By: Emily Gruver, BS, BA, TSHA Graduate Student Representative
The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) 68th Annual Convention and Exhibition ran from February 22-24, 2024, and featured an incredible experience for students, professionals, and everyone in between. For students, the TSHA Convention offered opportunities to network, participate in school spirit activities, learn from experienced clinicians and researchers, and test their knowledge at the Praxis Bowl. The keynote speakers covered important, thought-provoking topics that also pertained to students, making the student experience at this year’s Convention one of a kind. Students who attended for the first time this year likely were in awe of the resources and knowledge dispersed, and students who attended again this year likely gained a similar amount of knowledge as the session topics and exhibit hall spanned a wide range of topics and employers.
Alison Jobes, a second-year graduate student at The University of Texas at Dallas, said, “As a graduate student, I have enjoyed attending TSHA the last few years. Not only do they offer many presentations on more specialized topics that I would not otherwise learn in my courses but the Convention is also a place to connect with other students and speech pathologists from across the state of Texas. The exhibit hall was a great opportunity to learn about different companies and businesses as well as new technologies. The Praxis Bowl that is organized every year was a great way to work together with classmates and practice for the Praxis exam.”
As a fellow graduate student, I could not agree with Alison more. TSHA Convention is always a great place to make new connections and learn different and new material that complements my classroom learning.
TSHA Vice President for Advocacy Lori Colletti held an advocacy meeting for interested students and professionals to discuss the importance of advocacy in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. The TSHA Political Action Committee (PAC) also raised money through a silent auction. The funds will be used to support TSHA’s legislative goals and to arrange a capitol visit at next year’s Convention.
The Convention has ended, but the need to advocate remains. I urge anyone looking to become active to email government@txsha.org to learn how they can make a difference in their community and the state of Texas! Students can play a crucial role in shaping the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology if they choose to begin advocating for their future professions now.
As was announced at this year’s Convention, the TSHA 2025 Convention will be held May 1-3, 2025, in San Antonio during Fiesta, which is San Antonio’s celebration of its rich and cultural diversity. While the time of year is different and may be more hectic, TSHA Convention is guaranteed to be another awe-inspiring two and a half days, and everyone should plan to attend. May is a time of year when everyone deserves a break, and what better way to enjoy a break than by attending Convention and gaining continuing education (CE) credits during Fiesta?
My experience at the TSHA 2024 Convention was one I will always remember, and I cannot wait to see everyone in San Antonio next year!