As a future physical therapist, my undergraduate experiences have enhanced many skills that will be relevant in my education and career. Beginning college, I was very unsure of myself. I knew I wanted to go into physical therapy, but I didn’t know much else or how to set myself up well to do that. My approach starting out was to get as involved as possible and say yes to every opportunity that I could. I intentionally connected with people around me to help each other on our paths, and I still have connections from the very first day of Bridge Week to prove it. I made an effort to connect with my professors, as well. One way through which I was able to do that was through my honors contracts. By having that extra line of communication and showing my academic prowess, my professors got to know me and I, them. I can confidently say that the student that first met one of my four-hundred level professors as a freshman, is very different now both personally and professionally. 

Each and every one of my experiences have helped me achieve this growth. Even the seemingly unrelated volunteering experiences or courses have allowed me to improve my communication and confidence. One example that really demonstrates my growth is my volunteering with the Adapted Movement Programs. I began this in my first semester and am still volunteering currently. When I started out, I was very timid and nervous. I hadn’t actually worked with people in my field before, so it was quite intimidating. Through my time there and my education, I have been able to become much more comfortable with my role in the field of exercise science, and am volunteering as a staff member now because I have gained so much experience and knowledge. This is just one of many examples of experiences through which my growth can be seen. Service of this sort is valuable for those on the receiving end, but also for us who are providing it. I have learned so much from each volunteer experience I have participated in, and will continue to do so in graduate school. My numerous learning experiences in my time here contributed toward achieving the Honors College goal to participate in at least four engaged learning experiences including research, international/cultural experiences, service, and experiential/applied learning.

​

Going from learning the basics of exercise programming in my first year of college to actually programming for patients in my internship is another example of my growth. Programming as a first year was hugely intimidating. I had little idea of where to start for exercise selection, sets, reps, rests, frequency, and so on. I learned little by little how to make these decisions through book learning, but also through a lot of practice and watching it in those around me. For my very first honors contract, I job shadowed at a physical therapy clinic and created a presentation over it for my class. Through this, I was offered a job there, and worked there for three years of my undergraduate degree. I saw clinical exercise prescription for hundreds of patients, and now am working on doing it myself in my capstone internship. While my knowledge has grown substantially with my education, a major part of my growth has been personal as well. 

​

I have always had an aptitude for textbook learning, but have been much less confident in my other skills. Through exposure and practice with a lot of new skills, I have learned to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Not everything is going to come quickly or easily to me, and that is okay. Sometimes I have to fail to figure things out, but as long as I am persistent, ask questions, and always willing to learn, I am capable. This perspective shift has been the biggest factor in my improved confidence. I can make a mistake and still be a good student or intern. Accepting that has been an ongoing challenge for the past three years, but I now able to see challenges and failures as learning opportunities rather than with the negative connotations they had for me before. This aligns with the Honors College goal to reflect on my growth as a learner through classes and engaged experiences inside and outside the classroom.

As I progress in my academic and professional career, I will carry this perspective with me. I know the material I am learning will become much more advanced and detailed, and the stakes higher and higher as I begin to work with patients as a professional. Integrating what I learn in the classroom with what I have learned in my clinical experience will be fundamental to developing as a professional. Rather than being scared of challenges and failures, I will confront them as the learning opportunities that I know they are. My experiences with my education and honors have helped me to be actively engaged in my learning, stay curious, and always ask questions. I know how to combine my knowledge and tangible skills with soft skills to be a well rounded professional. I also know that there is always room for improvement. My growth in this aligns with the Honors College goal to develop strong communication, problem solving, and civic-minded skills. I will continue to learn as much as I am able for as long as I can, and am excited to do so as I continue to my doctorate of physical therapy program.