Kiera Ross

Meet Kiera Ross ’29, a speech-language pathology major who values Russell Sage College’s program for giving her hands-on experience at an on-campus speech clinic — even as a first-year student.

What attracted you to a speech-language pathology major?

I chose to pursue a major in speech-language pathology because I want to make a meaningful impact through my work while also having access to a wide range of career opportunities.

What attracted you to Russell Sage for your degree?

I fell in love with Sage after attending the open house, which exceeded all of my expectations. The location and educator-to-student ratio were significant factors in my decision. However, the primary reason for my interest was the speech-language pathology program, which is not offered by any other nearby institution.

What have been some of the highlights of your experience as a speech-language Pathology major?

At the beginning of the year, our program volunteered at the Moving Message, an annual gathering where professionals, stroke survivors, and their loved ones come together to celebrate recovery and progress. I also enjoyed exploring and using the technology available at the Aphasia Center on our Albany campus.

In terms of hands-on learning, the program at Sage offers many opportunities to gain practical experience early on. We have already had the chance to volunteer in group therapy sessions at the Aphasia Center, allowing us to build meaningful, personal connections that many programs do not offer so early in the curriculum. We have also interacted with technology commonly used in clinical settings and had the opportunity to network with speech-language pathologists and other professionals in the field while earning internship hours at the Moving Message.

Why should others consider a speech-language major?

I recommend that anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives consider a major in speech-language pathology. With opportunities to work with individuals ranging from infants to older adults, the field allows you to support and help people across all stages of life.

What kind of work would you like to do as a speech-language pathologist?

I am interested in working in a rehabilitation center, supporting individuals as they recover from traumatic brain injuries.