Allied Health IDEAs Highlights
Because we believe a diverse campus is critical for our students, faculty, and staff to be engaged and productive members of a global [allied health and nursing] society, we are proud to highlight some of the diversity within out students, faculty and staff.
Meet our students, faculty and staff of our College through their reflections on Past, Present, and Future.
Meet Samantha Vang Florentino!
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Past: What motivated me to follow my dreams was my dad. He pushed me to my limit because he believed in me. Due to unfortunate events, he never found out that I got accepted into the program. It has pushed me harder to not only walk this path for myself, but my dad as well. It's a beautiful thing to know how much enjoyment I found in this profession. He would be so proud of me. I am proud of myself.
Present: When I want to blow off some steam (or procrastinate), I'd prepare a meal because it allows me to focus on myself and my needs. Once I finish cooking, I'd sit down and enjoy the meal while watching my current show obsessions.
Future: For my profession, my goal is to become a well-rounded Speech-Language Pathologist. I do not have a preference for future clients because I enjoy working with both adults and children. And as for my personal life, I cannot wait to start my life with my husband.
Meet Benenon Pererva!
Major: Communication Science and Disorders
Past: I hope to one day be able to provide compassionate and quality care to children and adults in need of speech and language services. I am interested in working in a hospital setting with adults as well as with school age clients. As a student, I have come to understand some of the hardships and barriers that BIPOC students have to endure while pursuing higher education in a predominately white institution and field. I hope to inspire, support, and advocate for students of color in our professional space of speech pathologists!
Present: I love diving into a good book, binge watching the latest shows on Netflix, and trying new restaurants. I also have a YouTube channel that allows me to have a creative outlet. I do a lot of sunscreen and skincare reviews, talk about my career journey, and anything else I have going on in my life.
Future: My grandma has had the most significant impact on my career trajectory. She had a stroke while living in Liberia, that left her with left-sided paralysis and aphasia. There was no longer a functioning clinic in her area so my family applied for her to come to America for treatment. She began working with a speech language pathologist. Her provider was kind, compassionate, and culturally sensitive when providing therapy. I was drawn to the possibility of improving the lives of patients like my grandmother and helping to support their families.
Please self-nominate or nominate a student, faculty, or staff member to highlight the diversity within the College of Allied Health and Nursing.
Diversity includes, but is not limited to, age, ethnic origin, national origin, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, religious beliefs, creeds, and income.
