SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Benno turning her personal journey into a professional calling
MINOT, N.D. – Brooklyn Benno didn’t always know she would pursue a career in speech-language pathology.
But during her freshman year of college, her father suffered an ischemic stroke on the left side of his brain. Watching his recovery unfold through speech therapy became a turning point.
“Witnessing his journey through speech therapy introduced me to the field and inspired me to pursue a career that would allow me to help people the same way my father received the help he needed throughout his recovery,” Benno said.
That moment launched a meaningful academic and professional path. After graduating from Bismarck State College in 2023, Benno transferred to Minot State University — and immediately found her stride.
“When I transferred to Minot State, I immediately fell in love with the program and its content,” Benno said. “Having never taken a communications sciences disorder (CSD) class, I dove right into playing ‘catch up,’ thinking I would want to pursue a future in adult therapy.”
Her experience soon took a different shape instead.
“During my senior year clinical practicum, I was able to work with my first pediatric client under the amazing supervision of Ms. Harmon (CSD assistant professor, Leisa Harmon),” said Benno. “Through this on-the-job experience, I learned so much about our field, as well as myself as a clinician, and I am now leaning towards working in pediatrics.”
As Benno worked through Minot State’s rigorous communication sciences and disorders program, she gained not only knowledge but clarity.
“The field of speech-language pathology holds extreme depth,” she said. “There are several populations and settings in which you can pursue a career. My undergraduate degree has given me a solid foundation and an opportunity to find what exactly it is I want to dive into throughout my graduate studies.”
She also recognized that the field goes beyond clinical skill.
“We’ve also learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes of a speech-language pathology (SLP), such as interprofessional collaboration and working with families,” Benno said. “I believe these skills are a key part of excelling in this profession.”
Balancing her personal and academic responsibilities came with challenges, but Benno found strength in her support system and flexibility in the right job.
“Balancing a changing financial world while being in school has been difficult. The education of an SLP is rigorous and time-consuming, as there is a lot to learn and discover,” she said. “But I am also a young adult that is trying to begin a life on my own. Balancing working as much as possible and a heavy school workload, all while also trying to maintain a healthy social and recreational life, is an ongoing challenge that I continue to face. Luckily, I found a great part-time job at Red Door Pediatric Therapy, where they understand my ever-changing schedule, and I have the endless support of my family and fiancé behind me.”
One special moment during her senior year affirmed everything Benno had worked for.
“Recently, I was awarded the Notable Senior Clinician at our program’s annual scholarship and awards ceremony,” Benno said. “Though it is always nice for your hard work to be recognized, for me, receiving this award really felt like confirmation that I am exactly where God wants me to be. I believe I have found my purpose, and there is nothing quite like the peace and excitement that revelation brings.”
Benno will begin her graduate studies in speech-language pathology this fall — right here at Minot State.
“Following graduation, I will begin my graduate studies here at Minot State to obtain a master's in speech-language pathology,” she said. “I am excited for the opportunities Minot State’s program offers to work in its on-campus clinic, as well as beginning to establish steps towards my externship that will take place during my final semester.”
Her advice to future CSD students is both practical and passionate.
“Don’t limit yourself to a certain population/setting,” said Benno. “Get to know the various avenues of our field and keep your mind open to them all. Though it’s hard to be an expert in all areas, always remember there is room for movement. You may work in one setting for a while and then find yourself in another. Find what you're passionate about, but also consider where your strengths lie.”
As she looks to the future, Benno knows her journey is just beginning — but her purpose is clear.
“I originally thought I wanted to work with adults, mainly due to the experiences with my dad, but I also have really enjoyed working with the pediatric population,” Benno said. “Regardless of where I end up, I want to be a symbol of hope for my clients.”
Her personal story continues to shape the kind of clinician she hopes to become.
“SLPs often meet people in some of the most vulnerable and fear-provoking moments of their lives, whether that be a stroke or a difficult diagnosis,” Benno said. “But we have an opportunity to be a light during these times.
“I will always remember walking into the hospital room after my father’s stroke, and him not even being able to say ‘hello’. But today, he is back at work, living on his own, and has made a nearly complete speech recovery. There are only so many professions that get to witness this kind of progression, and I feel very lucky to be a part of one that does.”
Benno leaves her undergraduate years not only with credentials but with compassion, clarity, and a calling.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 05/20/25
