What are your career goals / academic goals?

As of right now, my goal as a new therapist working in the home health field is providing optimal care to the geriatric population. My goal is to help my patients live a safe, healthy, active, and fun life. As we get older, we use age as a reason to not participate in physical and social activities. My goal is to remind them that life is still beautiful and we should enjoy to its most.

After attending Marist College, I do have a desire to teach in the future but I still have a long way to go. My professors at Marist College were a great inspiration to me and I wish to share my experiences and knowledge with others in the future.

Why did you choose to pursue your graduate degree at Marist? Why did you choose to pursue this degree program?

When I first heard about the doctor of physical therapy program at Marist College, I was a little afraid to pursue a degree since the program was very new. But I looked at all the resources on the Marist College website, I was very impressed with the resources in the Allied Health Building and the outline of the curriculum. When I went in for the interview for the DPT, the faculty and staff acknowledged any concerns/questions I had for the program. At that time, I knew that Marist College would be the perfect choice for me.

Tell us about a project or course that was particularly meaningful to your professional development / academic development.

During my last two years at Marist College, as part of my doctoral project, we conducted a research study with our program director where we assessed the recognition and knowledge of domestic violence among different physical therapy clinical settings. Through this project, I realized the importance of screening patients for signs of domestic violence and figuring out how to provide them with appropriate resources to help them. It made me realize that being healthy means not just physically healthy but also mentally and socially.

Tell us about a meaningful experience you had at Marist as it pertains to your degree (whether that be with a Professor, Marist service, Scholarship opportunity, etc.).

One eye opening experience for me was when I was a volunteer in the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes. This event was to bring awareness to women who experienced a form of sexual violence. As a future clinician, it made me realize that I might meet a patient who may have experienced a form of sexual violence and it would be may duty to help them in any shape or form. As a human and future clinician, it made me realize the importance for recognizing forms of domestic violence.

What advice would you give to a student considering pursuing this degree at Marist?

If you want to be a true clinician, Marist College is your best choice. The staff and faculty at Marist College are amazing and they will bring out the best in you.