Finding the right major or career path doesn’t always happen on the first try. At Southeast Missouri State University, students are encouraged to explore their interests and take advantage of academic opportunities until they find the direction that fits them best.
For Josh Miller, that journey included changing majors, stepping away from college and returning with a renewed sense of purpose. Originally from Jackson, Missouri, Miller first came to SEMO to study music composition, driven by a love of music and sound. After his first semester, he chose to step away from school to reconsider his future.
“I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do,” Miller said. “But taking time away gave me the chance to really think about what would fulfill me long-term.”
During that time, he began exploring careers that combined his interests in music, science and psychology, eventually discovering communication disorders, a field that includes both speech-language pathology and audiology.
“When I learned more about how people hear, how sound works and how communication impacts everyday life, I knew I had found something that connected all of my interests,” Miller said.
INTERESTED IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY OR AUDIOLOGY?
Miller is now majoring in communication disorders and plans to continue onto graduate school after earning his bachelor’s degree.
Miller credits the University’s accessible faculty with helping him stay on track and refine his academic plan. With guidance from his advisor, he was able to map out a clear path to graduation while focusing on the areas that matter most to him. Miller says he is proof that students don’t need to have everything figured out when they start college.
“Everyone’s journey looks different, and there’s no reason to compare ourselves to others,” Miller said. “All that matters is that you do something you’re passionate about and feel fulfillment from.”
If you’re looking for a degree that blends passion with purpose, visit semo.edu/commdisorders.