SAA Student Leader Scholarship Spotlight: Mallory Schroeder

The SAA Student Leader Scholarship is awarded to one (1) graduate student who shows exceptional leadership in service to the profession of audiology. The application for the 2020 scholarship will be made available on the SAA website in late Summer. 

Mallory Schroeder is a third-year audiology student at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a recipient of the 2019 SAA Student Leader Scholarship. We asked Mallory a few questions to get to know her and her thoughts about the profession.

Q: What inspired you to go into audiology?

A: I have always been interested in communication. During my undergraduate career, I took a class where I studied a variety of different communication barriers. I found hearing loss and the various associated interventions the most interesting! Little did I know that I would fall in love with it and in return get my AuD!

 Q:    If you could go back to your first day of graduate school, what would you tell yourself?

A: Breathe. Take chances, do things outside of your comfort zone and I promise one day you’ll wake up and think, “Wow, maybe I can actually do this!” 

Q:    What has been your favorite audiology-related memory so far?

A: My favorite audiology-related memory was when I had the opportunity to travel to South Africa and provide audiologic care. I had a patient with a moderate-severe sensorineural hearing loss and fortunately was able to fit him with bilateral hearing aids. As we turned them on he began to cry and stated that even though he was turning 70, we made him brand new. This moment will always stick with me and be a great reminder of why I chose audiology in the first place. 

 Q: What does patient-centered care mean to you?

A: Patient-centered means providing care that involves the patient’s concerns, needs, and wants. I am a big believer in bringing the patient to the table, meaning, the patient and their family should be involved and active in their care. 

 Q:  What advice do you have for undergraduate students interested in audiology?

A:If you are interested in audiology, take the time to talk to graduate students or shadow an audiologist! There is a lot that doesn’t get discussed in undergraduate courses and it’s amazing and motivating to see and talk about! 

Q:  If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: I could eat a Thanksgiving meal with extra mashed potatoes and green bean casserole any day! Comfort food for the win. 

 Q:   What is your favorite emoji?

A: I couldn’t decide and saw that the two most used emojis on my phone are the ear and the laughing face! 

 Q: You have to sing karaoke. What song would you choose?

A: Mr. Brightside by the Killers! Why? Everyone would sing along and hopefully drown out my beautiful singing voice.

This interview was conducted by Lauren Lonsway, a third year AuD Student at Wayne State University. Lauren currently serves as the Social Media Subcommittee Chair within the SAA Communications Committee.