Hannah Thiesfeldt (’14)

Hannah Thiesfeldt (2014)Hannah,  a 2014 Bethany graduate, currently works as an in-home Autism Therapist in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

WHAT DO YOU DO • • • I am under four months away from graduating with my Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Once I graduate, I will be a certified Speech Language Pathologist and able to help individuals with communication disorders and deficits.

As a communication disorders graduate student, I spend a lot of time studying the different communication processes throughout the lifespan. My studies focus on how all the speech and language systems within our body work together, what happens if something goes wrong, and how I can treat it a speech pathologist.

Recently, I completed a 15-week internship working in the public schools as a speech language pathologist. It was the absolute best, I loved every minute of it! Currently, I am studying for my national board exam and taking two classes. I will be completing a medical internship focusing on adult communication disorders in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin during Summer 2016. Once that is finished, I will God-willing be moving to Chicago to begin my career as a speech language pathologist!

WHAT INSPIRES YOU • • • When I was younger, I had my own speech language pathologist whom I loved. As I grew older, I knew I wanted to work with kids, but did not want to be a teacher. That led me to speech language pathology field!

HOW YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE • • • I want to make a difference in the lives of kids. I would love to begin my career working in a pediatric private practice or a school setting. I hope to put a smile on every child’s face, add laughter to their life, and improve their communication for the better!

HOW BETHANY HAS PREPARED YOU • • • Bethany had the opportunity for me as a Communication major to complete a Communication Disorders minor at Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU). While being able to attend Bethany full time, I was given the opportunity to pursue my dream career as a speech language pathologist and complete a Spanish minor! Without attending Bethany, I honestly do not think I would have been accepted into graduate school. Graduate school is difficult, but attending Bethany for your undergrad prepares you for the long nights studying with time management, interpersonal, work ethic, and people skills.

WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT BETHANY • • • The countless hours I spent studying in The Lab Coffee Shop and the unforgettable laughs, memories, and forever friends I met on campus. Bethany is a place that I will never forget!

ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS • • • Attend events on campus, get to know your professors, go above and beyond what you need to do (believe me, it is noticed!), be spontaneous, drink all the coffee, don’t forget to have fun, and cherish your time on campus! Before you know it, you will be walking across the graduation stage with that diploma in hand and it will all be over.