Hello, hello!  I think it’s wonderful that A.T. Still University has made available blogs of current students in the various degree programs.  I wish I had such a fantastic tool of insight as a guide when I was a prospective student and researching various healthcare routes to pursue from earning a second bachelor’s degree in nursing to taking the longer journey of becoming an M.D.  

A little bit on me — I have been interested in becoming a healthcare professional since the age of 5.  An elderly man ran a red light, and my older sister & I were hit by his car while in the crosswalk.  That was my first encounter of EMTs & physicians that I can remember, and from there, the desire to become a healthcare professional & make life better for others was born.  I did not take the traditional route of attending four years of college immediately followed by graduate school.  Rather I attended the U.S. Air Force Academy to earn a Bachelor of Science degree and then went on to proudly serve my country for six years on Active Duty in the U.S. Air Force, to include a combat tour in Iraq.  I am a firm believer in that everything happens for a reason & life happens as it should, and today I find myself living out a 24-year-old dream of becoming a healthcare professional.  I am currently a second-year student in the Doctor of Audiology degree program at ATSU.  How is it?  Stressful?  Sure…and to be expected.  Way awesome?  Most definitely…and also to be expected.  

I never imagined that I’d be a student blogger for ATSU.  But I did start up a blog last summer around the time I embarked on the four-year journey to earn a clinical doctorate in audiology (Au.D.).  Originally intended for family & friends — and even myself  – to keep them apprised of my audiological/grad school experiences, I’d love to share it with you.  Please visit http://hear4u-always.blogspot.com if you wish to learn some more about the Au.D. experience at A.T. Still University–Arizona School of Health Sciences.  Feel free to contact me with any questions either by leaving a comment here or via e-mail at the “Hear 4 U Always” blog.  After all, I’m “all ears”. Best wishes in all your future endeavors! 

Sincerely,

Tammie LeBlanc