Project Reflection

  The 20% project has left an impact on me in many ways. Not only was I learning more about my major, but I was also exploring information about my passion of singing. Presenting my product to many people was very nerve-wracking. However, I was so comfortable and loved my topic so much that my presentation felt very natural. I was comfortable answering all kinds of questions about singing and speech. I presented my product to my mom when I arrived home for the weekend, and she was so proud of me and so interested.
  I created a Prezi to present my product and research. It can be found here. I learned so much about Singing and Speech through my time researching for this project. Through the 20% project, speech pathology has become a passion of mine, much like singing. I learned about methods such as Melodic Intonation Therapy and because very familiar with how it works. Methods for speech therapy using singing are things such as repetition, fill in the blank, and imitation. It is also all about trial-and-error. What works with some patients might not work with others. I also learned more about patients going through speech therapy through music, like my inspiration Gabi Giffords. During the showcase, I was so proud of my work as people watched my presentation with such interest.
  The only difficulties I faced during the 20% project were deadlines. Being busy with other classes, working out of the classroom tended to be difficult. However, I got the project done and was very happy and satisfied with my product.

UPDATE

I have decided to create a Prezi to more effectively present my product to my audience.

Progress Check

I am in shock that this is my fourth post for my 20% project. I have become so inspired by the stories I have read about the power of music and its impact on speech therapy. Through rehabilitation methods, adults and children alike are capable of finding their voice again. Specifically, Gabrielle Giffords's story is so incredibly inspiring. I sent the video to my mom who is a occupational therapist. I said "This is what I want to do with my life" in the subject line. She said "And I think you will be great at it! Go for it!" As cheesy as that was, it is amazing how this project has helped me find a very specific career path that I'm interested in.

I plan to create a website that explains methods of speech therapy though music. The first page will be a biography page all about me and how I fell in love with music and combining it with speech therapy. Another page will be my inspiration page. I will retell the story of Gabby Giffords in my own words. The next page will have methods and potentially videos of me singing the methods and explaining them. This website is targeted to parents of children with speech disorders and families of adults looking into speech disorders. Those who have been in horrible accidents like Gabby Giffords, their families can look into speech therapy and see what their options are. This website will be available for those families to understand what lies ahead and the very possible positive outcomes. It is always better to be educated about a loved one's treatment.