Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Major Finds Home Away from Home at St. John’s

“St. John’s location also played a huge role in my decision,” she recently recalled. “St. John’s is only 10 minutes from my home. I loved that I could easily commute to and from school, which gave me more of an opportunity to join clubs, work on campus, and foster a community with my classmates.”

Now in her junior year, Autumn is a Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology major, with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. She was grateful for the assistance that professors provided her with in obtaining an internship at an audiology clinic in Queens this past year. 

“I observed patient check-ups and follow-up appointments, hearing assessments, wax removals, and more,” she noted enthusiastically. “Interning has prepared me for the audiology field by exposing me to many of the various hearing losses that audiologists treat. It’s also made me more aware of my personal hearing health, which I can share with my future patients.”

Beyond academics, Autumn has immersed herself in campus life and the many service activities offered at St. John’s, which have enabled her to make a positive impact on her community. She currently serves as a volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Bayside, NY, through Project Sunshine, a program that provides recreational, social, and educational programs to pediatric patients and their families.

“Service is important to me because I’m passionate about helping others and making a positive impact,” she said. “I am so grateful for the blessings I have in my life, and I want that for others. I always encourage my peers to get involved in the vast amount of service initiatives that St. John’s provides.”

To date, Autumn has served as a student ambassador at the President’s Dinner, the University’s largest annual fundraising event. She counts among her most treasured St. John’s experiences An Evening with St. John’s Basketball, the Explore and More trips, and Johnnies Day. She helped found the American Sign Language Club at St. John’s. 

Autumn is also a content creator on Instagram and TikTok. “I share the best New York food, activities, brand events, and my college experience for all ages to enjoy,” she explained. This year she has worked with the brands Dove, Sol de Janeiro, L'occitane, KISS USA, and more. 

“Ever since I was little, I've been passionate about sharing fun, unique content and connecting with the world. My favorite part about content creation is working with my favorite brands, expressing my creativity through editing, and interacting with my audience in the comment section. I love the genuine connection I have with my audience, and I'm always finding interactive ways to grow my community, leaving them wanting more.”

She continued, “The personal brand I'm building focuses on entrepreneurship, creativity, and networking. What motivates me the most is being a positive role model for young black women. Overall, I hope to entertain, assist, and inspire people from all over the United States and beyond.”

A scholarship recipient herself, Autumn reflected on their importance in the lives of St. John’s students. “I’m incredibly grateful for my Scholastic Excellence and Catholic High School grants. Not only do they honor my academic efforts, but they make tuition one less thing to worry about.”

She continued, “As hard-working college students, it’s comforting to know that we are financially supported and can focus on our studies, as opposed to stressing about how to pay for our education. My gratitude for my scholarships is a huge reason why I am driven to succeed. When I am an alumna, I intend to give back to my St. John’s community and support the education of future Johnnies.”

The future looks bright for Autumn. “Upon graduation, I plan to continue my education and earn my clinical doctorate in audiology. I hope  to become  a doctor of audiology, working with all ages in a clinical setting or opening my private practice.”