Growing up with two parents who are teachers, I always felt a desire to spend my life and helping others live the best version of theirs. When I found physical therapy, I felt it combined my passion for helping others with my interest in physical health and holistic wellness. Although Ithaca is not far from my hometown of Port Byron, NY, it is vastly different in culture. I appreciated Ithaca College’s promotion of diversity, and minored in honors and women’s & gender studies.
In addition to a well-rounded undergraduate experience, Ithaca College offered plenty of hands-on learning experiences specific to my major. Starting in my junior year, I was able to work as a physical therapy aide in the on-campus neurologic clinic, which inspired me to work in that same clinic a year later as a student physical therapist. Additionally, my experience as a research assistant with Parkinson’s disease-focused research also sparked my interest in the neurologic population. I am grateful for the opportunities to work with such amazing faculty even before graduate school, and feel ready to take on the next step towards my dream of helping others live their best lives.