Choosing Physical Therapy
When I was in high school, I tore my ACL and MCL while playing basketball, which marked the beginning of a long journey through recovery and rehabilitation. Since then, I’ve undergone four additional surgeries due to other sports-related injuries, each one deepening my understanding of the physical and emotional challenges that come with healing. These experiences sparked a strong interest in sports medicine and rehabilitation, and over time, that interest grew into a deep passion. Going through the recovery process firsthand gave me a genuine appreciation for the role physical therapists play in helping people regain strength, mobility, and confidence—ultimately inspiring me to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Staying at Alma Mater
During my undergraduate studies, I was a dual-sport athlete on campus (lacrosse and basketball). Due to COVID, I was granted a 5th year of eligibility for lacrosse during my 1st year of DPT school. The director of physical therapy was extremely supportive of me as well as my professors and classmates. At every home game I would see a few of my peers in the stands and even a professor. This is a true testament to the strength of the community within the program and the genuine investment my professors and peers put in my success both in and out of the classroom. In addition to my academic and research involvement, I’m also actively engaged in several extracurricular opportunities at Mount Union. One of these is serving on the Media Board, a group composed of first- and second-year DPT students who help promote the program and foster a community. As members, we coordinate open houses, orientation events for prospective and incoming PT students, manage the program’s social media presence, and assist with outreach efforts to highlight student achievements and program updates. This role allows me to contribute to the program’s visibility while supporting those just beginning their journey into physical therapy. I’m also involved in community service through various volunteer initiatives. Most recently, my cohort is volunteering at a local 5K event that benefits individuals with disabilities. Some of us are racing, while others are passing out medals or giving water to the runners, reinforcing our commitment to inclusion and accessibility in the community. These experiences have helped me stay connected to the broader mission of physical therapy—empowering others and promoting health and well-being beyond the clinic.