My senior year of college was full of independence and self exploration. Between working, classes, and taking care of my new dog, I was still allotted plenty of personal time that I devoted to preparing for physical therapy school and outside work for my classes. Some of the ways I prepared for my future in graduate school and as a physical therapist were through service learning activities and research.
My first semester I visited a nursing home on a weekly basis to become familiar with the geriatric population and their ability to exercise. We played games, did chair yoga and dancing, and also crafting for more fine motor skills. Not only was I able to be a volunteer in assisting with these activities, but I was also a friendly face to share conversation and quality time with. I deepened my interest for working with those who are diseased or disabled and learned a lot of communication and interaction skills. This experience not only helped me participate in service, but also contributed to my professional goals, career, and calling as a future physical therapist.
In my second semester, I spent a weekend at the Center for Courageous Kids for their Autism camp. There, I was able to not only gain experience with the pediatric population, but also a special population within it that has a wide range of communication and cognitive challenges. I was paired with a family and spent the weekend doing activities with them like fishing, horseback riding, and archery, among many others. This was a great opportunity for the kids to be able to safely participate in activities they might not otherwise have a chance to. I learned so much from this experience on how to provide an inclusive environment for those with disabilities. I also learned how to communicate with kids in a way that is fun and not intimidating for them. I know as a physical therapist it might be challenging to keep kids on task or entertained with therapy, but I gained hands on experience working with these kids with different physical activities that will prepare me for my future career.
For my senior capstone, I was able to organize and conduct a research project with a group of my classmates, one a future pt like myself, one a future occupational therapist, and one a future physician assistant. In short, we tested the effects of fasting on light and high intensity exercises, something of interest to all of us in the health field. We each brought our own perspective to the team and it was my first glimpse of what inter-professional communication in the workplace will be like as I transition into my first clinical experience and in my future career. Not only do I now value this type of work environment, I feel more prepared to embrace and take full advantage of it by asking questions and learning about the different pieces of allied health care that compliment each other so well.
My senior year of college was by far my best yet. I had more time to dive into the things that I am passionate about and make the most of my experiences by customizing them to benefit my future. I learned more about myself and also added skills to my tool belt that will help me reach my goals of becoming a great physical therapist starting in May. I had amazing experiences in undergrad and made lifelong friends, but I am so ready to see what my future holds.
My first semester I visited a nursing home on a weekly basis to become familiar with the geriatric population and their ability to exercise. We played games, did chair yoga and dancing, and also crafting for more fine motor skills. Not only was I able to be a volunteer in assisting with these activities, but I was also a friendly face to share conversation and quality time with. I deepened my interest for working with those who are diseased or disabled and learned a lot of communication and interaction skills. This experience not only helped me participate in service, but also contributed to my professional goals, career, and calling as a future physical therapist.
In my second semester, I spent a weekend at the Center for Courageous Kids for their Autism camp. There, I was able to not only gain experience with the pediatric population, but also a special population within it that has a wide range of communication and cognitive challenges. I was paired with a family and spent the weekend doing activities with them like fishing, horseback riding, and archery, among many others. This was a great opportunity for the kids to be able to safely participate in activities they might not otherwise have a chance to. I learned so much from this experience on how to provide an inclusive environment for those with disabilities. I also learned how to communicate with kids in a way that is fun and not intimidating for them. I know as a physical therapist it might be challenging to keep kids on task or entertained with therapy, but I gained hands on experience working with these kids with different physical activities that will prepare me for my future career.
For my senior capstone, I was able to organize and conduct a research project with a group of my classmates, one a future pt like myself, one a future occupational therapist, and one a future physician assistant. In short, we tested the effects of fasting on light and high intensity exercises, something of interest to all of us in the health field. We each brought our own perspective to the team and it was my first glimpse of what inter-professional communication in the workplace will be like as I transition into my first clinical experience and in my future career. Not only do I now value this type of work environment, I feel more prepared to embrace and take full advantage of it by asking questions and learning about the different pieces of allied health care that compliment each other so well.
My senior year of college was by far my best yet. I had more time to dive into the things that I am passionate about and make the most of my experiences by customizing them to benefit my future. I learned more about myself and also added skills to my tool belt that will help me reach my goals of becoming a great physical therapist starting in May. I had amazing experiences in undergrad and made lifelong friends, but I am so ready to see what my future holds.