By: Madeline Beck, BA, TSHA Graduate Student Representative

Leading up to the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) 2025 Convention, I dedicated a significant amount of time to thinking about what Convention means to our student members. We do not need continuing education credits like licensed clinicians do, yet hundreds of students attend every year. At Convention, I had the chance to speak with many students about what TSHA Convention means to them. There were several themes that emerged as I spoke with students that mirrored my own “why” for attending.

There was a clear desire for knowledge. My attendance at Convention, like many students’, was focused on practical, applicable information that I can use when I go into the workforce in just a few months. While the caliber of the speakers can be intimidating initially, I have been amazed at their ability to communicate clearly and thoughtfully to all members of their audience, including students. My learning at Convention has complemented my learning in school so that I feel much more prepared.

Students also frequently spoke about the opportunities that TSHA Convention presents, whether for finding positions for internships or clinical fellow positions or for presenting research. Students are aware that Convention offers a unique, safe space for them to connect with clinicians who are eager to help students gain the experiences they need to be successful. I am always pleasantly surprised by TSHA members’ willingness to interact with and mentor students.

Possibly the strongest theme I heard was a desire for connection. Whether with other students, professionals, or the fields as a whole, students overwhelmingly came to Convention to feel a sense of community. In that aspect, I found that students are similar to other professionals. Convention is not a requirement, but students and clinicians alike choose to go to connect. There are challenges associated with our professions, no matter how much or little experience we have. Convention provides an avenue to collectively support each other through those challenges. That way, we can all go back to those we serve better equipped to keep serving them for years to come.

I will end with a few direct quotes from students who attended Convention. If you were able to attend, I hope their words resonate with you. If you were not able to attend, I hope they give you encouragement to attend in the future!

“I’m here for the presentation opportunity, and also I am excited to represent my school!” —Ana G., Dallas

“I came to Convention for further knowledge and opportunities.” —Grace L., Nacogdoches

“I’m here to experience something new and see the colleges so I can get information for when I apply in the fall!” —Ariana C., Rio Grande Valley

“I came to learn! There are topics I wanted to increase my knowledge in, especially the vocabulary and therapy approaches. I also am looking for career opportunities!” —Alexis B., Joaquin

“I came to Convention to build connections and see my future school!” —Alejandra T., Del Rio

“I loved Convention last year, so I came again to get more experience and learn about all the things schools and companies have to offer.” —Leeann H., Kingsville

“I attended Convention to seek job opportunities across Texas and expand my passion within speech-language pathology.” —Bryanna M., Harlingen

“I come to TSHA for the community. I love seeing old friends and meeting new people and learning so many things you don’t learn in school” —Anna H., Nederland

“I felt empowered because it was a safe place to present research for the first time. I got a lot of positive feedback and saw the real-world impact of our research.” —Emily R., New Braunfels

“It was nice to see clinicians come by and give input on my research, and I liked collaborating with other professionals about how my research can help them.” —Keerthana D., Austin

“I’m here to explore different settings that I’d never even thought about before. So many companies have such an interesting niche. I also love the networking and learning opportunities.” —Hannah N., Arlington

“I come to TSHA to learn about new research and treatment approaches and meet new people.” —Maria M., Fort Worth

“It’s a fun girl’s trip and a learning experience in one! It sparks my reasoning for why I am in the field. It’s so great to be around such encouraging people in the field!” —Michalla S., Joaquin