Slp!
Hi, this is my first visit to the boards. I came looking for info about the Phonak Naida and ended up lurking through the threads.
Anyways, I have a severe-profound loss and I've been an SLP for 16 years. I didn't start college until I was older. 30 yrs old. I'm now 50.
The great thing about being an SLP is that you are in a very controlled environment in which you manipulate. Usually a small room and your clients/students are within arms reach and you face-to-face. No major background noise like in a "regular" classroom.
Also, SLPs have numerous options for employment: schools, rehab centers, hospitals, private practice, Home Health.
My advice would to be: go and job shadow in the type of facility that you're interested in. That's what I did.
AND...there is usually a HUGE shortage of speech pathologists in the schools that many times, the State Dept. of Education will pay for your education if you promise to work in the schools for a certain amount of time upon graduation. Be sure and look into that. Call your State Dept of Education and ask for the special ed deptartment and inquire about any of those programs.
Good luck to you.