Meet Ashlei McGhee. Despite doctors bestowing grim expectations on her chances of communicating or attending college due to medical complications at birth, Ashlei stands as a testament that we are not defined by life’s obstacles but by how we overcome them. From a young age, Ashlei discovered the empowering impacts of speech therapy, which helped her find her voice and shape the person she is today. Now, she wants to pay that forward, and that’s exactly why she decided to call the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders home. After graduation, she plans to pursue graduate school to support her long-term goal of establishing her own practice with a team of therapists who truly understand and support children and adults.
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
I chose this field because I am passionate about giving back to the disabled community. Speech therapy played a significant role in my own life, helping me find my voice and become the person I am today. I want to ensure others have the same opportunity to discover their voice and share it with the world.
What will you be doing after graduation?
My ultimate goal after graduation is to pursue graduate school, though I plan to take a short break and begin in the fall semester. In the meantime, I hope to find a job in my field that I can start right away and gain valuable experience. I also plan to dedicate time to volunteer work, which will help me build connections, strengthen my skills, and prepare for both graduate school and my future career.
What are your long-term career plans?
My long-term career plan is to build a practice with a team of therapists who truly understand and support both children and adults. I also envision incorporating music therapy into the services offered. Over time, I hope to expand to multiple locations to reach even more communities. Ultimately, my goal is to establish a 501(c)(3) organization that provides therapies to individuals who cannot afford them due to lack of insurance or financial resources, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.
What accomplishment from your time at UCF are you most proud of?
One of my proudest accomplishments at UCF was being offered a spot in the Golden Key International Honour Society. I am also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and Tau Sigma Honor Society, which recognizes academic excellence and leadership. These achievements reflect my hard work and dedication during my time at UCF, and I’m honored to be part of these prestigious organizations.
What did you love the most about your time at UCF?
What I loved most about my time at UCF was interacting with the incredible teachers and staff. The faculty in my program was truly amazing, and I would highly recommend this program to anyone. While I’m sad that some of them have retired or are planning to retire, I feel so honored to have been their student and to have learned from such dedicated and inspiring individuals.
What was your favorite class, professor, or experience at CHPS, and why?
Although he is retired, my favorite senior instructor was Joe DiNapoli, and my favorite classes were my Language Science courses. Senior Instructor DiNapoli was an exemplary educator who went above and beyond to help me achieve goals I never thought possible. Thanks to his support and dedication, I was able to graduate on time despite the challenges I faced as a disabled student. He not only removed the obstacles in my way but also inspired me to push forward and succeed.
