10 Things on Every SLP’s Bucket List

What do you want to do with your professional career? Do you have an “SLP Bucket List”? Are there things that you feel like you must do before you retire? The SLPs here at Speech Spotlight want to share you the things that are on their SLP Bucket List:

Linda Looks Like Language shares, “The experience I had that I feel that every SLP would benefit from is working collaboratively with a great group of OTs and PTs. I had a chance to do that when we assessed and co-treated students with feeding disorders. I learned so much about motor development, positioning and lateralization that made sense in a real life way. It has benefited my students with motor and jaw stability components to their articulation disorders to this day.”

Collette from Alberta Speechie says, “I have always wanted to volunteer abroad.”

Lisette from Speech Sprouts reveals, “I want to present at TSHA and maybe someday at ASHA to share what I have learned along the way!”

Susan Berkowitz from Kidz Learn Language shares, “I think on every SLPs bucket list should be mentoring young SLPs. Over the years I have supervised dozens and dozens of grad student interns, a number of CFYs, and mentored some SLPs who want to learn more about AAC here in my local area. I think we all have so much to teach each other, and I love the idea of ‘paying it forward’ for some of the great (and even not so great) supervisors I had as a grad student. I also think it makes you grow as a SLP. Teaching what you know to someone else really makes it coalesce in your mind, clarifies your thoughts and sometimes makes you see and do things differently.” 

Sarah Wu from Speech is Beautiful thinks, “Every SLP should treat an early intervention client. Because their brains are so plastic, they make quick growth and are so much fun to work with. It’s good to be reminded how speech develops in those early years.”

Ashley from AGB Speech Therapy says, “Write a letter to a former professor. I did this recently and found the experience to be rewarding beyond my expectations. Today is always a good day to thank someone for helping you along your way.”

Tamatha from TLC Talk Shop says, “Working at a veteran hospital and giving back!” 

Ashley Rossi from Sweet Southern Speech reveals, “My bucket list would be to volunteer your time with the special needs population (NOT as an SLP) and simply to donate your time and enjoy serving the family of these special friends. There are many respite organizations (especially churches) who need help to give these families a break. Spending time with them outside of therapy gives a whole new perspective to their life and may make you “rethink” what your goals are for any aspect of your SLP life.”

Anne from Beautiful Speech Life shares, “I want to write a book or two. I’ve got the first one started “SLP Like a Boss”. It’ll feature stories from the trenches, tips, resources and must haves for the SLP. I’ll also share thoughts about the important work we do and it’s impact on our communities.”

Jennifer Bradley from Speech Therapy Fun says, “I think that every SLP should attend ASHA at one point during their career. I went this past year as an exhibitor and plan to go back as an attendee. The networking, information and excitement that comes from that conference is amazing! It’s inspirational and reaffirms why we are in this profession.”

We want to know: What’s on your SLP Bucket List? 🙂