Whether it was working with the Cornell Women’s Ice Hockey team and having a record-breaking season, the passing of a dear friend and fellow athletic training classmate, or the numerous hours put into my clinical education, they all have the same common theme of relationships. I was looking for a team atmosphere coming to college, and I found something greater, family. I will be forever grateful for Ithaca College’s athletic training program, the staff, and the unforgettable experiences for challenging me to strive for greatness and reminding me to not take anything for granted.
Emily Condello—Athletic Training
Olutayo Akinboboye—Clinical Health Studies
Having two older siblings who were interested in the medical field gave me an early exposure to what I could potentially study in college. After I shadowed at Peak Physical Therapy in Newburgh, NY, I knew that I wanted to become a physical therapist in the future. Physical therapy is a profession that provides a great opportunity to make a difference in many lives. Ithaca College gave me the option to complete the doctor of physical therapy degree, as well as continue to play football, a sport that I love. Ultimately, it was an easy decision to commit to the next six years of my life in Ithaca, NY.
Elizabeth Jesch—Public and Community Health
The opportunities I’ve had at Ithaca College have formed me as a person and shaped my commitment to public health nutrition. I’ve had the privilege to be a teaching assistant for multiple nutrition courses, which enabled me to develop a passion for nutrition promotion and teaching. I also helped conduct research regarding the prevalence of food insecurity within the Ithaca College student population. This experience allowed me to kindle an interest in research and advocacy. Ithaca College has given me the experiences and skills to positively impact the health of my community after graduation.
Matthew Darby—Occupational Science
When I was in preschool I received occupational therapy services. Going to occupational therapy was my favorite part of the day because I got to do a lot of fun activities with my therapist. However, it was not until I started elementary school in my hometown of Guilderland, NY, when I realized how much occupational therapy helped me. The impact occupational therapy had on me inspired me to pursue it as a career. When I was looking at schools, I was drawn to Ithaca College’s program and the size of the campus.
Lucy Hemingway—Speech-Language Pathology
I value the many opportunities I’ve had at Ithaca College to get involved in the campus community and within my major and minor studies. The emphasis my professors placed on working interprofessionally led to my participation in the Penn State MHA Case Competition. Working with two other Ithaca College health professional students, our team presented a clear and innovative solution and won 1st place. I was happy to then be a member of the planning committee for Ithaca College’s successful inaugural HSHP Interprofessional Case Competition. Ithaca College has enabled me to grow as a student and an individual and I will forever be grateful for this start to my career in speech-language pathology.