2002 WSHA Students Weekend

WSHA Student Weekend in River Falls a Success

Kim Schopen
Student Representative to the WSHA Executive Board

Fifty-eight students from around the state of Wisconsin gathered together on September 27 and 28 in River Falls, Wisconsin for the first annual WSHA/NSSLHA Student Weekend. Vanessa Malyszek, a first year graduate student from River Falls originated the idea of bringing together the state organization with the students in the universities. “At the 2001 WSHA/NSSLHA Leadership Retreat, I brought the idea up to Tina [WSHA’s current President, Tina Radichel] about how neat it would be if WSHA sponsored a Student Conference. I had been to the WSHA Convention that year and learned a lot, but it was mostly geared towards professionals. I suggested something just for students; what they were interested in academically and professionally.” Supervising the weekend organization was Kathy Erdman, clinic instructor at Marquette University and WSHA’s President-Elect. Assisting with Friday’s Leadership Retreat was Jessica Casselius, NSSLHA President at UW-River Falls. The schools represented were UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, UW-Steven’s Point, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Whitewater.

Friday afternoon consisted of the NSSLHA Leadership Retreat, which was a chance for students to learn what types of leadership skills are necessary for communication disorders students, SLPs and audiologists, and also how to develop these skills. Saturday’s student conference involved many speakers on multiple topics. Students learned what an SLP’s position involves when working for birth to three programs, such as paperwork, materials, eligibility, and family-guided intervention. They were also given an introduction to the background and effects of cochlear implants. The afternoon consisted of various professional development workshops that students were able to choose from.

So what did students think about the weekend? The responses from students who attended the student weekend were positive. Surveys showed that students had a good time, thought the day was well organized, would attend the conference again and recommend it to others.

Jessica Lahti, NSSLHA President at UW-Eau Claire, said, “The WSHA Conference was such a wonderful experience for students because of the very informative presentations and the new knowledge that we now have of our future in the profession of Speech-Pathology and Audiology. Everyone presenting showed excitement about their jobs, a characteristic that demonstrates what a great field we are studying to be in. Thanks for a wonderful time!”

Cory DeWitt, another UW-EC student said, “I thought the weekend gave us a nice snapshot of what we can expect as future SLPs. It was great to get a real-world perspective on what we’re learning in the classroom.”

A student at UW-Whitewater, Ann Roehrig, said, “ I really enjoyed the professional development aspect of the conference. We were able to speak to professors from other universities and professionals within the field who answered our questions regarding what we can expect in the next couple of years.”

“It didn’t matter to me if 10 students showed up or 60, what I wanted most was for students to have a good time, learn new things, and go back to their schools telling other students what a great experience they had. I honestly feel that a personal goal of mine was achieved and that makes me feel very proud of all the work, heart and sweat that went into making this event happen,” Malyszek stated enthusiastically. Erdman seconded Malyszek's enthusiasm, “Vanessa's willingness to work hard, take suggestions gracefully and take initiative when appropriate all contributed to a very successful event.”

So will the student conference become a yearly event? Hopefully other students with leadership skills and initiative similar to Malyszek’s will step forward and make this opportunity available to students in the future.

Jessica Lahti, NSSLHA President from UW--Eau Claire, enjoyed the Leadership Retreat on Friday.

Students from UW--Milwaukee gathered for the Leadership Retreat at River Falls.

Students from UW--River Falls hosted the 4th Annual NSSLHA Leadership Retreat and initiated WSHA's Student Conference.

Students from UW--Whitewater joined others from around the state to participate in WSHA's Student Weekend at River Falls.

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