Blair Threlkeld ’18 Finds Purpose in Helping Brain Injury Patients Rebuild

One of the most meaningful moments in my career involved a man who had experienced a hemorrhagic stroke resulting in severe aphasia and apraxia (language and motor planning disorders). At the start of therapy, he had significant difficulty producing even single words.

Around that time, his daughter was preparing to sign to play a sport in college, and it was incredibly important to him to be able to express his pride in her. For weeks, we practiced the phrase, “I am proud of you,” working through the motor planning and language challenges it required.

On the day of her signing ceremony, he arrived with his cue card in hand and successfully told his daughter how proud he was. It was an incredibly powerful moment for both of them, and one I will never forget. Experiences like this remind me why I chose this profession—I cannot imagine a more rewarding career, and I feel grateful every day to do work that brings such meaning to my life.

Hutchison's rigorous curriculum required me to develop strong critical thinking and interpersonal skills—both of which are essential in my current profession. My interpersonal skills allow me to build trust with patients and their families during what is often one of the most challenging times in their lives. At the same time, my critical thinking skills are crucial when evaluating and treating patients with complex and varied diagnoses. Each patient presents differently, and I rely heavily on my ability to analyze information and make thoughtful clinical decisions.

I still vividly remember my AP Biology class with Mrs. Wesberry. I felt truly challenged academically, and I gained a deep sense of accomplishment from mastering difficult material through persistence and hard work. That experience shaped how I approach learning today. In my field, staying current with evidence-based practices is essential, and Hutchison instilled in me the discipline and curiosity to continually seek out new knowledge to better serve my patients. That drive directly translates into better outcomes for my patients, as I am constantly seeking new knowledge and refining my clinical skills.

I spent 15 years at Hutchison, and I credit that experience with shaping me into a well-rounded and confident individual. Being surrounded by strong, intelligent peers and dedicated teachers fostered both my confidence and my willingness to take on challenges. Hutchison taught me to hold myself to a high standard and to never settle for mediocre work. It also instilled in me a lifelong drive to continue learning and improving. Most importantly, Hutchison helped me develop the confidence to pursue a meaningful and challenging career—one where I can make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of others.