By: Maggie Barilka

I am a current second-year student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program, and this is a day in my life as a Teachers College student graduating this May! I’ve completed all of my coursework, so follow me as I complete my last clinical placement in a District 75 Elementary School in the Bronx.

6:00 am: Rise and shine!

I try to be up by 6:00 am so I can get dressed, drink my matcha and pack my lunch before I head out to the subway at 7:00 am.

7:00 am – 8:00 am: Catch the subway

It takes me about an hour to get to the Bronx, and I normally catch up on Wordle, read a book, or listen to a podcast (a CSD favorite: Swallow Your Pride with Theresa Richards).

8:00 am: Arrive at school

I arrive at my placement at 8:00 am and prepare for the day. Then, I see eight clients with multiple disabilities from 8:45 am – 2:30 pm. My caseload ranges from ages 5 -10 years, and most of the children use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to communicate. Then, I write my documentation and head out the door.

2:30 pm: Head home

I head home on the subway, catch up on texts with some friends, and listen to my music.

3:30 pm: Arrive at TC!

I arrive at Teachers College to give an in-person tour to some new faculty members. It has been so fun to be able to share TC with more people in person, now that it has been safe to do so!

5:00 pm: Arrive home

Once I am home for the day, I catch up on Netflix, make myself dinner, shower, and go to bed— ready to do it all over again the next day!

Grad school is super chaotic, but it makes it a lot easier when you are doing something you absolutely love!