Finding purpose in passions at Franklin

Not every day you get to combine all your passions into one, but for sophomore Delaney McCafferty, that is exactly what she has done.

While having many interests in high school, it wasn’t until her year-long internship at a pediatric therapy clinic that she found her niche.

“During my time there, I developed a passion for speech-language pathology. Speech therapy provides a happy medium,” McCafferty said. “It is also a career in which I am able to incorporate my Spanish-speaking abilities.”

Here at Franklin College, McCafferty has been involved in several extracurricular activities such as the Leadership Johnson County program and most notably, the women’s lacrosse team. Choosing Franklin for college seemed only natural after her first visit.

“On just my first visit, I could already feel an overwhelming support from both the lacrosse team and the faculty… with a liberal arts education I have ventured into other exploratory areas such as history and astronomy,” McCafferty said.

Lacrosse has not only given her a way to connect with her peers but has also provided a healthy mental and physical outlet for her during stressful times.

“Division III allows for a super manageable balance between studies and sports,” McCafferty said. “After the completion of my freshman season, I received the Newcomer of the Year award.”

Being a double major —in Spanish and psychology — requires both patience with herself as well as dedication to learning. Sometimes that shows by pushing oneself out of his or her comfort zone. One of her favorite classes was Behavioral Neuroscience. Intimidated at first, McCafferty pushed herself and achieved success in the course that surprised herself.

With the class sizes being small, she has been able to develop relationships with her professors, contributing to her success.

“The biggest reason why students are able to be successful in new areas of study fall back onto the professors at Franklin,” McCafferty said.

McCafferty has continued to grow in her Spanish skills. During the spring semester of the 2021-2022 school year, the Spanish department awarded her with the Advanced Spanish Award. She plans to use Spanish to help even more people in her future career as a speech therapist.

“There is a really rewarding feeling that comes from being able to apply my strength into helping people,” McCafferty said. “Speech therapy changes so many lives… I want that to be my future career because it not only incorporates all of my passions, but it also provides a sense of purpose.”