My Virtual Resume
Nishtha Kaushal
Goal Setting
Academic Goal
S: My goal is to understand which science category I am the most interested in before I graduate, as I enjoy all of the major sciences like biology, chemistry and physics, but I have to choose two of which I will be pursuing in University.
M: I have to find out about my interests by participating in science events like STEM Olympics and the Peel Technological Skills challenge, and participate in a different field of science every time. I still have two more years, and I will have the opportunity to participate in these events at least four times, if there are not any other science extracurricular. I will reflect every week about what I learnt and what I enjoyed in my science classes in a journal so I can look back and understand which science I should pursue. I will also keep an eye on my grades in each science field, which will allow me to decide what science I can perform the best at.
A: I am going to participate in science events throughout my time at school like STEM and PTSC. I participated in STEM this year for the chemistry and technology section, next time I will choose physics and biology, to see what was more amusing for me. In class, I am going to put full effort in performing the best in each science field, by participating in class and using my creativity in my projects. For each project, instead of taking the easier route and do something which is guaranteed to give me a good mark, I will actually only focus on topics which I am passionate about. I will ask my teacher for recommendation of what science is the most suitable for me to pursue. As I am planning on keeping a journal about what I like and learned in each sciences, I can discuss my findings with a guidance counsellor for further clarification about my path after high school.
R: This goal is realistic as I am already performing many of the actions above, like participating in STEM Olympics and only doing projects on topics which interest me. This goal is relevant because I feel that I will probably pursue the sciences after high school as my top subject area is science, but knowing this is too vague. I need to specifically which direction I want to go in to know which bachelors I want to do after high school. If I feel like I like biology then I can do BSc but if I think I like physics better I might need to know what kind of engineering do I want to pursue.
T: I need to understand which sciences most interest me before I graduate to choose a career path. Every year I am going to participate in at least two science extracurricular. I am going to journal my thoughts about what we learn in science every week. If even by the end of high school, I am still unsure about which science I may want to major in, I will take a year off, to figure this out by volunteering at different places, instead of getting stuck in studying something I do not enjoy.
Voluntary Goal
S: My voluntary goal is to volunteer at different places to explore many career paths and I would like to do long term volunteer work, which is weekly or monthly and not just a single event. I have to volunteer long term at four different places and I have to volunteer every month at at least one event.
M: As I have two years left in high school, I can long term volunteer at about four different places, considering that each place will require a six month commitment. I will also participate in short term volunteering for special events like volunteering for the Breast Cancer Foundation or Cystic Fibrosis Association’s fundraising event. These kind of events happen every month, and during May to August these events even happen biweekly, so I can volunteer at least once a month and gain a lot of experience.
A: For the long term volunteer work, I would like to volunteer for a law firm, a medical clinic, a research opportunity and a counsellor, as currently my career path seems to be leaning towards the topics mentioned above. I will volunteer at least once a month any small events, like the one on May 6th 2016, at Maternal Goddess which is an organisation for the wellbeing of women after a childbirth.
R: My goal is realistic as volunteering at four different places for a long term period in two years is plausible and volunteering once a month at a special event is not difficult either as I already do that. This goal is very important to me as I am still unsure about what career path I would like to follow, and exploring and volunteering will allow my decision to be more educated and accurate.
T: I need to narrow down my career path by volunteering at four different long term place and many smaller events by the time I graduate. I will volunteer for six month at each long term volunteer opportunities. I will volunteer at least once a month for a special event like the Maternal Goddess, and Kids Help Phone.
Transitions & Change
Nishtha Kaushal
Email: nishthakaushal@hotmail.com
Website: https://www.smore.com/ksgw7
Location: 45 Sedgegrass Way, Brampton, Ontario L6R 3E2, Canada
Phone: 647 289 6343
Objective
I am a certified Audiologist with great interpersonal and communication skills, looking for the opportunity to work with patients with hearing and balance disabilities.
Education
University of British Columbia - Faculty of School of Audiology and Speech Sciences
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Audiology | Vancouver , British Columbia
September 2022 - June 2024
McGill University - Faculty of Science
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physiology | Montreal , Quebec
September 2018 - June 2022
Louise Arbour Secondary School
Ontario Secondary School Diploma | Brampton, Ontario
September 2014 - June 2018
Work Experience
Speech Language Pathology Placement - Co op
University of British Columbia | Vancouver , Ontario
Worked with children and seniors suffering with hearing disabilities
Physically helped with balance disorder patients
Performed tests and assessments to understand the degree of impairment of each patient
Counselled and taught patients techniques such as lip reading and sign language to help cope with their disabilities
Cleaned ear canals
Referred patients to other health care professionals
September 2024 - June 2026
Front Desk Coordinator
Vancouver Community Audiology Centre | Vancouver, Ontario
Interacted with employees and customers
Created appointments
Managed schedules
Processed payments
Dealt with billing and maintenance
October 2022 - June 2024
Simulation Laboratory Technician
Vanier College | Montreal, Ontario
Managed Lab Supplies
Assisted with the simulation scenarios
Observed and Analysed the results of each lab
September 2019 - June 2021
Research in the Department of Linguistics
McGill University | Montreal , Ontario
Performed Laboratory Work
Worked with Placebos
Analyzed and interviewed patients
Explained the precautions of being part of the study to the participating patients
September 2018 - June 2019
Receptionist and Organiser
SVS | Brampton, Ontario
Called patients and made observations regarding the treatment
Created and removed appointments
Sorted out bills
July 2018 - August 2018
Volunteer Experience
Guest Services
Vancouver Aquarium | Vancouver, British Columbia
Hosted the guests
Answered questions regarding the marine life
Discussed programs at the Aquarium
September 2024 - May 2026
Worked with seniors suffering from hearing and balance disabilities
The Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists | Toronto, Ontario
Assisted the audiologist with the use of instruments
Provided instructions and prepared the patients for the upcoming procedures
Organised paperwork and interpreted reports
June 2022 - June 2024
Worked with a Sign Language Interpreter
ErinoaKids Center | Brampton , Ontario
Learned the basics of Sign Language
Assisted with physically demanding activities
September 2017 - February 2018
General Helper for the Audiology Clinic
Aphasia Institute | Toronto, Ontario
Assisted the audiologist with paperwork
Instructed patients for the procedures
September 2016 - December 2016
Event Helper
We Day | Toronto, Ontario
Helped with the setup of the microphones and speakers
Set up chairs and tables
Distributed water and snacks
October 2016
Peel Planet Day - Event Participant
City of Brampton | Brampton, Ontario
Learned about endangered species
Went on a scavenger hunt
Found macro insects in the pond water
May 2016
Registration at the 2016 BMO Walk So Kids Can Talk
Kids Help Phone Line | Mississauga, Ontario
Recorded every participant's presence
Managed and counted money (Cash, Cheque, Credit Cards)
Issued prizes for a large amount of donation
May 2016
Tree Planting
City Of Brampton | Brampton, Ontario
Moved and transplanted trees
April 2016
Glad for Goodwill Donation Bag Distribution
Goodwill | Mississauga, Ontario
Explained the donation drive
Distributed flyers and bags
October 2015
Supervisor for Plasp
Plasp Child Care | Brampton, Ontario
Planned activities for children
Read books to children
Prepared snacks for the evening
Played games with the children
Helped children with homework
September 2014 - June 2015
Fun Fair General Helper
Treeline Public School | Brampton, Ontario
Moved and assembled equipment
Took care of the safety of children
Explained the tasks and rules to participants
May 2014
Skills and Abilities
Language skills (English, French, Hindi, Punjabi)
Ability to problem solve
Budget and time monitoring
Decision making skills
Negotiation skills
Research and Information gathering skills
Willingness to keep learning
Ability to work autonomously
Computer skills (Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office)
Ability to manage and organize information
Can handle cash, prepare bills and make payments
Listening skills
Participation in projects and tasks
Strong work ethic
Ability to manage and organize information
Analytical ability
Extracurricular
Astronomy Club
Learned the connection between astronomy and other sciences
Gained knowledge on technology in outer space
September 2022 - June 2024
A Dream for Life Organization
Helped with fundraising
Organised bake sales
Visited different orphanages
Door to door marketing of the organisation
October 2022 - May 2023
Yoga Classes
Gained a more positive attitude on life and wellbeing
Overall physical wellness
Reduced Stress Levels
May 2023 - October 2025
Freethought Association
Attended Lectures about Freethought
Learned about Philosophical Figures
June 2018 - June 2021
Kick-Boxing
Learned Self Defence
Gained discipline
Worked in team environment
September 2016 - July 2018
Basketball Team
September 2016 - January 2017
STEM Olympics
Created chemical compounds
Analysed the results
Provided ideas to change the function of the chemicals
April 2016
DigiGirlz by Microsoft
Learned basic coding
Understood the role of women in technology
Got the chance to communicate with the Regional Director of Microsoft
April 2015
Peel Technological Skills Challenge
Created a promotional video for the Peel Technological Skills Challenge itself
Worked with cameras, microphones and video editing softwares
May 2014
South Asian Month Presentation
Represented South Asian role models
May 2014
Dodge Ball
- Was chosen to be on the team
- Played in the Peel Region Tournament
October 2013
Achievements
Completed 400+ hours in co-op placement as a Speech & Language Pathologist
June 2026
Honours in Bachelor of Sciences
June 2022
Academic Honour Roll (Grade 9 to 12)
July 2018
Certifications
Assistive Devices Program Authorizer
August 2023
SAC Clinical Certification
June 2021
CPR Certification
August 2016
WHMIS Certification
August 2016
Hobbies and Interests
Anthropology
Philosophy
Reading (Books, Articles, & Poetry)
Skating
Tech Enthusiast
Psychology
Astronomy
Entrepreneurship
Playing Instruments (Guitar, Piano, Clarinet)
References
Mohamed A. Mohamed, MA PhD. CCC-SLP, C-SLP, Reg. CASLPO, Rehab SVS,
7916 Hurontario Street, Unit #31 Brampton ON. L6Y 0P6 | 905 302 0998, info@rehabsvs.com
Ms. Englehart , Biology Teacher, Louise Arbour Secondary School,
365 Father Tobin Rd, Brampton, ON L6R 0R4 |905 793 5451,
Challenges & Solutions
Giving the Bad News to the family of the patient
Being able to comfort the patient’s family when providing an unwanted news is a very important skill but many times the situation might become overwhelming and it may become difficult to face the family. No one wants to hear that their son, sister or father might not be able to hear for the rest of their life, as difficult it is for the family to accept this news, it is equally as difficult to give this news to the family. Sometimes the most difficult part can be to be empathetic and non-judgemental with how the family reacts. As an audiologist, you have to be able to comfort the family and making them understand the future plan to cope with the disorder. One of the main ways to become comfortable with delivering bad news and help the family with the situations is actually showing empathy. Maybe, sit beside the parent and remove the physical barrier of a table and letting them know that you are available for them to talk about the issue (Robinson.) If a family goes into a denial and does not want to move forward with the treatment, the audiologist should give them some space and reschedule the appointment to talk about the treatment a bit later when the family is calmer. Also, it is good if you do not provide your own opinion about the situation and let the family talk and make decisions about the situation. Usually, it is recommended to ask “the five Ws” which will just allow the family to clear up their thoughts and open up about their concerns allowing the audiologist to be non-judgemental.
Helping the patients accept and adapt to the technology
After being diagnosed by a hearing or balance disorder, people do not want to use technology to help them cope with the issue. Parents and family members sometimes feel that that using technology to help with the disorder will sort of “validate” it and make the issue more real. Parents usually suffer from grief as they did not have the “perfect” baby they were planning on. The main reason the family may not want to go forward with the treatment could be because of either they themselves cannot move on or because they have known a senior citizen who has had a negative experience (Lacuesta.) It is important to explain to the family how much the technology has changed and how it can actually help their children. Some patients themselves do not want to get hearing aid because of the stigma. Some people have a “caregiver” whether it be their siblings or wife, who interprets and explains the conversation to the patient, making them believe that they do not need a hearing aid as they have a “real life” hearing aid (Seliger.) It is really important to discuss with the family about not helping the patient converse if they are not agreeing to get the hearing aid so they realize the need and accept the technology.
Helping grieving parents
Many parents are unable to accept that their children may have a hearing disability, but many times when they do accept the circumstances it might trigger deep emotional reaction. Some parents may cope with the situation when they are first introduced to it but they may later develop a grief. This may cause a delay in the treatment and can even cause the child to begin to have a lower self-esteem. During this time, it is really important to listen to the concern of the parents and not tell them to “Get over it”. Every person has a different grieving mechanism, for some it is talk about the issue and for others it is finding the solution for it. Letting the family know that they can grieve anyway they are comfortable is really important as the more honest they are about their feeling, the quicker they might begin to feel better. Grieving is usually a three part process, from going numb to a number of mood swings to even isolation, but if a parent a stuck in the last stage for too long, they may begin to detach themselves from the world. Instead they should replace this process with “explore, hope and invest” ("Getting Through Your Grief.") Which is the idea of understanding the grief, bringing hope to the parents and investigating the solutions. Also, many people in our circle can bring negativity to the concept of grief by providing with more stigma and pain regarding their loss. The stigma can be reduced by bringing more awareness to this issue, this can be brought by providing pamphlets to the patients to distribute the message or creating a website or a Facebook page. This can only be effective if big organisations take part in the campaign.