My graduate program tells me I will get answers wrong if I "mispronounce" the word, "Dysphagia." I've been pronouncing the word as "dis-fah-juh." But I've heard people pronounce as "dis-fay-juh."

I'd like to know your thoughts on this? And why my graduate program would make such a big deal out of this

I was talking with a friend who said that she is considering doing her CFY in the medical setting because it's easier to transition from medical to the schools than the schools to the medical field. Is there a strategy like this that we should be aware of? Does it really matter which direction we take?

3 Ways to Combat Imposter Syndrome in Grad School:

1. When you find yourself confused or having a hard time understanding concepts (especially when you're with others that get it), tell yourself: “This is an opportunity for me to learn.”

Having this mindset will allow you to feel comfortable asking for help from your peers/professors/supervisors instead of talking down to yourself.

2. Instead of thinking “it’s better not to answer because you’re probably wrong,” choose to be courageous and confident in yourself. Answer to the best of your ability and if you are wrong, reference the first strategy.

3. When you feel yourself getting anxious during testing environments, take a second (or a few) to take a deep breath, remind yourself that you did everything you could to prepare, and look at the question again with a fresh mind.

Comment how you plan on combatting imposter syndrome this semester!

Hey future SLPs! If you are in your first semester of grad school, here are 5 tips to keep in mind:

1. Get a journal/planner: Organization and time management are crucial for your first semester because you’ll probably be LOADED with classes and possibly, clinical placements. This is especially important if you are working while going to grad school.

2. Review! Take time after your classes to look over your notes/lectures and rewrite them in a way that you understand. If you’re not a writing/reading learner, adjust or add to your notes to fit your needs. (E.g. recordings, YouTube videos, better diagrams, 3D models, etc.)

3. Ask questions: Don’t avoid asking for clarification during your lectures or clinical placements and think “I’ll figure it out later.” While you may figure it out, you are paying to learn so it’s better to ask your professors and supervisors what they are teaching.

4. Sign up for your school's NSSHLA chapter! There are so many events with speakers with different speech and language specialities sharing insights for networking opportunities, clinical placement ideas, and becoming a successful SLP.

5. Be kind to yourself! Grad school can be overwhelming, but remember you’re there to learn and grow as a (future) SLP.

I'm so excited to see all of these aspiring speech pathologists on the site! Be sure to join the Q&A boards to help you get through clinicals!

"Praxis® mistake #3: Engaging in Negative Self-Talk! Often times when we’re pressured or stressed, It’s easy to lose sight of how AMAZING you are. Take hold of self-sabotaging thoughts and remind yourself you are right where you’re meant to be.

Be sure to tell your favorite Praxis® prepper!"

Praxis® mistake #2: You’re “Winging It”! We’ve ALL been guilty of this. In fact, it’s even natural for us to “wing it” with our session activities! However, “winging it” is not recommended for your professional certification exam.

Be sure to tell your favorite Praxis® prepper!

Praxis® mistake #1: You don’t have a set study plan! Having a study plan will keep you on the right track toward your goals! Although it might seem tedious, establish and following a study plan will keep you accountable and ease uncertainty.

Be sure to tell your favorite Praxis® prepper!

Hi everyone! In addition to my work as a cultural competency consultant and show host, I help coach aspiring SLPs and clinical fellows for the Praxis exam! Here are some Praxis® mistakes I notice that I'll cover over the next few days:
* Not having a study plan
* Winging it
* Engaging in negative self-talk
* Avoiding taking practice quizzes
* Having TOO many study materials

There are many issues in higher education. A lot of them pertaining to admissions of people of color in SLP graduate programs! Do you recall your biggest challenges and how you overcame them? I'd love to hear!