I'm a Speech-Language Pathologist... but was it worth it? | IMANIBUSBY

[@Ceciliaapodaca6256]

Excellent video. Thank you. I did the opposite. Worked as a preschool for 27 years, had two children, bought a house. Now in school for speech therapy in my 50’s!!!! Never too late! Ready for different work with children.

[@ImaniBusby]

The experience you have is SO VALUABLE! I am so so happy you are entering our field. Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@reneeschneider3424]

I taught kinder/first grade and SPED for 10 years and have been a school counselor for four years. I am thinking about becoming a speech pathologist but I'm in my 50's as well.

[@kamahcummings1183]

@butterfly469 and @ Renee Schneider Congratulations to you both it’s never too late

[@saraidaughterofharan8278]

Wow! You sound like me!🥰🤗

[@padmeamidala7645]

Omg thank you for your comment!!! I was an SLPA and then a preschool teacher. I am 29 and wanting to get my masters in SLP!

[@soblessed303]

PEOPLE, as long as there is breath in your body, please do what you want to do. PURSUE whatever it is you would like! We all will die owing somebody...don't let student loans deter you from your passion. Do you and be blessed!!❤

[@ImaniBusby]

THANK YOUUUUUU!

[@elandecorum6731]

I'm 39, doing my second 1st degree, but this time, in what I've always wanted - B.Ed English. I should start my MSc. in Speech and Language Therapy, as soon as I'm done next year cos you know what? 40 will come, 50 will come, and 60 will come too! You really don't want to look back at these ages and be singing Celine Dion's coulda-woulda-shoulda...but-I-didnt-do-that...

[@zion8236]

I just turned 41, and I'm pursuing my SLPA degree. Hopefully, starting next Fall. 🤞🏾💚

[@growwitharie]

This was beautifully said💓 I’m 24 turning 25 this year and I entered the workforce first and going to school online/on the side because I hadn’t known what I wanted to do. Worked in banking for 5+ years and always had this feeling that I was meant to work with children, left my banking job and got a job as a TA only to realize that I didn’t want to become a Teacher and found a love for Speech. Now I have a clear goal and path in mind and I’m going to school full time for Speech Communications c: I’ll be done with school (bachelors and masters) by the time I’m 28 turning 29 and I wouldn’t of done this any other way. I would of never known what I wanted to do had I not done what I did.💓 You’re never to old for anything✨

[@mellymelz6713]

Literally the same thing I did . I will be 26 when I graduate and will be going right back to get my masters so I can at least finish completely by 28 . We got this !!!

[@Bookwasbetter]

I'll be 28 (closer to 29) by the time I finish the prerequisites and then the MS in SPL. That still leaves over 30 years to work in this career! It's never too late.

[@nicoledavid2315]

I’m so glad I came across your video ! I’m currently 27 with a Bachelors degree in Speech Language Pathology. I’ve worked as an Assistant Pre-K teacher for 4 years and just recently started working as an SLPA. I have a family, an 18 month old and I’m just now considering reapplying for graduate school. I just feel like it will be tough but doable!

[@sheriece05ify]

I’m 35 and I haven’t even started grad school. Y’all are really thinking you’re too old IN YOUR 20s????

[@zenz-lp4dd]

Yep they really do 😮I’m 38 and just going to start an slp program

[@brenna380]

its the oldest we've ever been! & when everyone is graduating around you is 21/22 and seems to have a plan... you feel late even just a couple years later.

[@sheriece05ify]

@@zenz-lp4dd I just started my major this past spring. I was taking my general classes when I posted this. I just finished taking Language Acquisition, Audiology and Intro to SLP. This summer I’m taking Hearing and Speech Science. I have a while to go lol

[@sheriece05ify]

@@brenna380 But look though. Ppl change their careers all the time. This isn’t my first rodeo. I was in court reporting for a little bit. But I understand what you’re saying. I’m the oldest person in my class lol.

[@Emily-qi3jw]

Thanks for including the first question about the person who was worried they'd be "too old" aka 30, when they graduated. Speech pathology is my second career and I took 3 years of prerequisites online before I could even start grad school! I'm currently in my final year of grad school and will be done when I'm 36. I'm so glad I'm doing it though! Just remember that you'll be working for at least 20 years, so it's never too late to start something new. Just make sure you really want to pursue this field, and remember that you can always switch settings if you get burnt out in one.

[@celicamcallister2959]

I’m 22, going to a community college, and will finish my associates degree when I’m 23. So I’ll be 26 or 27 when I graduate with my Masters as an SLP. I have no regrets and I’m actually happy it’s taken me so long, because now I’m positive this is what I want to do. I started college right after high school, but I’m so grateful that I dropped out because I would be doing something completely different right now. Taking my long break from school allowed me to work with kids who had delayed speech, which has led me to go back and pursue my degree as an SLP.

[@ImaniBusby]

Thank you for sharing this! I'm happy for you that your experience solidified that you are in the right place!

[@Hevan4eva]

I liked the part where you said "don't let age be a factor." That part really resonanted with me. And not only in SLP but I feel like I let age be a factor to many things so thank you for that. I'm in my 1st year of Community College and I wonder how much Grad school cost, how much will I need to earn, the debt, can I keep going and all other worries. But like you said I'm going to let my reason why I'm pursuing SLP keep me strong! lol. Thank you.

[@ImaniBusby]

Your amazing Juria! I'm so glad resonated with you! Your right we should be applying this to ALL that we do!

[@colettegrecco2270]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I'm starting prereq courses for my SLP master's next spring, at 30, so I'll be even older than you were when I can finally begin practicing. I feel so tremendously reassured by everything you've said that I'm tearing up; I have doubted many times that I'm still young and smart enough to pursue a graduate degree. Thank you so much again, and good luck to you as you embrace the future you worked so hard for ❤

[@ImaniBusby]

Colette, thank you for sharing this with me.

[@colettegrecco2270]

@@ImaniBusby Thank you so much again! You're so right 👏

[@r0zzey]

What you said, 💯 percent!!!! I started my 2-year masters degree at 26, and I'm so happy for it. I'm proud and happy with the path that led me to where I am. I got to work in research, in software companies, to teach, to travel to other countries, basically do any and all things that relate to language. Those experiences helped me relate to some parents of the kids I work with, and give me a different perspective.

[@ImaniBusby]

You must have a great perspective on what you do because you have so many other experiences. I echo everything you said!

[@jamiemadden2572]

Excellent content!! After undergrad I knew I wanted be in the field of SLP however I wanted to experience working first and I do not regret my decision. Needless to say I am a 3 year track student now at the age of 25. Age does not define you! If this is something you are truly passionate about don’t let anyone or any factors discourage you!

[@ImaniBusby]

Yes Jamie! Perfectly said!

[@emaniemeansfaith]

So glad you put this up! I went the non-traditional route and didn't get my master's right after graduating. Deciding to go back at the age of 28 and won't start the program until 29 probably. Definitely need to do online cause I still need to work. Even though most don't recommend it, but I know it can be done.

[@shanya246corsnitz]

I’m 35 and just starting my bachelors never to lare

[@_sparrowhawk]

Well done! 41 here :) Considering moving from Teaching to SLP

[@mahoganysoul7195]

It's never too late !

[@120paj]

I am 49 and I'm about to start in January ❤ I'm currently a teacher and I'm going in with God's guide and help. All the best SLP crew 🎉

[@RobertDingle-gu3bd]

Thank you. It's not the age clients seek. It's the knowledge and skills one seeks to help others. Thank you for this video.

[@alicebubest]

yessssssss! i am about to finish my first semester of grad school! it's worth it!

[@ImaniBusby]

CONGRATS! I hope you have a great holiday break love!

[@TheBookOfSammy]

Hi Imani! I've been doing my own research and looking up different speech pathologist in an attempt to glean some info about the process and what it's like to be a speech pathologist. I'm an Actor and wanted to tell you after watching your clip, that I appreciate the information you shared. Wishing you all the best and all the blessings in your career. God bless and thanks again! 🙏🏿🙏🏿☀️

[@thatssojayah6886]

Love this video. She doesn’t mean anything, I didn’t finish grad school till 28 and couldn’t be happier

[@jellybeansbud3610]

Ive been a teacher for a long time (secondary science) but I’ve had two daughters with speech delays, and part of me feels a calling to help families who face the same challenges.

[@wiildonex3]

i didnt know 30 was old now 😭😂

[@ImaniBusby]

Right! It’s really not! ☺️ I remember thinking like that a while back though.

[@Starla_snow711]

I kno!!! I’m 32 and barely getting my bs because of a career change and previous debt from culinary school.. and I want a career not just a job. Thank u for your insight 😁

[@_sparrowhawk]

I'm 40 and like...Excited to move from Teaching to SLP :D

[@zenz-lp4dd]

@@_sparrowhawkit’s a scary change

[@lovelife9388]

This is an amazing video. Thank you so much for sharing so candidly. I am 23 waiting to hear if I got into my programs. I go back and forth everyday wondering whether I truly want this. I am scared to change plans but also scared that they will accept me too!. I am not sure if I want this for my whole life, it is a big investment, yet I don't want to later regret not going to grad school either. Its so confusing! Bless you Imani!

[@our.secret1130]

Dude I feel you. I think it will be ok. I think it’s more about your attitude toward life than the actual activities of it. This is a lovely career with variety of opportunities. Just love today and live in the now. It will work out

[@lilliank50]

Word of advice: SLP is a very rigorous program. It’s not going to be easy and unless you’re truly passionate about helping people communicate, do not do it! Don’t do it for the money because I know people who did that and ended up regretting it.

[@OTElover77]

-Omg that’s me 🙈 lol, you answered my question perfectly thank you so much☺️☺️☺️

[@ImaniBusby]

You're so welcome!

[@sj_sound]

Love this...I'm 20 years older than when you started and just starting grad school for the 2nd time (a new career!)...you are absolutely right

[@oliviab740]

This really resonated with me, thank you for sharing! I decided to go back to school after 6 years and it was really tough to have the confidence to do so, but so glad I did! Now about to graduate and it has been well worth it!

[@ImaniBusby]

YES! I love to hear ya'll stories because it is so similar to mine. I am really happy I went through everything I did too!

[@LisaDiaz-LisaSailsTech]

Wonderful video. Needed to hear all of this--probably a long time ago, too!

[@Zim691]

The American education system pathway seems much longer compared to Australia. In Australia, you typically need to complete a four-year bachelor's degree or a two-year postgraduate master's degree for specialized fields such as speech pathology. Additionally, if you pursue an associate degree, you can earn one to two years of credit toward your bachelor's degree. Non-specialized bachelor's degrees in Australia generally take only three years to complete. It must take a long time to study in the US

[@InspectorTokage]

yay you''re back! 😀

[@ImaniBusby]

I'm back! Thank you for watching babe!

[@AndGoldJournals]

❤ great job beauty!! My name is Imani too 😅

[@whosdatgirl818]

Omg u posted! I’ve been binging on ur vids as I’m in the process of applying to grad schools. Hoping to get into a cal state school but realistically might have to settle for an expensive private like Emerson or NYU but dreading the debt. I’m already 60k in from a previous degree, so I’m torn cuz it’s so competitive! Has it been crazy hard to pay back? I’m also 34 so I’m older and I can’t keep waiting to get accepted to a cheaper school. Do u think I should just go for any school that accepts me even if it’s super expensive? Thanks! Ps I’m so excited I haven’t even finished watching this vid so sorry if u already mentioned it. Ps wishing u an abundance of love and blessings in this career for you♥️

[@emILY528xo]

Hi! I would like to share my experience with you- I applied to grad school last year and got into two expensive private schools (90-100k) and decided not to go because I didn’t think the degree is worth that much money. But another huge factor for me was I was very open to a gap year and now I am teaching English abroad this year. However, I shadowed an SLP this year and her advice was to go to any school that accepts you because it’s so competitive. The SLPA who works with her had applied 3 years in a row and would kill to get into a grad school, so that definitely influenced her advice. In the end, it’s up to you! In my life, it doesn’t really make a difference to me if I start now or in 1-2 years, plus I am still doing things I like and that can help my grad application, while potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars

[@ImaniBusby]

Emily, I loved everything you said! I know first hand how hard this decision is to make but ultimately it's really up to you. I opted for the more expensive option, and tons of loans and I can't tell you it was the right thing to do. I would just advise you to consider every option before you make a decision, even if it is a different career. Please keep me updated on how it goes for you!

[@lovelife9388]

Girl we all have our own paths but if I was you I would NOT take out too too much more! Do it as cheaply as possible because you want to be as free as you can be in the future, and SLP's only make as much as they make in different places. Maybe work for a year to pay off that first loan and THEN apply? Remember debt compounds making it harder and harder to dig yourself out, and then what if you want to do something like have a kid or buy a house? Going into deeper debt will limit those liberties, unless you come from a very wealthy family or are super resourceful with drumming up extra funds.

[@lateashawatkins1437]

Great video! Very timely!

[@ImaniBusby]

I'm SO glad!

[@taymarieeeeee]

I'm 29 and thinking of starting. The age thing is so real. 😔

[@thats_lt]

Girl where have you been? We need an update video!

[@tashannastevenson4876]

Im 24 and have my degree in a diff field. I realised i loved working at a school but wanted to transition into the medical field. So i found slp and i just got into the online post bacc program at USU. once i complete those courses i will apply to grad school so i can be a slp

[@tavohernandez1843]

So, I am here because I will receive my Associate’s degree in Linguistics and Literacy, and I’m also filling out the transfer application, and one of the majors that I will be transferring to will be Communication Sciences and Disorders, but I’m scared. I am not sure if I’m in the right path. I am into Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, but I just can’t help it with CSD, and I’ve also wanted to become an English teacher, so I am confused. I’m barely 20, and I just don’t want to lose time-not waste time. I think that Speech Pathology is a very rewarding career, but I’m still skeptical. I’m not sure if it’s cuz It’ll be too difficult for me to handle. So, what would you recommend to me? If I do start the Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, what are two things you would recommend to me?

[@anah3122]

i loved everything i learned in SLP undergrad.. I got into SLP grad school but i freaked out & didn't end up going because i didn't want to take on the debt. many people in my graduating class also made the same choice as me, its unfortunate because there are so many passionate SLPs but the cost is so inaccessible :( loved this video, thanks for sharing. your community is so lucky to have you as an SLP!

[@2zai207i]

Same for me! I’m already in debt and grad school would ruin me. My student loans would follow me to my grave.

[@anah3122]

@@2zai207i yes agreed :( its a sad reality that we have this huge barrier! education needs to become more affordable and SLPs as well as teachers need to be paid a fair salary

[@ImaniBusby]

Thank you for brining up something that is so important! You're completely right that the financial barrier with this career is unbearable for a lot of people. *cries in student loans* LOL! What I can say is that the SLP community is trying really hard to do the work to make changes for the future, and I hope that soon that barrier won't be there! Thank you for watching Ana!

[@lovelife9388]

What are you doing instead?

[@lovelife9388]

@@2zai207i What path did you take instead? Thanks just curious:)

[@our.secret1130]

I’ve watched this video many times and I appreciate her balanced perspective, but upon relistening I can kinda hear more subtext. Maybe we hear what we listen for. I am on track to start grad school at 23, get through debt free, and I’m still questioning if this is right. I want to buy a house sooner, and a graduate degree is going to set me back from that goal. Yes I like the work of SLP, but the lack of upward mobility also kinda sucks. I’m thinking about moving into the real estate industry instead. I’m scared though because my mom is going to hate me for not getting higher ed!!!!

[@padmeamidala7645]

Any recommendations on Online programs for SLP?

[@Ty-tn5uh]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@4evab1]

Can you do a video about your experience in your CFY?

[@RealAnita926]

You look 21.

[@ImaniBusby]

thank you boo!

[@dn2964]

Question here! Has anyone noticed a bias in SLP students with tattoos . I am very nervous entering the field. I know times are changing and I shouldn’t be this is my dream job,but I can’t help it . Thanks !

[@sm7640]

No one cares as long as the tattoos aren’t offensive.

[@IvanaAlempijevic]

I would love to pursue SLP as a second career. My Bachelor’s is in Business Administration. Is it a requirement to have Bachelor’s in SLP as well or could I complete the prerequisites and start applying to different programs?

[@adrianagavilanaguilera7828]

You would need to do the prerequisites in order to apply for the masters program... I'm in the same boat as you I'm still looking at my options

[@aprilg4276]

Was the classes hard

[@cindycajamarca77]

Does NYU offer part time options for the speech pathology graduate program?

[@tashannastevenson4876]

Yes they do

[@ChristianElijahDickens]

Do I need a masters degree in order to work in the field of speech therapy

[@jalyntaylor7609]

Yes

[@emILY528xo]

you can also work as a speech language pathology assistant with a Bachelor’s, depending if your state allows it