I received my undergraduate degree at WVU and also ran track here. I’m from WV (Follansbee a small town in the northern panhandle) and wanted to stay close to home. I was already familiar with the town and facilities, and when the opportunity presented itself I wanted to continue my education here. I felt it was excellent way to give back to the state of West Virginia. Secondly, by furthering my education here I would have the opportunity to stay involved with the track team and still be a part of that “family”.

The atmosphere in the program which includes things like the faculty to student ratio. The professors here are supporting you 100% and want to make you the best therapist that you can be. This program exposes you to all aspects of physical therapy and allows you to keep your options open as to which field you want to pursue a career in. There’s no holding back, Day 1 you are in anatomy lab and to this day was one of the most rewarding experiences in the program.

My favorite part about the program is the rotation sites and how they are placed within the curriculum. In the spring of our first year we get to start one day rotations and it allows us to get a change of scenery. I think it helps with reminding students why they are putting in the long hours of classes. We learn the foundational elements to physical therapy before we step foot in a clinic.

Going in I was really interested orthopedics because of the sports aspect and being an athlete my entire life, but I have recently gained an interest in the neuro population. The nervous system controls your entire body and is the reason movements occur. It is fascinating how one small injury can have a profound effect on everything else. Not every patent can see a major benefit from us, but they are the more severe and more challenging sometimes.

I have learned from my prior experiences that academics are 1st no matter what. This is something my parents instilled in me from an early age. I played three sports and danced up until I went to college and I knew that at any point if my grades dropped I wouldn’t be allowed to participate. Once I got to college I knew in order to be successful I needed to continue to follow these values. I wouldn’t trade any academic or skill I have learned for not working hard.

Just taking on another role has only benefited me by enhancing my college experience and exposing myself to different areas within the program. I believe it was an honor to be chosen to represent my class in such a way.

I would like to work in sports clinics (orthopedics) and neuro because they go hand in hand. I don’t’ want to limit myself to much right now; we have a lot to learn before I need to make that decision. If the opportunity presents itself I would like to give back to the state of West Virginia and more importantly stay close to my family.

When I have time to relax, I enjoy cooking out with friends and family. However, I would love a beach vacation right now!

It is not impossible. At times it will be overwhelming. It is a very rewarding profession, but it is a lifestyle and you need to make sure this is what you really want to do. You are with your classmates and professors for all but maybe 6 weeks out of the entire year. You become a family and it is a great program to be a part of.