Fall 2015 Perspectives

14 • NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY T he more we advocate for audiology and educate our representatives and senators, the better the outcome for our profession in the long run. As audiology students, we encounter regular advocacy action alerts from our national and state audiology organizations urging us to contact our congressional representatives to take action on a legislative or regula- tory issue. Some of us respond immediately, sending a letter to Capitol Hill or making a phone call to a congressional office. However, more of us make a mental note to take action, but don’t follow through as we juggle our busy lives. Others would like to become more involved and just don’t know how or where to begin. Speaking to a member of Congress is intimidating, and many don’t feel comfortable discussing the specifics of legislation. Given these challenges, the question often emerges: How do we inspire our colleagues to make that leap from thinking about advocacy to becoming an advocate? On May 8, 2015, five NSU audiology students turned their interest in advocacy to action. After nearly a year of planning, we made the trip from South Florida to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the profession. The group joined the American Academy of Audiology advocacy staff members for a full day on Capitol Hill, Audiology Advocates in Action BY KELLY SHARPE, SECOND-YEAR STUDENT NSU Students Visit Capitol Hill Clockwise from left, NSU audiology students Kelly Sharpe, Caroline Sosa, Shannon McCormick, Taylor Paige, and Heather Marinell are shown in Washington, D.C. FORT LAUDERDALE