SLP programs: redefining best
SLPs and SLPs in training! We are going to talk about the quiet controversy of graduate programs and being a student. I don’t believe there such thing as the ‘best’ program or ‘best’ student. We live in a world obsessed with rankings, comparisons, and the incessant quest for superiority. But let's take a step back and question whether this obsession with being the "best" serves us well in the world of speech therapy.
Let's start with grad programs. Picture this: you're frantically scouring the internet, trying to find THE top-ranked SLP grad program. You're convinced that if you don't get into the numero uno program, your career dreams are done. But… What makes a program the "best," anyway? Is it the fancy facilities, the renowned faculty, or the shiny reputation? Maybe, and those are all valid reasons. No doubt. But what about the program that may not top the charts but boasts passionate professors who genuinely care about their students' growth? Or the one with a tight-knit community that feels like a family? Are those not factors of greatness too?
Students. Your cohort. We've all heard the whispers about that one student who's supposedly the cream of the crop—the "best" of the bunch. But what does that even mean? Is it the student with the highest GPA, the most research accolades, or the flashiest resume? Perhaps. But what about the student who may not have a perfect transcript but possesses unparalleled empathy and connects with clients on a soul level? Or the one who brings a fresh perspective and challenges the status quo? Are they not worthy of the title "best"?
Being an SLP requires more than just book knowledge. We have to navigate our patient’s personal problems too. That 70-year-old patient we just saw for cognition and language? They are also trying to navigate being a caretaker to their wife who has late-stage dementia. The 48-year-old who is in the hospital for a stroke and now has expressive and receptive aphasia? They have a high school graduate who now has to balance their mom’s medical concerns and how they want to navigate their own future. Your anatomy book won’t teach you that.
It's these moments that remind us of the interconnectedness of human experience. We're not just treating symptoms; we're engaging with real people facing real-life challenges. Let this be a reminder that our work as SLPs extends far beyond the confines of a therapy session. We're not just helping our patients communicate more effectively or swallow safely—we're providing a lifeline of support and understanding in their time of need. Your reading and literacy disorder book won’t teach you that.
Academics don’t teach empathy; life teaches empathy. Experiences teach empathy. Life shows us in moments of weakness and challenge that we can push through with the right support. And as SLPs, we have the privilege and responsibility of being that support for our patients. We can lend a listening ear to their challenges because it not only makes us better clinicians; it shows us how we can support their communication or swallow concerns at home. Your motor speech disorders book won’t teach you that.
So, let's embrace these moments of connection and vulnerability. Let's remember that behind every diagnosis, every treatment plan, and every progress report, there's a person with a story—a story filled with triumphs, setbacks, and everything in between. And let's approach our work with compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Because ultimately, that's what being an SLP is all about—making meaningful connections, one patient at a time. Your dysphagia textbook won’t teach you that.
Let's tackle what to me, is an obvious statement: the notion that "best" is synonymous with "prove it." We've been conditioned to believe that our worth as SLPs hinges on our ability to prove ourselves—to prove that we're the smartest, the most skilled, the most accomplished. But what if we flipped the script? What if we embraced the idea that our worth lies not in proving ourselves but in simply being ourselves? What if we celebrated diversity, imperfection, and individuality instead of relentlessly chasing an unattainable standard of perfection?
So, here's the bottom line, my fellow SLPs-in-training: there's no such thing as the "best" grad program or the "best" student because greatness is subjective, multifaceted, and beautifully diverse. Instead of striving to be the "best," let's strive to be authentic, compassionate, and curious. Let's embrace our unique journeys, celebrate our quirks, and lift each other up along the way. Because in the end, that's what truly matters.
I’m going to assume that we are all here with some level of interest in speech therapy. Applying for SLP grad school is not for the weary or the weak. It’s usually the opposite, right? If you’re here and researching than you more than likely have the drive to pursue this field.
It's about the experiences you have, the lessons you learn, and the impact you make—regardless of where you study. it's about the passion, dedication, and resilience you bring to the table.
But here's a little secret: being the "best" student isn't about having a flawless transcript or a laundry list of achievements—it's about showing up, day in and day out, with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Sure, there will be days when you feel like you're on top of the world—aced that exam, nailed that presentation, got glowing reviews from your clinical supervisor. But there will also be days when you stumble, fall flat on your face, and wonder if you're cut out for this whole grad school thing. And you know what? That's okay.
Because being the "best" student isn't about never faltering—it's about how you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward. It's about navigating the inevitable setbacks and challenges with grace, humility, and resilience. It's about embracing the messy, imperfect journey of growth and self-discovery.
So, my fellow aspiring SLPs, I challenge you to let go of the pressure to be the "best" and instead focus on being the best version of yourself—flaws and all. Embrace your uniqueness, celebrate your successes, and learn from your failures. And remember, greatness isn't about reaching some unattainable pinnacle of perfection—it's about the journey, the process, and the impact you make along the way.
So go forth, my friends, with courage, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in your own potential. Because the world needs SLPs who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo, redefine the rules, and pave their own path to greatness. And trust me, you've got what it takes to do just that.
Feel free to share below how you continue to challenge the ideas surround ‘best’. SLP related or not. I want to hear it!
