My name is Norma O’ Leary and I’m a final year Speech and Language Therapy student at University College Cork. I’m delighted I choose this course as I believe the ability to communicate is quintessentially the very essence of being human. Therefore, the opportunity of getting to help those with communication difficulties to reach their potential is a real privilege. My favourite part of the course is clinical placement where you get to apply theory to practice in a variety of setting under the supervision of a Speech and Language Therapist. I really enjoy the opportunity of working with paediatric and adult client groups. My clinical placements have been based in the community, disability, and mental health settings. The most enjoyable aspect of college life has been getting involved with societies and volunteering. For example, I have had to opportunity to help 1st year SLT students transition to college through my role as a Peer Support Leader. In addition, I also volunteer with the Aphasia Café run by UCC Dept of Speech and Hearing Sciences in conjunction with UCC’s Clinical Therapies Society. I think that joining IASLT as a student member helps one develop a sense of professional identify before entering the workforce in the near future. I was fortunate enough to be a member of the IASLT 2020/2021 Student Conference Committee. Being on the committee was beneficial to both my personal and professional development. Most importantly, it was humbling to see the event come together and to witness a great turnout for our first ever virtual conference. I would highly recommend getting involved in the IASLT Student Conference committee, an opportunity not to be missed!