Marysue, a senior at the University of Nebraska Omaha, is on an inspiring journey shaped by her personal experiences and a deep commitment to advocacy. Her academic pursuits of a double major in communication disorders and psychology, and minors in neuroscience and medical humanities perfectly combine her passions. She hopes her studies will help her improve the care and understanding for individuals with disabilities.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how the brain works,” says Marysue. “Studying communication disorders and psychology allows me to address not just the technical aspects of speech therapy, but also the emotional and social challenges individuals face.”
Turning passion into purpose
Marysue’s dedication to advocacy stems from her upbringing. Growing up, she witnessed the challenges and stigmas her brothers faced as individuals with autism. Observing their speech therapy sessions ignited her interest in communication disorders and psychology. “When you’re around individuals with disabilities, you see how often they are underestimated,” she explains. “There’s this stigma that they’re helpless learners, but I’ve seen how capable they truly are when given the same opportunities as others.”
Her advocacy extends beyond academics. Since 2021, Marysue has been a speech-language pathology paraprofessional for Millard Public Schools, supporting students from preschool to middle school. Additionally, she serves as a research assistant at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, focusing on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Her work emphasizes that these devices are not only for individuals with developmental delays but also for anyone who might face communication challenges due to life events.
Marysue’s leadership roles further highlight her drive to make a difference. As a student government senator representing the education, human, and health sciences college, she successfully passed legislation to make menstrual products more accessible on campus. Now, as an undergraduate representative for the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, she continues to advocate for underrepresented communities.
“Advocacy is huge to me,” Marysue says. “It can be challenging to know what to advocate for when it doesn’t directly affect your life. But when you identify those challenges, you can work to close the gap and create real change.”
In addition to her academic and leadership pursuits, Marysue volunteered as a swim instructor for Special Olympics for several years, further demonstrating her commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities.
Building a vision for the future
Marysue’s aspirations extend far beyond her current roles. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a master’s in speech-language pathology, followed by a Ph.D. in neuroscience with a focus on social neuroscience and its impact on speech. Ultimately, she envisions opening a nonprofit organization that provides affordable, comprehensive services for individuals with disabilities, integrating therapy, education, and advocacy. She also dreams of running for the Millard Public Schools Board of Education and potentially seeking public office to ensure every voice is heard.
Marysue credits much of her success to College Possible, which she joined after seeing the support it provided her older brother. Initially seeking help with the ACT, she quickly realized the program offered much more. “College Possible isn’t just about academics,” she shares. “They see you as a whole person. My coaches helped me navigate the overwhelming college application process and reminded me to take care of myself, not just my schoolwork. They always believed in me and continue to remind me that I’m capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.”
Improving educational equity
Looking to the future, Marysue is determined to make an impact wherever she can. Whether shaping educational policies as a member of the Millard Public School Board of Education, advancing the field of speech-language pathology through her career, or championing disability rights on a larger political stage, she is determined to break down barriers and ensure every individual has the opportunity to succeed.
“It’s about truly understanding and valuing each individual,” Marysue says. “It’s about recognizing their potential and giving them the tools they need to thrive. That’s the impact I want to make.”
