reflection of how the insights gained from this course will directly inform and enhance my practice in the field of speech-language pathology.

Thank you for taking the time to explore my e-portfolio!

Warm regards,  

Leslie Martinez