What I WISH I Knew Before Starting SPEECH PATHOLOGY Graduate School| Imani Busby

[@dayshabutler1957]

I am a white woman who attends an HBCU, and I see beautiful, intelligent, inspiring black women in this field, and I love the diversity. Keep your head up, queen. There are people who see you and appreciate you.

[@ImaniBusby]

Thanks Daysha for the sweet comment!

[@grlpwr1941]

Thank you for this video! I'm a Latina and about to begin my undergrad in CSD. Thank you for sharing about your experience. I'm really sorry you experienced racism that makes me furious. Remember don't let those people get in your way! I'm excited to enter the field and not let the lack of diversity steer my dream of being a speech pathologist🙌🏽💃🏽

[@ImaniBusby]

OMG girl I am so excited for you. I love how positive you are, you sound like a POWERFUL woman! Thank you for the advice. Where are you going to college? Good luck on everything!

[@grlpwr1941]

Imani Busby Thank you! I try to be strong... it can feel defeating at times but we got this. I’m currently at a community college but intend to transfer to Sacramento State or San Diego State (I’m from California!). I can’t wait to see your future content I get excited when you upload haha

[@vanessahernandez9829]

Grl Pwr hey! I’m a Mexican American! Hoping to transfer off to Csula this upcoming year!

[@samantha-yg9jt]

Grl Pwr sans here girl !!

[@brenda2106]

Same here! Chicana Undergrad at CSUSM, good luck to you all!

[@embeetoast2211]

Your first sentence was so relatable. I’m mixed and totally not type A so I felt very discouraged before applying to grad school. Just seeing all the white rich girls with their color coded binders would make my tummy hurt. But I made it and I’ve been an SLP for 6 years now!

[@matoaka21]

Congratulations!! How do you like being an SLP? May I ask what setting you're working in and if you can see yourself being an SLP until you retire? I wish I could see the job in person, but no one will let me shadow in any setting...

[@embeetoast2211]

@@matoaka21 I work in the school setting and I really love it. There are aspects of my job I don’t love but if you like the school that you’re at and the population that you’re working with it can be a very fulfilling job. I definitely see myself retiring as an SLP but I know many young SLPs who consider changing careers because they are burnt out. I think some of this had to do with wanting to do your job perfectly and not being able to realistically operate that way with how high caseloads can get. Not being type A has helped me to get over that.

[@matoaka21]

@@embeetoast2211 thanks for your reply! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoy being an SLP and can see yourself working in the field long term. That makes sense about the frustration for type A people.

[@littlemushrooms598]

to all aspiring speech language pathologists, you got this! don't let the work and people discourage you, you are more than capable of doing it if you truly believe so. let's make this field a more diverse and beautiful profession! 💗

[@ashwithdacash4004]

as a black freshman majoring in SLP i really want to thank you, because i do not see many black women in the field! i wish nothing. but success on you sis IM PROUD❤️

[@bonitaApplebum209]

Loved that you jumped right into how NOT diverse our field is. Applying for grad school has been so difficult for me as a Latina. All the schools claim they’re looking for more diverse candidates yet all they accept into the program are white women. That really angers me

[@laurrrrrr3097]

Just found your channel because I’m looking into speech pathology!! This helped a lot & btw your skin is gorgeous 💖💖💖

[@ImaniBusby]

I'm so glad this helped girl! SLP is AUHMAZING! and THANK YOU!

[@laurakay8659]

I’m thinking and planning on going back to school and wanting to major on speech communication. And this video has really helped me a lot and so I can look out for those signs . Also how are the classes. I’m taking mine online cause I’m a stay at home mom though.

[@briannamorgan4620]

Samee i reallt wanna go into it

[@nzaragoza7]

I do agree that minorities are not "expected" to be in this field, but I also think that they are accepting of us. But it may be because I am in the Bay Area, CA and this area is so diverse. They actually WANT us in this field. I hope you find an area that is just as accepting. Good luck with the rest of your journey!

[@ImaniBusby]

I totally agree and maybe it is different everywhere! Thank you for sharing your insight/experience! Same to you!

[@anikaramchand584]

Just got accepted into grad school for SLP and this video helped a lot! Was wondering if you could make a video showing a typical day as an SLP grad student and talk more about the workload given and how you manage/balance your time! ALSO your skin is so beautiful and glowwwy!!! Looking forward to more videos!

[@ImaniBusby]

Congratulations Anika! Where will you be going? And girl, I got you! Thank you SM for watching and for the sweet compliment.

[@anikaramchand584]

@@ImaniBusby Thanks girl!

[@joiea9601]

Thank you for this video! My daughter is a senior in high school and I'm excited that she wants to be an SLP. I sent her this video. As a woman of color I love seeing us in specialized fields. It's important when you're going through something to see someone and be encouraged by someone that looks like you and can relate to you. Thank you for all that you do. You are seen and you are truly appreciated! ❤

[@LilMizzLae]

Girl I'm in my last 6 months of grad school and everything you said is TRUTH!!! 🙌🏽 I used to think the challenge felt debilitating at times but it's definitely great for preparing you for the real world. Researching and also having great support systems (whether big or small) is KEY!

[@liveyourlife0888]

"People are not going to understand what you're doing. People may not understand your field or what you're studying." SO TRUE. I am also an SLP grad student and you bring up so many good points that I definitely can relate to! Thanks for sharing this and bringing more awareness to the SLP grad student experience!

[@ImaniBusby]

Thanks Whitley for watching girl! I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one! :) Either way, we got this! When do you graduate?

[@liveyourlife0888]

Imani Busby: We got this! I am graduating spring of 2020! So halfway there for me :)

[@slb9645]

I’m almost done with my first year of the CSD grad program. I can say, it is not easy, but soooo worth it. One of the main things I’ve learned is that I love the geriatric population. I came into grad school thinking I wanted to work in schools, but after a year of working with kids...nah. Not for me lol This semester I have been in a SNF, and absolutely enjoy every single session. I cannot wait for my medical externships!!

[@annmerrie1809]

Shelby Bentley yay to team geriatrics

[@ashleybrown270]

Thank you so much for this video , Ive been thinking about going into SLP and this has definitely solidified my decision. This candidness is much needed and your information is valuable.

[@ImaniBusby]

You are so welcome!

[@tania_0rt3ga]

Really enjoyed your video! As a minority I feel so empowered to help others and am really looking forward to the rewarding feeling of helping someone overcome their challenges. I am starting my undergrad in CSD this fall and am trying to prepare myself for all the hard work that will go into one day becoming a SLP. Thank you♥️

[@ImaniBusby]

YES go girl! I am excited for us to really start making this impact! Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@j.cherice6932]

A part of why I was inspired to pursue SLP was to diversify this field. (: Also, I'm super glad I found your channel. I'm really struggling with my Phonetics course right now...which had me doubting myself pursuing this career.

[@ImaniBusby]

Don't doubt yourself, you have goals!

[@kallikaysilva7316]

Oooh my gosh... I looked up videos on SLPs and then she starts by saying “I’m gonna be doing my makeup” I think I love you... but also- I love the honesty in this ❤️🙌🏻

[@bparegorgeous3018]

You are so beautiful! I’m a Muslim girl currently studying SLT in the UK, I love this video so much I can’t wait to have more clinical experience so i can relate back to these points, really reassuring video 💜

[@nilexx2379]

Hi, may I ask a question? Is that true that the SLT salaries in the UK are low? Thank you in advance:))

[@fakingfrench]

Wow, that commercial experience that you had was awful. The SLP career path does seem VERY white which makes me want to apply to grad schools even more. There needs to be way more diversity. I think there was a recent survey that showed that even though slp is female dominated that the male slps still get paid more and are given more supervisory roles. That’s wack.

[@ImaniBusby]

SO WACK! I agree there has been some shift made, but overall, there does need to be way more diversity in our field! Even more men so that they aren't treated like the unicorns in the field hahaha

[@vintagemoon7815]

I totally agreed now I’m so going to school for SLP

[@bonitaApplebum209]

Totally agree with this. With that being said I have my bachelors in SLP and I had a ‘male’ friend who had a totally different B.A degree and even went to work as a comedian after graduating. His first time applying to SLP graduate school he got accepted!! I was so livid since it’s been my 2nd time applying with no luck.

[@Natt327]

I am definitely excited to get into speech pathology industry as an Asian who speaks English as a second language. I am in Australia, and over 95% of the speech pathologists here ARE whites, whereas less than half of the population is white at the moment. Australia is such a multicultural country BUT still I don’t see a blend of a variety of cultural backgrounds in SP industry. :)

[@mainevale]

Im very thankful for your page. learning alot of information as a Black man going into a field and realize theres not many Minority and black male minority at that

[@ImaniBusby]

Thankful for you watching! Its so true!

[@rosselinnunez8699]

Thank you so much for this video! I am a current sophomore at Montclair State pursuing a career in SLP. Im majoring in Linguistics with a minor in Child Advocacy & Policy because of my love for children. I was feeling discouraged and stumbled upon your channel. This video was very encouraging! new sub :)

[@ImaniBusby]

You're so welcome! Thank you for subscribing! & don't be discouraged, I started with a Linguistics degree too! Keep going girl!

[@sierradews7677]

I know I am late but your skin is gorgeous. I love your complexion.

[@ImaniBusby]

Sierra you are not late girl! Thank you SO much!

[@MariellaMendez]

loved it! I am a fellow SLP and KZbinr!!!

[@ImaniBusby]

Hi Mariella! I really enjoy watching your videos too! Thanks for checking this one out!

[@samanthavillarreal6299]

Dude, thank you so much for this video. I was literally in the middle of a breakdown trying to look for more information I could learn for grad school because this process is so overwhelming. But to hear you say the work is worth it makes me feel so much better! 😌

[@cierraaaaaaaas]

I got into grad school for the fall!! It’s a very white area in upstate NY and I asked them straight out about diversity and what THEY are doing about the fact that there’s none. I also told them my goal is to work in a diverse areas so how does their program fit into my life goals. They answered my questions well and I’m excited to see how it goes. I have noticed that there aren’t many diverse SLPs in the field too. I’ve worked in different special needs preschools and I’m on forums and stuff and I see hardly any diversity.

[@ImaniBusby]

YASSSS to everything you said. I love this black girl magic you are working! At the end of the day, you get to be the type of clinician YOU want to be, so if they don't do everything on the diversity and inclusion front, don't worry! Use it as a learning experience and change up your practice! CONGRATUATIONS!

[@briannaramirez7109]

Hello!💕 I just found your channel because I'm currently in my first year working on getting my bachelor's degree and pursuing to be a SLP. I am also a minority female in the program but I feel more empowered to continue with my plans after watching. I'm so sorry you had to experience racism within the field. I hope the field is more inclusive in the near future. I also agree with you on how SLP's is the professional that helps their clients find and use their voice! I always thought it was cheesy to put it like that but, it makes me so happy thinking about it that I get to be the person to help my future clients in such a powerful way. Definitely subscribing to you beautiful! 💖

[@meganmorais5240]

Thank you for speaking about your experience as a minority going into SLP! I am also an ethnic minority + LGBTQ person who is gender nonconforming, so I vibe with a lot of what you've said. Hoping that our contributions get to make this field a more inclusive one!!

[@kyagay9356]

I recently got my recommendations and I’m so proud of us for being a SLP as a career one day I will have my own practice God willing

[@edwynabatiste1791]

I literally asked the universe for Divine Conformation and I saw this video and now I know what I need to do. Thanks for your encouragement and wisdom.

[@akaneik]

I've experienced that racism recently. As a first year student I feel like I shouldn't have to endure that feeling when fullfilling my duty as future clinician. I understand that this is the reality and I always have to watch my back as African American women and do beyond what is expected. I love that you are honest about your experience and I'm glad that I am not alone within this field. Thank you for your voice!

[@ImaniBusby]

Thank you for sharing with me, I needed this! Its crazy that this is still happening, we just gotta keep going, we will change the narrative.

[@carriegoodman5450]

im so sorry you have to experience this! Im first year in the program ( undergrad) as well.

[@narika7383]

I am a school based SLP whose been in the game now for 11 years. I believe everyone who is a minority will experience some form of racism in one form another while in grad school, especially during your clinical years and various work settings while the field keeps slowly evolving. However, know it will make you determine to succeed more than ever and God will give you the strength to shake all haters to the side. Please also know that this field is in desperate need of diverse speech pathologists as we serve a diverse world and community. We need more diverse therapists and clinicians to develop more diverse assessment and screening protocols that aren't bias so we are not over or under diagnosing a group of people. We need bilingual and trilingual SLPs. We need more MALES, especially BLACK and HISPANIC!!! Whatever your background or ethnicity it is welcomed wholeheartedly in this field due to an increasing and diverse world and community we serve. I know for a fact that my Black and BROWN students appreciated having a Black SLP in their schools who could relate to their emotional, educational, and socio-economic background. I inspire them to be GREAT in life because they are created to be just that! Enjoyed your video. Keep being the change you want to see!

[@heatherc9248]

Hi girl, I am an SLP and I completely agree that our field is in need of more diversity. I live in NY, and even in NY there were only a hand full of black and Hispanic SLP's in my cohort. I have yet to work with a black SLP. I am not sure why this field is so dominated by white women. I would love to see more diversity and men in our field, honestly. Thank you for making this video and putting yourself out there for other black women to watch and feel inspired to pursue a career that does not exactly represent them.

[@bethanyrose506]

This video was so helpful and insightful! I’m entering grad school this fall and I’m scared but so excited!! And so true how no one knows what SLP’s do!!

[@ImaniBusby]

OMG CONGRATS! Thats so exciting! How did you get into the field?

[@glowmanny]

I’m an African-American junior in high school. You remind me of me so much, especially with the filler words and expanding. I’m also interested in Speech Pathology/Audiology. But ahhh I kinda dislike the paperwork. Also I felt a bit discouraged in going into this because of the lack of diversity, and I’m not gonna lie, the salary contains bias in race and gender as well.

[@eniasofiamusic]

Thank you Imani! I am a first year masters speech therapy student in London. I'm Portuguese (half Angolan) and I've definitely felt the down sides of the lack of diversity. I was shocked to see how student also don't mix up and tend to stay with the type of people they are used too. Very competitive as well, where the majority of people want to make sure they stand out even though we are all in the same boat. wishing you all the best

[@ImaniBusby]

Thank you Enya for watching and commenting! Unfortunately, I've seen the same thing. I think its so important for us to continue to SIT at the table (whether we are invited are not) b/c in the end we are making it better for our patients who look like us. BEST WISHES to you too girl!

[@melanieshaw7577]

I’m a teacher looking to get into SLP. I feel like your description of therapy is what I thought I could do in the classroom, and what I aim to do in my tutoring sessions. So maybe SLP is the right fit!

[@Sarah-jr8gl]

Same here!

[@breanag118]

Just started my grad program this fall and can definitely relate to all of this! Especially as a Latina who is not type A 🤣. It’s also been hard to explain to people how busy I am and that the work load literally never stops! Also you are gorgeous!!!

[@GR33N_beanz]

I LOVE your videos! I debated switching my major to SLP so many times, but your videos really inspired me to follow this career path regardless of all the extra classes I will have to take. Thank you :)

[@melanie3345]

Hi there! I am Latina and as a minority can attest to experiencing racism. I recognize I even have white privilege because of my skin color to those that are confused by it, but I sometimes don’t feel it by some that do know my ethnicity. I am told I look Latina by some and white by others. Not sure why it matters. It’s been here and there in my life. There have been many of times I have cried being in this field feeling I have to prove myself because of my race. It’s infuriating. I experienced feeling less than in two rotations while in grad school and I couldn’t help but feel it’s because I’m Mexican-American. The reason being the two SLPs that made me feel this way are white and asked about my background and made comments about how I didn’t act like a “stereotypical Mexican.” Therefore, they were confused. I have light skin, lighter hair and just don’t understand why I would get these comments. It felt like they felt I was tricking them or being dishonest when they were confused by my ethnicity. I experienced poor treatment and truthfully feel some trauma. Now I’m on the other side as a CF and am motivated to even get a PhD because we need more of us in the field. We need desperately need diversity. It’s a problem and thanks for such an honest video. It was so relatable and fun!

[@Syddd_j]

Hi! I came across your video and just want to say thank you soo much for this. It’s really refreshing seeing another Black SLP and hearing such candidness. Im hoping to start a pre req program to prepare me for SLP grad school and this really helped put everything in perspective. This made me even more excited to pursue this field!

[@TheJoe89jan]

Why is it so damn hard to get into graduate school?.... I am an assistant speech therapist and seriously rethinking my career path. I don’t know how my SLP Supervisor makes it to work the next day after being bombarded with endless pit of paperwork. I also noticed that 90% of the time is devoted to paperwork, 5% preparing for 100 patients the next day, and the other 5% doing the actual therapy itself. Most of the SLP’s appear sleep deprived, unhealthy (skinny), and age very quickly.

[@ImaniBusby]

OH lawd! I agree with you that the amount of paperwork in the field was really shocking to me when I first started my fieldwork. I think for me, and my experience as a classroom teacher I've seen even more stress, paperwork, administrative demands, parent expectations and for me the work wasn't as rewarding. What setting do you work in? I'd be really interested to know. Ultimately make the decision based on what you want. It's your choice, and you definitely don't have to go into the field just because you have the SLP assistance experience. KIT!

[@TheJoe89jan]

Imani Busby I currently work in Texas. I worked in the Home Health and therapy clinics. There’s been so many changes to the Medicare insurances agencies causing SLP’s to have more paperwork.... My experience with SLP’s in both settings were their physical and emotional toll due to the overwhelming work, patient compliance, and limited time management. I’m considering a career path towards becoming an LVN/ LPN then becoming an RN. It’s just very difficult to get accepted into graduate school.

[@ImaniBusby]

I understand Jose! I would for sure take your experience into consideration but then do what you truly want to do. Wishing you the best, KIT!

[@ImaniBusby]

Also apply to NYU!

[@TheJoe89jan]

@@ImaniBusbyThat's the thing. It's not about applying to a graduate school. Anyone can do that. The trick is to actually getting accepted into a graduate program that is the most frustrating. I know people who've tried over a nine year period and never succeeded. That scares me. I wish I had all the time in the world to apply every year, but I am not getting any younger and bills start to pile up. You can pour your heart, blood, sweat, and tears that still won't be enough to get you accepted. These college universities need to start increasing their acceptance rates to 50-100 students in to graduate school. Another thing is MONEY. I really would like to become an SLP, but I don't want to be in more student loan debt.

[@laurawilliams6777]

Soon grateful I found your channel! I recently finished my BA in Linguistics, and was heavily considering SLP for my masters....But lately I've been on the fence between pursuing SLP or Naturopathic Medicine..(yes, both totally different things), so binging your videos is slowly helping me decide which direction I wanna take with my studies!

[@ImaniBusby]

I'm so grateful you found me too! Sounds amazing, and any questions you have please ask!

[@BD-bt1su]

So.. thank god I found your vids! I’ve experienced speech therapy kindergarten-high school, I have a speech impediment but improved immensely because of what you guys do!

[@ImaniBusby]

So cool that you had a great experience with an SLP already. If you do decide to become an SLP you have so much to bring to it. Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@sarahserenity3872]

I'm so glad I found your channel!! I am looking into a new career as a speech and language pathologist! I had never heard of it until today and I'm going crazy researching and trying to figure out if I could do it or not. Btw I'm so sorry that you experienced racism in the making of the commercial and that ppl give you strange, hurtful looks when they find out you are studying to be in this field! I do not understand what skin color has to do with anything. What a shame that they are prejudiced against you.

[@ImaniBusby]

Wait this is so exciting! If you have any questions let me know! Thank you!

[@leslietorrez7860]

Sarah U I just changed my career path too! Excited but scared. I’m a Latina so excited to represent the minority and women!! We got this ladies

[@avamacmiller5694]

Hi! thank you so much for this video! I’m a senior in HS and am going back and forth btw SLP and teaching, and this was really helpful! Also your beautiful and this was such a fun video!

[@ImaniBusby]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@jahlexiastripling9653]

I am currently working to be admitted into the Communication Disorders and Sciences program at my school and I found this video helpful! It was fun to watch you do your natural glam, which was beautiful! I pray that you are successful in your career path and that God blesses you with all of the wisdom and courage you need to persevere. Blessings!!! Jesus is love❣

[@jacquelineweed6662]

I appreciate your candidness so much

[@ImaniBusby]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I was definitely nervous about somethings I said. But i wanted to be as real as possible about the things I really wish someone filled me in on.

[@HelpMeGrowSpeech]

Oh my gosh you are amazing! I am a new subscriber and I loveee the feel of your channel. You are so right! Our field needs MORE DIVERSITY! Let’s go!

[@missytauler]

I just found your channel and your speech pathology videos are GOLD! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Your content has really encouraged me to go for it. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@ImaniBusby]

Wow, thank you sm!

[@lyrn97]

I’m going into my senior year of college and interested in slp. Your video was so insightful!

[@ImaniBusby]

SO EXCITING! You are making a great decision IMO! hahaha

[@biancacanizares4571]

this is the first video I watched and you had me in the first 15 seconds! I love everything you’re doing and keep doing it :))) I’m currently waiting on an invite to interview for SLP school rn and should hear from them next week. I’m probably going to binge you all weekend to keep my nerves at bay lol.

[@thegraduatespeechie2752]

Hello!! I'm new to KZbin and haven't created content as of yet, but I'm starting graduate school to become an SLP as well! I just wanted to say that even as a white woman, the lack of diversity in our field has always been disturbing to me. Even though our field is amazing, a wider variety of people could enrich it so much more. Never let anyone discourage you from achieving what you want to achieve!

[@ibreathpink5620]

Hi Imani I really felt that this video touched me ... I am a Palestinian refugee and I am an SLP student and you know refugees are not allowed to work in Lebanon so unfortunatly am facing descrimination in employment . Anw do not give up beautiful soul ❤️🥺🥺

[@ImaniBusby]

Hi! Your determination through all your hardships is SO INSPIRING! Thank you for your sweet comment & best of luck to you!

[@Nielfisher]

I decided recently to pursue being a SLP and this video explained everything I expected ! 👍🏾 Definite sub

[@ImaniBusby]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@joshuaramirez9088]

I apprecite this video. I'm a mixed african american latino male and I'm very interested in this career field. I'm a musician and singer and using singing and beatboxing has been helpful for me overcoming my speech struggles. I was previously considering going back to school for 'music therapy but I've had some situations come up recently which exacerbated by speech issues greatly, so I've now been considering speech therapy and have interest in involving music into it. As I do research and such I've come across other videos sharing concerns of the line of work and racism and discrimination are some of the ones I'm currently trying to understand a bit more in depth. As most people of color know all too well, that kind of stuff has a way of really tearing you down internally, no matter how resilient or strong you are. i'll have to do some asking around and internaly questioning, because this line of work has all of my biggest desires and interests for a job all combined. I'll need to figure out if (but and likely how) I can manage that constant type of stress. I appreciate the input you gave as well as how you articulated things in a very straightforward and down-to-earth manner. You give off an air of knowledge, wisdom, strength, goofy lightheartedness, and so much acceptance and love. Seeing how invested you are despite the various struggles makes me hopeful for my own journey, as well as that of others.

[@Maggie-dh1jy]

So happy I found your channel!! I want to major in elementary Ed and then get my masters in SLP. This video was so helpful, thank you so much 💖

[@julienino494]

Im Napping I don’t know if you’re in college yet but if you are you should consider changing your undergrad to communication sciences and disorders

[@ImaniBusby]

Thank you guys for watching/commenting!

[@annadambra554]

I'm a junior communicative disorders major and I cannot wait to become an SLP!

[@Xxpicklepop24xX]

You are so beautiful! This was so positive and uplifting and real! Thank you!

[@funkeetees7616]

Not seeing many guys on here...i hope it wont be hard to compete against all the women. Im an infp with a stutter and i really want to do something that will fullfill my need to create a big impact on society

[@ImaniBusby]

You need to go for it! All those reasons, (being a man, stuttering, and your desire to impact others) are the reasons why this field needs you!

[@jenishag1476]

In undergrad, the head of my department said, "our field is saturated by middle class white women." And told us that is we are not in that category, USE. THAT. TO. OUR. ADVANTAGE when applying to schools. If your application is strong, being a guy will only help you. OF course, it won't Guarantee admission, but it definitely won't hurt. I wrote about my stuttering in my statement of purpose. It gives me a unique perspective and increases my empathy for those with communication disorders. Also, many people who do fluency research stutter themselves, so you're not alone in your interest!

[@taradc6037]

Thanks for the insight! I got my first grad school rejection letter recently and it was pretty discouraging. Planning to apply to a few more SLP programs, NYU's online program being one of them! Just trying to mentally get myself together before I continue on with the application process.. getting past the discouragement from being rejected is tough 😓 praying I can be in your shoes soon❣️

[@ImaniBusby]

Don't give up! I have been in your shoes before, and God is so good! You will be in my shoes soon.

[@bbytayls5023]

Hey any updates on your application process?? Hope it’s going well and I’ll be praying for you! 💛

[@taradc6037]

Psalm 4:7-8 hi! Still yet to apply to NYU's online program as well as another online program. Thanks so much for your prayers! Will keep you updated 😊

[@danabenjamin3864]

Tara De Castro hey ! What did you get your bachelors in? I have a degree in bio & want to change majors.. I’m not sure what I’d change it to. I want to become an SLP as well & am curious as to what others pursing this profession have went to school for.

[@taradc6037]

Dana Benjamin hi! So sorry I am barely seeing your reply now! I have my bachelors in Communication Disorders & Sciences which is the degree that majority of SLP grad programs require you to have. But if you already have a bachelors in another field, you can still complete the prereqs for an SLP program through something called a post-baccalaureate program or sometimes called a bridge program - because it "bridges" you from one field into another. Definitely look them up because there are quite a few of them out there! There are schools that even offer the courses online which is super convenient. Hope that helps!

[@betsydunn1638]

Loved this video!!! I’m thinking about becoming a speech pathologist and really enjoyed your make up and tips on what to expect in the field. Thanks!!!!

[@ImaniBusby]

OMG thank you so much! Watch some more videos and let me know if I can answer any questions for you about grad school! I'd love to help!

[@jemmahowlett4292]

I'm finding these videos so so helpful, I'm starting my masters in the fall. THANK YOU!!!

[@sweekritishetty322]

13:24 I clicked like just becoz of this line...you said mam...'cause iam don't talk much for unnecessary things and people around me are always poking me saying ''speak up,say something,open your mouth'' for no reason and I dont like the way they force me and etc etc.... when I said that iam interested in this field THEY(uneducated/uncouths)said ''yes it is better field for you however you don't speak and you can easily teach sign language for dumbs'' which was very rude....they even donno what field is audiology and slp but I will take as a challenge.

[@ashr7871]

I’m so glad I found your video! I love this! Everything you said was helpful please continue making videos

[@ImaniBusby]

Thank you, will do! What would be helpful?

[@candacemichelle2041]

Thank you so much for this! I am currently on the search for a school! I'm super excited about learning more

[@ImaniBusby]

You're so welcome, let me know any questions you have!

[@numberone22459]

Thank you so much for your video!!! This really assured me that this is the field I want to get into

[@NoStressSLP]

Thank you for your candor and sharing your experience in our field!

[@ImaniBusby]

Thank you for the sweet comment!

[@modilatimphahlele791]

definitely not diverse. hello. so happy to have came across ur channel, I'm a speech and audiology senior student. loved this video.

[@ImaniBusby]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ewzm]

Hi Imani. Thanks for the SLP insights. If I were making this video, I'd probably be fishing, hunting or working on my car while talking. I tried (unsuccessfully) to ignore the cosmetics talk.

[@jof8581]

Thank you so much for this video!! Really has given me some more information on the job especially as a young black woman or for any minority 🥰 xx

[@veevee888]

i recently recieved my slpa license. Idk if i wanna go to grad school but i can definitely see how white washed this field is. and i live in LA! lmao where more than half of our schools demographic is latino. so as a latina i definitely feel it, the awkwardness and always being the minority in the room... but hopefully this changes soon and i would love to have a supervisor like you!

[@ImaniBusby]

Vivan that so sweet! Thank you. I think we are making shifts, I really hope it changes soon too! Not just for us but for our kids!

[@selenalopez9549]

Hi Imani! I just watched your video and loved everything about it! I’m currently in the Masters program and just completed my first semester out of six. I’m a Latina, and I agree with you, there’s not a lot of diversity in our field and there’s still much work left to do! I’m in this field to help advocate for bilingual patients and the importance of our field! Thanks so much for this video, you have a new subscriber 💛

[@alicevoynar]

My style is alternative. My hair is blue and my cohort seems to judge me or think me less then cause style difference. It really shouldn't matter what race, ethnicity or style you have as long as you're a good clinician. It's truly a shame that we can't be ourselves in the field without an issue.

[@Ceciliaapodaca6256]

Excellent video. Thank you so much for representing articulate brown women. I am a preschool teacher and really look forward to doing more specific/targeted work with children instead of classroom management. Hehe! Nothing against teaches. I am just ready for change.

[@missing41.1.]

I was hooked by the introduction 😂This video helped so much !

[@SunnieBella]

Thank you so much for this! I'm in undergrad struggling so im looking for motivation a 7am lol. I hope you're well!

[@Innov26]

I just graduated with my B.S. in SLP and I agree how you mention it’s not a diverse field. Not just culturally but as the only male (and Hispanic) in my entire program, I kinda felt very disliked by my other peers. I hope grad school is a lot better.

[@ImaniBusby]

Congrats Luis! I'm sorry to hear that, I really hope so too, but if not, you still gonna be an SLP so forget em!

[@Innov26]

Imani Busby you’re absolutely right!🙏🏽

[@sm7640]

Wow I'm glad someone said it... this field overall lacks so much diversity and multicultural awareness. It can be pathetic in some cases. There aren't enough actions taking place to fix this issue whatsoever. There WAS an article in one of the ASHA leaders addressing this concern which is a step in the right direction.It basically said it starts at the grad school admittance, and that programs need to look at applicants in a holistic way (not only GPA/GRE as criteria).

[@fengjizhang3686]

A previous male colleague, also black, shared your name. I really liked your video and I a Chinese, and I am apprehensive about being in a all white class, and I am worried that I will be lonely even if I got an admission offer.

[@Yllas-kd5te]

I’m thinking of going into SLP and this was helpful, btw you are gorgeous 💕

[@marrr.1]

I love this thanks for sharing girl I feel you I am currently an undergrad can't wait to apply to gard school

[@ImaniBusby]

Thats awesome! It is an exciting time girl! Do you study speech in undergrad?

[@alexandrahernandez886]

Native American here. I am Yavapai Apache, going to school for speech!🤠

[@ImaniBusby]

Congratulations love!

[@SammyJ96]

3:11 wow!!! I mean,I'm not naive..,and I'm very much aware of the level of hate they have towards us. But...,I can't help being in shock each time.

[@ImaniBusby]

Sam, ain't the the truth! Thanks for your comments. I'm glad you resonated with the video!

[@SammyJ96]

@@ImaniBusby keep your light shinning my Goddess,they can't dim it unless YOU let them. They are to be sorry for.

[@cherylparker891]

So glad I came across your channel. I’m a early childhood teacher and have been thinking about becoming a SLP. Thank you for the information!!

[@ImaniBusby]

So glad I could help Cheryl!

[@fieldofdaisiess]

this was very informative and relatable ❤️❤️

[@thefamouseugenekrabs]

Your makeup looks great! I like your hair too!

[@ImaniBusby]

Thank you very much.

[@gabi1404]

Thanks for all of this! It’s very helpful

[@estefanys.1849]

thank you for this video!!!! you’re wonderful really, thank you so much, subscribing rn cause i really needed someone to feel inspired by 💛💛💛💛💛

[@ImaniBusby]

That makes me so happy!

[@vintagemoon7815]

Wow thanks for your honestly great video and you kept it 100! 👊🏾 keep being amazing 😉

[@donking3540]

You look so beautiful with or without make up actually you look better without it

[@frogiy9]

You look gorgeous!! Loved this💕

[@ImaniBusby]

Thank you so much girl!

[@anisaa8752]

why would they invite you if your not going to be on footage? I would have told them why ask me if im not going to be involved. either im going to camera and be apart of the rest of the team or you need to be reported and exposed ON SPOT

[@Msramonapilgrim]

Such useful info and also your make up is beautiful 💕

[@ImaniBusby]

OMG thanks girl! So glad this helped a bit.

[@e.annehealey1226]

I just found your channel 😍 love listening to your experiences!

[@ImaniBusby]

Thank you Elaine!

[@ethereal.boy22]

I appreciate this video so much!!! thank you lol from a freshman

[@ImaniBusby]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching!

[@hannahguidry4148]

Soooo true about the clinical writing and I definitely did the same things as you in undergrad! Filler words for days hahah

[@ImaniBusby]

HAHAHA we were horrible!

[@victoria.josephine]

I do agree that the field is white washed. Some diversity would be nice. And if there were more males. Thank you for addressing the “type A” myth because my professors put such an emphasis on that you need to be type A. Makes you feel bad if you aren’t. Also, I don’t necessarily think the commercial instance was racist? I mean maybe it was your own projection... but at the same time trust your gut. I feel like I’m the type of person they would cut from a commercial. I’m white so I can’t blame it on race, but that kind of thing always happens to me. Maybe it was because it was your CFY and you weren’t official yet?

[@jillhbaudhaan]

Imani, do you speak another language? I'm thinking about this career from a fulfillment and salary POV, but I hear that people get hired in hospitals based on their second or third language.

[@ImaniBusby]

Hey! I don't speak another language, I really wish I did. Throughout my experience, I've heard it is harder to get a job in the medical setting, compared to other settings, especially when you are just out of grad school. I haven't heard that knowing a second language is the only factor in that, I think that its a great plus for any job in our field, but there are other things like specialties and past experience that could make you more qualified for a medical SLP job. Overall, our field is one of the easiest to get jobs in post-grad so once you get those CCC's you are pretty much good to go! Hope this helps.

[@jillhbaudhaan]

@@ImaniBusby Your answer helps a lot. Thank you so much. I can attest to the lack of diversity. I took linguistics as a part of my BA and it was co-listed with first semester SLP students and of the 20 SLP grad students there was one guy but all twenty were white.

[@ej8780]

I’ve always wanted to be a slp and it’s 4 am and found your channel! 1 min in 😝

[@ImaniBusby]

Thats so awesome! Go for it!

[@Maggie-dh1jy]

Do you need to know ASL in order to become an SLP to work with deaf or nonverbal patients?

[@ImaniBusby]

I'm not sure if it is a requirement, but you would need it to conduct therapy with your patients.