I have always loved connecting people I know. I am convinced that all people are connected in some way and that people come into my life for a reason. You might think this is a weird thing for an introvert to think about. Even though I’m an introvert inside, I may present as an extrovert to some in my professional life. At least that is what I have been told.
And even though I don’t work right now (as you remember I had to “retire” on February 14, 2020) in this year of “yes” 2021, I am meeting people, virtually of course because of the pandemic, and I feel compelled to connect people who I think would help each other. I hope that I’m not being too naive or being too forward.
Like most people in the pandemic I have spent more time on zoom with my family and friends and with other students participating in the BU Aphasia Center groups. I am also participating in Telehealth with doctors, speech therapists and occupational therapist. In addition I’m participating more on social media, particularly Twitter and Facebook. I made new Twitter account, usingmyvoice3, to follow issues related to stroke survival and life with aphasia and apraxia of speech.
Through my connections on Twitter and Facebook, I have learned about research projects that Focus on aphasia. I want to try to make a difference so I’ve participated in 2 studies so far. One was conducted by the university of Connecticut and focused on communication at home, and one with the university of Nevada and Brigham Young University which was about post traumatic growth after stroke with aphasia. Both were really interesting and I am looking forward to hearing about their findings.
Me choosing to be part of research studies only involves me and my time. The connector is me also involving others now..... You see there and many other people who are interested in helping people with aphasia. One such person is a professor from Monash University. I didn’t know where he located at first. I responded to one of his tweets about how important mental health services is to people with aphasia. This is one of the big issues I am passionate about since I struggled with anxiety and depression after the stroke. I know that it is especially hard when you have aphasia to fully express your needs and that is even more difficult when it is in a mental health counseling session. I now have a wonderful, supportive psychologist who is helping me tremendously. That is what I told the professor. Of course he would like to talk with her. So of course I’m trying to connect these people. My wonderful Counselor who works in Lincoln, RI to this unknown (to me) caring professor who works in ...... Melbourne, Australia. How’s that for a worldwide connection?
I can’t wait to hear what happens!
Comments