Aquí es donde yo pertenezco

I am a speech-language pathologist (SLP) of color, queer, woman, Latina, and from Puerto Rico, and I cannot feel more proud to represent all my identities in this field. When I say that being an SLP was written in my destiny, I am not lying. I was born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico, to a family of 4 (at first), and my baby sister came ten years later to make us the happiest family of 5. My mom is an SLP, and I remember walking with her at a very young age to watch her do assessments and interventions. We visited homes, schools, Head Start, Daycare facilities, and hospitals. I was always by her side, making a mess with her toys. I did not know this was my passion, but I was literally born an SLP. It took me some time to understand that this was my career. Still, during my Sophomore year, I realized I had to change from a Chemistry major (no idea why I chose Chemistry) to a Speech-Language and Hearing major (I couldn’t be prouder of my decision). The first time I entered an outpatient clinic during my clinical practice as an SLPA, I texted my beloved mom, “Aquí es donde yo pertenezco, Ma” (“Here is where I belong, Mom”). From that day (January 2013) until today, I still believe that está es la profesión a la que yo pertenezco (“this is the field where I belong”). I have found what heals my heart when supporting families with their needs; I have found happiness in seeing my clients progress. I have found joy in working hard every day to be the best version of myself for the kids I serve. I will not stop until diverse populations are represented, treated with justice, and served with cultural responsiveness. 

I am grateful for all the people I have met along the road who have been supporting and welcoming in their spaces; however, this is not what everyone experiences in the field. Hence, it is our job to diversify the field, promote inclusivity and engage in difficult conversations to change our profession for the better. A field where everyone can feel welcome, a field where people are proud of representing their identities, and a field in which the only thing that matters is the amazing work we do to give others their voice to fight for what is right. If you are not sure if you should change your major to Communication Disorders because you are scared, so was I, and it went great, so do it. If you do not feel comfortable applying to Grad School because it is a daunting process and it is hard to feel enough in academia, submit your application, you will do great, and we need you! If you do not know if you want to become a researcher because you might not be selected, jump in. I will make sure that the work I do for justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion allows you to say, aquí es donde yo pertenezco. I invite you to celebrate diversity, embrace your culture, and be proud of your journey. I invite you to enjoy the happiness that comes from being you! 

En convicción y amor, 

Ada Cristina