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Congratulations to our Dal Health Class of 2025! Get to know more of our featured grads.

In this Convocation Q&A, learn about Gabrielle Morin, MSc in Human Communication Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology, from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. 

What inspired you to choose your field of study?

Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist has been my career goal since high-school. There were many experiences that sparked my interest in the field; however, the influence of being surrounded by remarkable women ultimately guided me here. I grew up in an environment where using knowledge and resources to help others was the norm. Every day I was surrounded by women who considered the needs of others before their own, modelling a powerful sense of compassion. They always spoke their mind and stood their ground, showing me what it meant to be ambitious and resilient. I followed in their footsteps and became the fourth-generation female in my family to attend post-secondary education. From there, I knew that I could apply what I learned to empower others in a meaningful way. This career is not only one that I am deeply passionate about, but also one that I know would make all the women in my life proud.  

What was a moment at Dal that you’ll never forget?

I will miss several moments that became part of my daily routine at Dal. From group project discussions and late-night studying in the CHEB to Glitter Bean coffee runs. Most of all, I will never forget the community of people this program introduced me to. We have all stressed each other out during times of intense workloads, discovered our areas of interest, and grown as clinicians together. It has been a privilege to learn alongside this cohort knowing that the connections we made will take us through our careers and beyond.  

Who supported you along the way and how?

I feel lucky to have many people in Alberta and Nova Scotia that have supported me throughout this degree, including friends, family, and professors. Without fail, my greatest champions are my parents. Their unwavering support has been the most meaningful form of encouragement throughout my life. They consistently provide emotional strength and motivation to help me navigate challenges and celebrate every success. I thank them for making me feel like no dream was too big and no victory too small. I am incredibly fortunate to always have them in my corner, of course standing with our furry companions who put all forms of stress at ease.   

Is there a course/research topic/placement or project that really impacted you?

Each of my clinical placements had a meaningful impact on my learning. Outside of gaining hands-on clinical experience, they showed me the unique circumstances that each client and their family encounter and how significant our role is in facilitating their wellbeing. It not only gave me an appreciation for the work SLPs do on a daily basis, but also for the obstacles each individual works to overcome. Additionally, as a thesis student, learning through conducting research shifted my work ethic and drive, and impacted my perspective on the interactions I have with clients. I look forward to using my critical thinking skills in a clinical setting to advocate for the families I interact with and to be resourceful in my service delivery.  

What does graduating mean to you?

Receiving this degree feels like a major turning point in my life. When you spend so long working towards something, it is almost surreal to reach the end (cue imposter syndrome). It marks the end of “student-life” and a true introduction into “adult-life” – which feels especially intimidating at the ripe age of 25. However, graduating does not mark the end of my growth. In many ways, it represents the start of learning through diverse experiences and seeking opportunities to become a stronger clinician. So, while my chapter of formal education has ended, the journey of being a lifelong learner continues.   

What is next for you?

I am now working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Nova Scotia! I am also staying connected to research while working as the lab manager for the Child Language, Literacy, and Cognition lab in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. I am excited to see where this next phase of life takes me as a clinician and individual, and could not be more grateful to Dal for helping me get here!