I am studying linguistics in a university in Canada, and hoping to become a speech-pathologist. I moved there just last year, from the Philippines, and I don't speak English very well. Do you think I can be successful in this field? Thank you.
Hi there! I'm glad you've decided that linguistics is the field for you! (Well, technically speech pathology which isn't completely the same but Communication Sciences and Disorders is a more broad term that I personally know of from my university.)
That said, I'm not really sure if this is the sort of place to ask that kind of question, and I doubt that I'm the person to say how successful you'll be in this field. Success is based on many things- your studies, for instance -not the opinion of some blogger from the internet (not to mention one not in your field). I have no idea of what is going on in your life and in your studies, but I know for sure that you are more qualified to judge how successful you are.
But, I can offer some tips for you!
Find some professors within your university and just start talking to them. I personally found that speaking with the professors and asking questions and getting advice was one of the best uses of my time at university.
Don't be afraid to go out of your department! One of the best mentors I have had thus far wasn't a part of the Communication Sciences and Disorders department, but rather, a part of the Spanish department!
Find some professionals in your field. There is nothing more helpful than talking to people who have already been through it all.
Talk to anyone you can that knows more than you, whether actual speech pathologists or just graduate (or even other undergraduate) students.
Research into your field whenever you get the chance. The more information you have about it, the better off you will be. If you can understand more than you should while you are at the level you are at (for example, understanding actual current research articles completely while still being in introductory classes) then that gives you an advantage. Plus it makes your feel more confident about what you are doing! Self-teaching is not necessarily a bad thing. Studying outside of classes is just as important as within the classroom.
Basically, just get as much information as you can! Whether it's from books or other people, just go out there and try to learn as much as you can!
Most universities will have many resources for students to speak with professionals and get advice and experience, and I doubt your university is an exception to that. :)
As for your English, in this case it seemed just fine. Just keep working within the language and it should feel more natural to you. You're probably on the right path already.
Thanks for the question! I hope some of this information will be helpful to you.
