For Megha C., the path to becoming a speech-language pathologist began when she was just 10 years old. Growing up in a close-knit joint family, Megha witnessed her youngest cousin’s transformation through speech therapy.
“He was almost 4 and not speaking. Now, at 13, he’s completely verbal,” she recalled with pride. “Seeing that change inspired me to dedicate my life to this field.”
Speech-language pathology is a dynamic field that extends far beyond helping people speak.
“We work with everyone — from infants in the NICU to senior citizens.” The field encompasses various specialties, including voice disorders, stuttering, feeding and swallowing, and cognitive-communication issues in stroke patients. It even delves into literacy disorders and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for those who are nonverbal. “It’s such a vast and rewarding field,” Megha said. “You’re always learning, and there’s never a dull moment.”
Megha’s passion for helping others took root early. In middle school, she co-founded Lywood Awareness Buddies (LAB), an organization that bridged the gap between general and special education students. From presenting at Board of Education meetings to organizing community symposiums, Megha demonstrated her commitment to fostering inclusion and understanding. Today, LAB’s legacy continues, influencing younger generations to embrace diversity and empathy.
Fast forward to her time at West Coast University, Megha chose to relocate from New Jersey to Dallas to make the most of her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program.
“Even though the program is online, I wanted the experience of a new city and the opportunity to connect with my peers and professors in person,” she explained. The West Coast University Texas campus and supportive environment have made her feel at home, offering study spaces and a welcoming community.
As an online student, Megha remains deeply engaged. She serves as the president of WCU’s chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and was recently elected to its national Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA) work group. Her leadership roles allow her to advocate for a more inclusive environment, a cause close to her heart as a South Asian daughter of immigrants.
The program’s flipped classroom model and on-site immersives have broadened Megha’s horizons.
“I came in set on working with children with autism, but now I’m exploring stuttering and neuro disorders,” she shared. These experiences, coupled with the support of faculty and Program Dean, have bolstered her confidence. “Our professors genuinely care about us as individuals, not just as students.”
For now, Megha remains focused on her clinical placements, eagerly anticipating the day she can help others find their voice, just as her cousin once did.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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