Paving the Way for Future Generations of Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologists

October 1, 2024
Guadalupe Aguilar

Born and raised in Waco, Guadalupe Aguilar has always been closely connected to Baylor University. Her journey at Baylor began at a young age when she attended the University for Young People (UYP) program, engaging in enrichment activities like pottery and rock climbing. However, her path to becoming a student at student at Baylor, and to becoming a speech-language pathologist (SLP), wasn’t straightforward. 

Aguilar started her higher education journey at McLennan Community College. Eventually, she discovered a passion for speech therapy, inspired by a high school teacher’s daughter who worked in the field. Aguilar’s love for working with children and disinterest in a traditional teaching role made speech-language pathology a perfect career fit.

After earning her associate's degree, Aguilar transferred to the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated as a first-generation student with her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She returned to her hometown and worked at Waco ISD for three years. Then, she returned to school again—this time choosing Baylor for the Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders degree program.

In just her first semester enrolled in the program, Aguilar has already been engaged in hands-on experience while assisting in the Mary Jo Robbins Clinic for Autism Research and Practice. So far, she shares that one of the most exciting aspects of her work has been learning to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to help children communicate. 

“AAC devices give people who are non-verbal a way of communicating—a secondary voice,” she explained. “It's really awesome because they can literally take it anywhere, and it helps them communicate throughout the day, not just in therapy, but also with their parents, friends, and at school.” 

Aguilar has also found faculty mentors who have begun to shape her academic journey. She credits Diane Loeb, PhD, CCC-SLP, Goodpasture Endowed Professor and PhD Program Director, who not only helps her with academics, but also prioritizes students’ mental health, shares Bible verses, and offers snacks to ensure a positive learning environment. 

As a first-generation Mexican-American, Aguilar’s heritage holds deep personal significance. She is proud to be on a path that will continue to break generational cycles, and she hopes to inspire more Latinos to enter healthcare professions, particularly speech-language pathology, where there is a growing demand for bilingual professionals.  

“My advice to other Hispanic students considering healthcare careers is to not be scared. We are meant to be here,” she expressed. “Taking a big risk could potentially change your life—but also the lives of many others.” 

Looking to the future, Aguilar hopes to become a travel SLP, giving her the opportunity to gain broader experience across the country. She is passionate about working with both pediatric and geriatric populations, particularly focusing on AAC and swallowing therapy. Eventually, she wants to open a private practice in Waco to provide families with resources for their children’s speech therapy needs, especially those in bilingual homes.

With her dedication to helping diverse communities and breaking barriers, Aguilar is paving the way for future generations of bilingual speech-language pathologists while making a meaningful impact in the Waco community and beyond.