Alumni Reflections

My home is Malvern PA, some miles west of Philadelphia. It took me many years to find what my professional niche would be in the world, but ultimately my interest in medicine derived from my passion in connecting with people on a deep level and making a difference in their lives. Studying exercise science with a medical science concentration at Ithaca College allowed me to complete my premedical competencies while also taking a deeper dive into the topics that interest me, such as the musculoskeletal system, biomechanics, kinesiology, and neuromuscular control. This has given me a unique perspective that will benefit me in medical school and as a physician. The memories that I will cherish most from Ithaca College are the times I spent as part of the varsity track & field and cross-country teams. I am privileged to have had to the opportunity to compete at prestigious events such as the annual Penn Relays and Boston University Valentine Invitational, fulfilling dreams that I never would have thought possible as a scrawny, amateur runner in high school. Through my time on these teams, I have made lifetime friends and have learned how to be a confident, compassionate, dedicated leader.

As a child, I hopped between hobbies like cheerleading, contortion, and aerial silks, all of which test the bounds of human movement. I loved seeking out new skills and figuring out the best way to improve upon them. When it came time to leave my small hometown in New Jersey, I knew that I wanted to use my passion to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. Ithaca College was presented to me later in my college search, but even huddled under an umbrella on a cool April morning tour, I saw a bright future for myself at IC. Looking back on the past four years, I have created so many memories with the ICPT community. Joining the Ithaca College Physical Therapy Student Association provided me with upperclassmen mentors to guide me through the start of my college career. The supportive environment of this organization drove me to perform highly in the classroom and in the ICPT community. Through 5K races and many volleyball tournaments, I have been able to bring joy and recreational movement to students and faculty across campus. I am excited to take what I have learned thus far into the professional years of the PT program and into my future career.

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.