Jenna Rauert has always loved education, so much so that she and her older sisters would often play “pretend school” when they were younger.
The Wood River native planned to be a teacher, but as she got older, she also became interested in health care.
During her freshman year at UNK, she discovered a program that offers the best of both worlds. Now, she’s a junior studying communication disorders/speech-language pathology.
“Communication disorders and speech therapy allow me to explore both educational and medical field aspects, which I believe is the perfect fit for me,” she says. “I love to help people, but I also love the opportunity to teach others, and this field ultimately allows me to do both.”
Rauert is part of an accelerated speech-language pathology program that allows her to work on her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the same time. She also serves as a Nebraska Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSLHA) student liaison.
“In that role, I’ll help run monthly meetings with other liaisons, manage social media, volunteer at conventions and serve as a bridge between the Kearney Student Speech Language and Hearing Association and NSLHA,” she says. “This position provides me with valuable experience, the chance to learn new skills and an opportunity to network with other people in the field. I’m excited to see where it takes me.”
In addition to those two organizations, Rauert is part of the UNK Honors Program, Chancellor’s Ambassadors, Gamma Phi Beta sorority, Order of Omega honor society and Greeks Advocating for Healthy Lifestyles (GAMMA).
After completing the speech-language pathology program, she plans to start her career in Nebraska, working in either a clinic, hospital or school setting. She’s also interested in traveling positions.
“I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others and help make communication less of a barrier for them. I also strive to be a light in the lives of my patients and/or students. I want their time with me to be something they look forward to.”
