The end to every journey can be met with excitement or sadness: it’s all on how you look at it. The past year has flown by before my eyes. There were days when I was tired and thought that it was the longest day of the week, however the majority of time has left me saying to myself “where did the week go” by the time Friday came. So then how do I look at the end of my journey? I see it as an exciting time as well as a sad time.
The past year has been an experience that has made not only a professional impact but also a personal impact on me. As an audiologist, I have grown substantially. As I wrap up my time here at headquarters I feel as though I have gained the knowledge and experience of a 5 year time span. I recognize that the intensive 12 months behind me have challenged my educational foundation (in a good way) as well as required me to think ‘outside of the box’ by looking forward 5 years to the future generation of hearing aids and the people who will be wearing them.
This challenge has made the biggest impact. As you emerge from school with a fresh perspective you still remain closely focused on the present, the here and now. You look at each day and each patient regarding how they are getting along at that point in time. You never challenge yourself to think 5+ years ahead. Think of what the technology will be like, what hearing loss and medical intervention may be, as well as the average age and profile of the clients you will see. Can you wrap your head around it?
More importantly, I have recognized the caliber of people I have had the opportunity to meet and work collectively with. The individuals who make up the teams within the Sonova family are truly magnificent as well as collectively passionate and hard working. The success and leadership of Sonova brands are a direct reflection of that. To be a part of these groups, to work with these individuals on various projects, and to be able to finish this experience with a wealth of knowledge and new colleagues is not only exciting but also irreplaceable.
So what does the future hold? Well, I can tell you that I am a different audiologist than I was entering this program. I have a new mindset, a new vision of what the future can be, as well as an even stronger drive and motivation to make a difference. I have become a part of the Sonova family and will continue to be. I look forward to ‘paying it back’ to Sonova and to the individuals who have helped me and taught me throughout this past year. I hope to one day make as big of an impact on someone as their colleague or mentor as many have done for me.
As I wrap up this post, I challenge to you reflect on your experiences. We all can grow by doing this. Can you see both the good and the bad? Can you challenge yourself to make a difference every day in a unique way? Can you provide the support to someone that helps them to grow? I challenge you to not only look back but also to look ahead. What does your future hold? How will you grow and build upon the experiences you have right now? Whether you are an audiologist, a hearing air wearer, a person with a hearing loss, or part of someone’s support system: think about your impact.
I would also like to take this opportunity to say ‘Thank you!’ to the many people I have worked with. I am grateful for the support, trust and respect that you have given me. You’ve allowed me to grow and develop. I have never been more proud to work with such a group of people.
Bring on the future!
Very inspiring post and challenge! Where are you off to now, then?
And can you tell us anything about what the next five years hold in store for us hearing-aid users? Or is it more about realizing that current technology is only that, and that five years from now we’ll be working with different tech and different circumstances, and so our structures and processes and job skills need to start taking this into account now?
Thank you very much Stephanie! I am heading back to Phonak U.S. in Warrenville, IL to continue as a part of the Sonova family.
The next five years are going to be very exciting for not only the technology of hearing aids but the usability and interaction between other technology that the audiologist and hearing aid wearer can use. Not only Phonak, but all hearing aid manufacturers, are working diligently to truly make the hearing aids ‘invisible’. This is not only in terms of the physical size of the hearing aids but also in terms of the interactions you have to have with your hearing aids. We live in a world where everything is controlled by a single button press on a phone or remote control. That has been making it’s way into the hearing aid technology and manufacturing world. Also, Phonak continues to innovate and drive to develop and create features that increase speech intelligibility in noise! What an exciting time it is going to be 🙂
Nicole, I am happy you have had such a challenging and productive year. You were always up to the challenge. Best of luck for the next chapter in your life!