(Fall 2022) – In late August 2022, SMART Scholar Aaliyah Perry moved to the east coast and started college at Mount Holyoke College. Mount Holyoke was high on Aaliyah’s list of college preferences, because of the college’s wide range of course offerings on her journey to becoming a licensed Speech Therapist. Aaliyah is already considering specialization and certifications in this field beyond college.

Aaliyah initially wanted to be a teacher. However, in her junior year of high school she met a speech pathologist at SMART’s annual career conference. “Hearing the therapist’s experience being a black woman in speech therapy inspired me,” she recalled. “A huge thanks to SMART and the resources and connections they provided.” Having experienced speech therapy for three years earlier in life she found an intersection between her love of working with youth, interest in community, social action, and psychology.

“It is very helpful if your speech therapist is of the same ethnicity,” Aaliyah explained. “There are very few speech therapists of color, especially female therapists of color. As a first-generation graduate, I understand the challenges and barriers students face.”

Community is important for Aaliyah, who remembers the summer program that launched her SMART journey. “SMART brought me out of my shell. I met so many people through SMART that shaped my journey. My advisors and mentors helped me excel academically since joining SMART. I am grateful for the community and support I have received over the years.”

Aaliyah has been giving back to her community, especially in volunteering with youth. In addition to volunteering at her old elementary school and at SMART, during the summer before she began college Aaliyah volunteered at the Breakfast Project Summer Camp, a non-profit food education program serving the students of Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy.

“I enjoyed working with a group of 3rd and 5th grade students who participated in hands-on cooking of a variety of ethnic cuisines and garden-based learning. It helped the students connect with their health, well-being, and the diversity of local communities.”