Madison Messina will walk across the stage on December 13 to receive her Master of Science in speech-language pathology, marking the culmination of a two-degree journey at PennWest Edinboro.

The Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, native earned her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders in 2023 and chose to continue her education at Edinboro.

“I loved Edinboro and the community so much that I not only achieved my bachelor's but also my master’s degree,” Messina said.

She said her decision to pursue the field came with support and clarity at a moment when she was still navigating what her future would look like.

“Deciding on what profession to pursue for the rest of my life was challenging for an 18-yr old,” she said. “Luckily, I have supportive parents who helped guide my decision by introducing me to the field of speech-language pathology. I always loved children but also found interest in medical professions. Speech pathology offers me the best of both worlds and was 100% the right decision.”

Her time at PennWest has been defined by connection – both to the campus community and to the people she hopes to serve as a clinician. As a graduate student, Messina worked as an academic success coach, a role that allowed her to stay involved on campus while helping undergraduates navigate academic challenges.

“This role allowed me to maintain grades, have an income, stay involved with campus, and have a hand in helping undergraduates navigate the challenges that come with the collegiate workload,” she said.

During her undergraduate years, she embraced an even wider range of involvement, joining the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, the American Sign Language Club and Zeta Tau Alpha. Those experiences, she said, helped her form friendships that will last well beyond graduation.

Looking ahead, Messina’s goals reflect the compassion and purpose that guided her into the field. In the short term, she plans to complete her clinical fellowship year and continue learning from experienced speech-language pathologists. Long term, she hopes to make a meaningful impact across the lifespan, whether by helping a child communicate with an augmentative and alternative communication device, assisting someone in safely enjoying their favorite foods again, or supporting a stroke survivor as they tell their family, “I love you.”

“I hope to never lose the passion and love I have for the field,” she said.

Messina credits her success to a strong support system that includes her family, friends and the faculty who shaped her education.

“My parents have always believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself,” she said. “The entire CSD department – Dr. Weidner, Dr. West, Dr. Krival and the rest of the faculty – taught me so much about the field and will forever be professionals I look up to.”

She said Edinboro offered both the academic foundation and the personal growth she needed to prepare for her future. Hands-on labs and experiential learning made the concepts real, while campus life taught her how to balance responsibilities, step outside her comfort zone and build connections.

For incoming students, Messina offers simple but heartfelt advice: get involved, meet people and enjoy this chapter.

“Enjoy this season of your life because although the work can be difficult and stressful, it truly is some of your best years.”

Next week, as she receives her degree, Messina will close one chapter and open another – ready to use her skills, compassion and voice to help others find theirs.