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How philosophy helped speech-language pathology students find meaning and purpose in their work
What is it about?
This study examines a 7-week seminar designed to help undergraduate speech-language pathology students reflect on meaning, purpose, and character in their academic and future careers. The seminar introduced practical ideas from ancient Greek and Roman philosophy and applied them to students’ academic work and professional goals. After completing the seminar, students reported greater clarity about why they chose the profession, a stronger sense of purpose, and new strategies for handling challenges in meaningful ways.
Why is it important?
Health professions such as speech-language pathology face growing demands and high rates of stress and burnout. Yet professional training often focuses primarily on technical skills, with less attention to meaning, purpose, and character development. This study offers an example of how structured reflection on these themes can be integrated into undergraduate education. By helping students clarify their values, develop resilience, and connect their daily work to a broader sense of purpose, this approach may support long-term well-being and strengthen preparation for human-centered careers.