4 weeks to go!

I don't think its quite real yet. After nearly two years and a massive rollercoaster and a huge amount of work, I have only 4 weeks of my MSc left.

I've just finished (and passed) my final placement and it has been amazing. The team in Solihull have been supportive, encouraging, inspiring and have had more confidence in me than I have in myself - which has finally helped my confidence grow. I've assessed speech sound disorders, language difficulties, communication environment needs, AAC, and supported parents and teachers to support their young people better. There were many nervous moments, doing things I've never done before. But once you've done something once its easier the next time, and I feel like a bit of a pro at a CELF now! (as much as you can ever be a pro at a celf cos it is a bit complicated). I've had such lovely moments with children - I definitely have a way with them. I had several who started out unsure but I was able to draw them in to interaction, play or tasks that allowed me to assess them.

Last week I was able to speak to those starting the MSc in January, and it was a great opportunity to reflect on how far I've come. I've said it before, but honestly two years ago I was excited but so nervous, I honestly wasn't sure I was able to do this course academically.

And there have been times when that has been reinforced, like failing my first assignment. But actually with only my dissertation to go I've passed everything so far and amazed myself that I've done it.

My confidence has grown hugely, and I know I've grown as a person too. My ways of thinking have changed and grown, and I really am starting to feel like a therapist now, not just an assistant. I'm so excited to start my new job in January!

So, it's the final countdown (if there are song words and music in your head now I'm sorry / not sorry!!!). Just my dissertation to go - a piece of work I'm incredibly proud to be doing - speech and language therapy students struggle with anxiety whether they're on placement or not, and I really hope this piece of work will give universities and placement educators ideas on how to support students, and students ideas on how to look after themselves during placements. The SALTsoc session and podcast on wellbeing and resilience should also help with that - I've loved doing the 'put a saltsoc in it' podcasts - great fun.

4 weeks to go......