By: Ariana Solorio, BS, TSHA Graduate Student Committee

Attending the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) 2026 Convention as a first-year graduate student was an experience that shaped not only my professional goals but also my sense of belonging within the fields. I arrived hoping to learn, reconnect, and grow, and I left with a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a community of both current and future speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists.

Reconnecting with students from my undergraduate program reminded me of the roots that brought me here while meeting new students from across Texas expanded my perspective and helped me see the many different paths this profession can take. TSHA has a way of turning strangers into colleagues and colleagues into a support system. It is a place where you can walk in knowing no one and walk out with a network of people who genuinely want to see you succeed. 

One of the most valuable aspects of the TSHA Convention is the exposure it gives students to a variety of avenues within our fields. I truly believe it is essential for students to attend whenever they can and soak up as much as possible before stepping fully into the profession. The opportunity to attend a variety of lectures allows you to explore areas you may be interested in or discover areas you never realized existed. Hearing from clinicians working in schools, hospitals, private practice, early intervention, bilingual settings, and specialized programs gives you a clearer picture of the many roles an SLP or audiologist can take on. It’s one thing to read about these paths in class, but it’s another to hear real stories, see real materials, and ask in-person questions. 

This year, I was especially inspired by the continued growth of bilingualism within the fields. Seeing how our fields are evolving to serve diverse populations better made me even more excited about the clinician I am becoming. I also enjoyed collaborating with other students. This allowed us to exchange ideas and hear about their clinical experiences, which helped me broaden my own thinking and envision new possibilities for my future work.

The TSHA 2026 Convention reminded me that our profession thrives on connection, mentorship, and shared passion. It is a space where students are encouraged, supported, and guided by people who have walked the path before us. Leaving Convention, I felt grateful knowing that I am part of a community that will continue to support me throughout my graduate school and long after.