Class of 2024 Spotlight: Speech-Language Pathology
Jasmine Hogan – M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology
During her time at CSULB, Jasmine Hogan says she encountered various challenges that fostered a deep sense of resiliency and determination within herself.
“I was balancing a full-time job alongside a rigorous academic schedule. Going into graduate school, time management was never one of my strong suits; however, CSULB’s graduate program made sure that was going to change. Time management became an art that I had to learn how to MASTER.”
Jasmine says weeknights were spent doing late-night study sessions and weekends were spent working late nights, until sometimes 1 or 2 in the morning whether she was doing school work or just working.
“The grind never stopped. I sacrificed time with my family and friends, and self-care days disappeared completely. It became an intense internal struggle.”
Jasmine’s reliance on supporting herself financially was constantly battling with her need to succeed in academics.
“The mental and physical toll of maintaining such a demanding schedule almost broke me,” Jasmine says. “Moments of doubt reared its evil head in constant waves, and I was continuously wondering if the pursuit of this dual endeavor was sustainable.”
However, amidst the waves of doubt, adversity was born and became a catalyst for Jasmine’s resilience. What became a crucial aspect in her ability to continue on, was the support network from her friends, family and fellow cohort members.
“Their belief in my abilities served as a beacon of light during my darkest times and reaffirmed my conviction that perseverance would ultimately lead to success. As I reflect on this incredibly challenging journey, I am grateful for the obstacles encountered along the way, for they instilled within me tenacity and grit. I am empowered by the knowledge that adversity is not a hinderance but rather an opportunity for growth and resilience.”
That resilience was also cultivated through Jasmine’s intense sense of her “why.”
“The journey towards choosing speech language pathology as my career path was deeply rooted in my passion for helping others and my strong belief in the transformative power of effective communication. From a young age, I recognized the pivotal role that speech, language, and communication play in fostering meaningful connections and relationships. I truly feel as though the decision to pursue speech pathology was a calling rather than a choice. After I learned about this field, I became captivated by the notion of empowering others to overcome communication barriers and enhance their quality of life.
In addition to her full work and school schedule, Jasmine served as a teacher’s assistant and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Board Personnel for Dr. Belinda Daughrity.
“Dr. Daughrity embodies a unique blend of wisdom, grace and expertise. Although her intellect is undoubtedly awe-inspiring, what truly sets her apart is her genuine investment in nurturing aspiring minds like mine. Her mentorship has been nothing short of transformative for both my academic and personal growth. I’m blessed to say that in her I have found not just a mentor but a role model. Not to mention that because of her, I have had the honor and privilege to attend and present at a national ASHA convention.”
“As a future Speech-Language Pathologist, I have the power to create and foster a sense of inclusivity and equity, ensuring that every child receives quality care regardless of their cultural/ethnic background or economic status.”
