I Chose Salus
Speech-Language Pathology
Hi everyone! I'm Aliza, I am a first-year Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) student. I earned my undergraduate degree at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in Communication Sciences and Disorders and earned minors in Special Education, Linguistics and Psychology.
I have always known I wanted to work with kids and thought Speech Pathology was a good fit for me. Once I shadowed a school-based SLP during my senior year of high school I knew for sure that this is what I wanted to do!
I conveniently live a quick 20-30 minute drive from the Salus University Elkins Park, Pennsylvania campus. We have a schedule that is a good mix of classes and clinic experiences in and outside the Speech-Language Institute (SLI). I love that we get to experience working with different populations with our clients in the clinic as well as groups in the community. Last semester, I was at a KI Preschool across the street from Salus working with three-year-olds, and this semester I am working with older adults at the Samuel A. Green House which is five minutes down the road from Salus.
I am the Class President for the SLP class of 2025. What drew me to the program at Salus was the fact that all the faculty and clinical educators have worked in the field before going into higher education and most of them are still currently working in the field today. When I visited Salus for the first time I immediately felt the warm and friendly environment. We have early clinic exposure and get to start building skills from the beginning. I have learned so much so quickly in the short time I have been a Salus student.
Here is a look at a typical Wednesday for me as an SLP graduate student:
8:30 - 9:00 a.m.: Wake up! I love that I get to sleep in and have time to myself on Wednesday mornings especially because Tuesdays are my long 12-hour day. I have my clinic block until 8 p.m. so its nice to have some time after a busy day.
9:00 -10:30 a.m.: This is the time I have to myself. I usually have my coffee and breakfast, go for a walk and listen to my favorite podcast "The Toast". Life as a grad student is busy so it's important to make time for yourself!
10:30 -11:00 a.m.: Drive to campus. I listen to a podcast or my favorite music. I am probably listening to Taylor Swift! I am a huge Swiftie!
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: I work in the SLI which is the on-campus speech clinic. I make phone calls, organize and help with whatever is needed!
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.: Lunch! I eat with friends and work on assignments.
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Class. On Wednesdays we have our Clinical Practicum class from 3-4 and then our Applied Gross Anatomy class from 4 - 6 p.m.
6:00 - 6:30 p.m.: Time to drive home.
