A question and answer session with one of our young alumni from the Doctor of Audiology program, Abigail Possinger.
Q: Why did you want to pursue a career in audiology?
A: Actually, in high school I had a real deep interest in sign language and the deaf community. Eventually that interest grew and I wanted to pursue hearing technologies to help people who are interested in them communicate.
Q: Why did you choose Salus?
A: I loved that it was a really small community and small campus. I felt I could really focus on what I wanted to do while I was there. But you also had the freedom to go off campus and visit the city when you wanted to. So, it had the best of both worlds.
Q: What have you discovered about your subject area as a grad student that you wish you knew as an undergrad student?
A: Audiology as a profession has done so much growing and it really does have so much more room to grow. And, the thing I love about it so much is that I think there's so many opportunities to explore the job market and be super involved in different organizations. I never foresaw any of that in undergrad, so I was really happy about it.
Q: What do you feel is unique about your program at Salus?
A: The clinical hours. We get so much hands-on experience and not just in audiology, in a multitude of the Salus programs.
Q: What clinical experience made an impact on you at Salus?
A: The hearing screenings that we did in schools and in the community. I've had so many opportunities to improve my clinical skills. Being out and about and using what you have on hand really makes you a great clinician.
Q: Did you have any discouraging or especially triumphant moments in the classroom or clinical facility?
A: I have always struggled a little bit in school. I have an auditory processing disorder, anxiety and depression, and due to those struggles, learning in a classroom setting is really tricky for me. What I would really encourage students to do, and I think is very triumphant for me, was to take advantage of tutoring services, accommodations, if you qualify, all those things are very, very good and I didn't take advantage of them until much later. So, I encourage people to use their resources.
Q: How did you feel supported as a student and an individual while enrolled at Salus?
A: I would say certain professors and students in my program gave me an incredible amount of support. I also have an incredible family, friends and a girlfriend who really pushed me whenever I felt my anxiety getting to me or just am having a bad day. It was great to have all those supportive roles in my life when I was at Salus.
Q: What advice would you offer an undergrad considering pursuing an advanced degree in audiology?
A: If they're considering Salus specifically, using the mentor/mentee program was really awesome because I got a mentor and she kind of coached me through a lot of things. Then I became a mentor and helped out my mentee. It's a great way to meet up upperclassmen and get advice without going to the professor all the time. But I also want to stress the importance of self-care while pursuing a degree in something like that. You know, you need to give yourself a break. Your body, mind and patients will definitely thank you.
To see Possinger’s full interview, check out the accompanying video.
To learn more about Salus University's programs, visit salus.edu/academics.
