Creating an experience for generations to come

Eden Bekele Start Date: Mar 26, 2021 - End Date: Mar 25, 2022
  • Cape Town, South Africa

My Travel Story

by: Eden Bekele Start Date: Mar 26, 2021 - End Date: Mar 25, 2022
Being able to get an opportunity to intern abroad in South Africa is really more important for my future patients, rather than it is for myself. As an aspiring Speech Pathologist, it's widely known that there is such a small amount of people of color in this career field. Speech and communication is a skill everyone should have the right to be able to do. Unfortunately, that isn't the case for many people around the world. A a great deal of individuals who struggle with communication, whether it's from having a stroke or learning a language, are individuals who are people of color. It's very important for someone to feel comfortable with the person that's trying to help them because that's how progress happens. When almost 98% of Speech Pathologist's and Audiologists are caucasian, there is an invisible barrier with the patient because the provider cannot fully understand they're struggles. With that being said I want my patients to see that someone like them, who has grown up the same way and went through the same battles, is also available to provide for them. That being said getting to go to Cape town to gain more experience of diversity and different perspectives of life is more than valuable to me. It's something that will bless me with new skills and perspectives I will get to carry with me and share with future patients for years to come! 
  • Cape Town, South Africa