Petrina joined the Xavier Allied Health team as a UQ Speech Pathology Graduate in January 2021. More than three years on, Petrina reflects on her journey so far from graduate to early career Speech Pathologist with Xavier.
Q1: How have you found the experience joining the Xavier team as a new graduate?
It’s been wonderful. It’s a small but dedicated team here at Xavier. The learning curve is steep when you step into the working world as a new grad, and I have been very lucky to be supported by a great team. A lot of our therapists and the admin team have been working in this space for many years, and so it has been a pleasure to learn from them not only the clinical aspect of my work, but other skills they don’t teach you in Uni – communicating with families, the NDIS, how to have difficult conversations and so much more.
Q2: Do you have a mentor?
Yes – I have been very fortunate to have both Sam and Flo as my clinical supervisors. I am very grateful to have two wonderful and dedicated Speechies to guide me – I don’t know what I would do without them! They always take the time out of their busy schedule to answer any questions I might have or address any concerns. Their guidance makes a difference not only in my clinical career, but in the progress of my clients as well.
Q3: What does your workday look like?
I work mobile, so I’m mostly out-and-about to see my clients – the children and young people that we support. I see about three to four clients a day on the Southside and in Ipswich. Most of the time, I see them in their homes, but I also see them at our clinics and at their schools or at Kindy. Sometimes, if it suits our families I do community visits in cafes, supermarkets or even Bunnings!
On my Ipswich days, I treat myself to a cheeky Banh Mi for lunch at the Scott’s Road Takeaway!
Q4: What do you love most about your job?
I find that working in the paediatric space is very rewarding. Families are very grateful when their child can say more words, finish all the food off their plate for the first time, or ask for help using their communication device. It’s very rewarding to know that even a little bit of therapy can make a huge difference to the children we see and their families.
Q5: What inspires and energises you?
My motivation to help others inspires me to do my very best in being a Speechie.
Q6: What are your passions outside of work?
I like to experiment with baking pastries on the weekends. And then eating them!
