Yesterday was a rough day for me. I had to make a decision that was hard to make, but I know doing this was for the best. I had to drop Chemistry. I wasn't doing so well with the tests so I knew there was no way to get my grade back up. It was a hard decision, but I know it's the right one. My GPA can't afford a bad grade right now, and the teacher I have is ridiculous. I feel defeated with having to drop a class. I never in my college career had to do that. But now I will have a chance to get a good grade in it. My plan for it is to still attend class and take notes that way I know what to expect for next semester when I retake it.
On a positive note, there was a lot involving physical therapy yesterday. There was a grad school fair with some PT schools there. I did get some information and am now considering some different schools, such as Georgia State University. GSU also came to Rho Tau last night. I learned a lot about the school, and it seems interesting. It's very close to home, but I'm not sure how I feel about going to school in the middle of Atlanta. Maybe I need to go to an open house to look at things.
Another good part that happened yesterday was that a PT came to talk in my Kinesiology class and I became more passionate about the program. I can't wait to become one.
My favorite part about yesterday was that since I am now a Psych major, the PT schools are interested because I'm not the norm. Schools are looking for diversity, and now I am part of that diversity. So hopefully that will give me an edge over the other people trying to get in. So now I'm excited.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Change of Plans
So I did not get into Exercise and Sport Science. Needless to say, I'm disappointed. I was really hoping to get into it and take those classes that will help me when I get into PT school. And a lot of them sounded interesting too. Also, what worries me is that if my grades aren't good enough to get me into the major, then how are they going to get me into PT school?
But.
It's not the end of the world. I do have backup. I am going into Psychology. It's an easy major that does not require many major-related courses. It also needs a lot of sciences and I already have those taken care of. Also, if I did my calculations correctly, I will be able to graduate a semester early. So the time between graduating and starting PT school, I can work full time to start saving up some money. I can do it at home to save even more money. If I'm able to, I want to work at a PT clinic so I can get the idea of how it goes. And since Psychology is an easy major, it will help boost my GPA up.
So there are perks to not being accepted, and although it hurts right now, I know there is a reason behind it.
But.
It's not the end of the world. I do have backup. I am going into Psychology. It's an easy major that does not require many major-related courses. It also needs a lot of sciences and I already have those taken care of. Also, if I did my calculations correctly, I will be able to graduate a semester early. So the time between graduating and starting PT school, I can work full time to start saving up some money. I can do it at home to save even more money. If I'm able to, I want to work at a PT clinic so I can get the idea of how it goes. And since Psychology is an easy major, it will help boost my GPA up.
So there are perks to not being accepted, and although it hurts right now, I know there is a reason behind it.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Grad School Information
Ok, now onto what is going on right now. I am currently a week away from finding out if I got into Exercise and Sport Science. I'm so anxious to hear from them. If I do not get into the major, I am switching to Psychology. Honestly, it's a very easy major. I pretty much have all of it completed with the exception of the classes directly related to the major, and those will take me only two semesters to complete. So, in theory, I can graduate a semester early (I can handle that). So with that semester between classes, I'll just work full time to start saving up money. Grad school is expensive so every penny counts with this.
Today, the graduate school on campus had a workshop for those interested. Wanting to go into grad school, I was interested in getting some of the basic information of applying and financial aid. Near the end, there was a panel of graduate students. One of the things that they mentioned is to try and contact people in the department that you're planning on applying to and try to establish a relationship with them. That way, when it gets to the point of them looking at my application, they will remember me and hopefully accept me. If I got anything from that workshop, it was that.
Today, the graduate school on campus had a workshop for those interested. Wanting to go into grad school, I was interested in getting some of the basic information of applying and financial aid. Near the end, there was a panel of graduate students. One of the things that they mentioned is to try and contact people in the department that you're planning on applying to and try to establish a relationship with them. That way, when it gets to the point of them looking at my application, they will remember me and hopefully accept me. If I got anything from that workshop, it was that.
MUSC and GHSU
I know, I've been horrible with the blogging lately, but with the craziness of school going on right now, I really haven't had the time to blog.
To start with, I had Rho Tau last week. The school was Georgia Health and Sciences University, or formerly known as the Medical College of Georgia. The school is in Augusta, GA. With the session, I feel like they didn't really have much of a presentation; it was more of a question and answer session. I have no idea what the school looks like or what to expect going there.
Earlier that day, we had a rep from the Medical University of South Carolina come to campus. Since MUSC is a school that I am considering, I went. The rep had a lot of good information and the program seems really interesting. But like GHSU, there is not much about the what exactly goes on the program. After going to both these sessions, I now realized just how important it is to physically go to these schools and get information. Also, it will be nice to visit the campuses and see which ones I can see myself. Besides, I'm going to be living there for three years; it will be helpful if I liked the area.
To start with, I had Rho Tau last week. The school was Georgia Health and Sciences University, or formerly known as the Medical College of Georgia. The school is in Augusta, GA. With the session, I feel like they didn't really have much of a presentation; it was more of a question and answer session. I have no idea what the school looks like or what to expect going there.
Earlier that day, we had a rep from the Medical University of South Carolina come to campus. Since MUSC is a school that I am considering, I went. The rep had a lot of good information and the program seems really interesting. But like GHSU, there is not much about the what exactly goes on the program. After going to both these sessions, I now realized just how important it is to physically go to these schools and get information. Also, it will be nice to visit the campuses and see which ones I can see myself. Besides, I'm going to be living there for three years; it will be helpful if I liked the area.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
North Georgia College and State University
Today was Rho Tau once again. This time, reps from North Georgia College and State University came. The college is in Dahlonega, GA. Listening to them, they do seem to have a state-of-the-art physical therapy program. They have top notch professors who specialize in many different areas of physical therapy. It does seem to be a really good school. However, I do not think that it is for me. I didn't get excited when they talked about it. So, this wasn't a match here.
With other stuff going on, classes are getting a little crazy. It's hard to concentrate in some classes, primarily because of the professors. It's either hard to understand them or they're just boring. So, I'm trying to hang in there, especially since I need these classes. My parents came to visit Saturday and finally was able to catch up with them about things that are going on in our lives. I can't believe it's already September! In about a week and a half is when the application for my major is due, but since I already turned it in, I don't have to worry about it. The first home game of the year is this Saturday and I am so excited for it. I'm upset with how the game went last week, and I hope that it will get better this weekend. I'll post what happens.
With other stuff going on, classes are getting a little crazy. It's hard to concentrate in some classes, primarily because of the professors. It's either hard to understand them or they're just boring. So, I'm trying to hang in there, especially since I need these classes. My parents came to visit Saturday and finally was able to catch up with them about things that are going on in our lives. I can't believe it's already September! In about a week and a half is when the application for my major is due, but since I already turned it in, I don't have to worry about it. The first home game of the year is this Saturday and I am so excited for it. I'm upset with how the game went last week, and I hope that it will get better this weekend. I'll post what happens.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Reconsideration
Tonight I was at the first Rho Tau meeting of the year. Rho Tau is the pre-physical therapy club at school. Today, we had a representative from Armstrong Atlantic State University there. In case you don't remember, I was thinking of AASU as my top choice for PT school, and then I wasn't sure if it was a smart choice for me. Well, after the meeting, I'm thinking of reconsidering going there. What I have learned in that meeting was incredible. They really do have a good program. They way they go about the first year is very different from other PT schools. Instead of doing a complete review of gross anatomy, they take it in chunks, starting from cardiovascular and going to neurological, muscular and skeletal systems, and you learn everything about that part in that time. Then, you get into smaller groups in the first year and do mock clinical sessions. Then, you are put into an actual clinical setting. Apparently, Armstrong is better with application in clinicals compared to other schools. With the clinical settings, you actually get a say in where you want to be, and you don't have to stay in Savannah. If I want to, I could go to a clinic back at home, and stay with my parents (if I really wanted to). For some fun, some of the professors will actually have classes on the beach! And since there are only 20 people in the program, it is like a very tight knit family. You're with them constantly, which can be a good thing. Since the physical therapy program is the only doctorate program on campus, it is a highly respected program in the community. Yes it may be a small school, but it does seem to have a lot to offer. I think I may keep AASU as a possibility of PT school. So you really can't judge a book by its cover. So, once again, I will have to put up the information for the school, as well as some others that I'm thinking about. I am looking at Miami as well, although I have no idea how I am going to be able to pay to live there, but I will figure it out. Hopefully I can get a fellowship and an assistantship. It may take awhile to get a job, especially seeing that the first two semesters are going to the craziest, but I will try to make things work.
As a side note, I have sent in my application for my major. I won't know for sure until early October, but realizing that they take 70% of applicants, I think I may have a good chance. I hope I get in.
As a side note, I have sent in my application for my major. I won't know for sure until early October, but realizing that they take 70% of applicants, I think I may have a good chance. I hope I get in.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Busy Schedule
So far it has been quite the semester, and I've only had three days of classes. I figured 19 hours of work a week is good enough. I have a chance to get three more, but I'm already busy with other things that it wouldn't make sense. Plus, I don't want to wake up early EVERY morning.
I love my classes. Physics and Chem will be difficult, but I know I can make it work. I know my Kinesiology (study of movement) and Food and Nutrition classes will be interesting. I do enjoy my professors. I have the same chem professor from the summer so I know what I'm in for. My physics professor is this old, Asian man, but he is absolutely hysterical. Food and Nutrition seems like she's a good teacher. It's too soon to tell, but it's a perk to have been in class only 20 minutes the first day. Kinesiology is a completely different story. He's very monotone, so I have to make sure not to fall asleep in his class. However, since he is in the Kinesiology Department (where my intended major is), I realized that it's going to be important to be close to the professors in this department. Staying on their good sides will help me be able to get recommendation letters for grad school. I know I'll need them, and many look at letters from professors and actual physical therapists. In the summer I plan on taking practicums (volunteering somewhere for school credit). If I got the information correctly, one credit equals 40 hours of volunteering. That is so easy for me, especially if I don't go anywhere for the summer and I can start in May. With the rehab center, I earned 73 hours, and I was volunteering about 5 hours a day. With it, I want to try different places, so I get a mix of different things. I actually found a pediatric one near my home. I'm excited to try there. I think it will be nice to work with kids, but I know I have to look at different places. I think I'll do one clinic per hour, and do the Fitness and Conditioning one in the spring semester and continue later on.
Back to this semester, I got into the leadership program and I have my first meeting with it soon so I better wrap this up. I am staying with Rho Tau, and I plan on joining something else. Hopefully I'll find something good. Now I must depart and get ready to go.
I love my classes. Physics and Chem will be difficult, but I know I can make it work. I know my Kinesiology (study of movement) and Food and Nutrition classes will be interesting. I do enjoy my professors. I have the same chem professor from the summer so I know what I'm in for. My physics professor is this old, Asian man, but he is absolutely hysterical. Food and Nutrition seems like she's a good teacher. It's too soon to tell, but it's a perk to have been in class only 20 minutes the first day. Kinesiology is a completely different story. He's very monotone, so I have to make sure not to fall asleep in his class. However, since he is in the Kinesiology Department (where my intended major is), I realized that it's going to be important to be close to the professors in this department. Staying on their good sides will help me be able to get recommendation letters for grad school. I know I'll need them, and many look at letters from professors and actual physical therapists. In the summer I plan on taking practicums (volunteering somewhere for school credit). If I got the information correctly, one credit equals 40 hours of volunteering. That is so easy for me, especially if I don't go anywhere for the summer and I can start in May. With the rehab center, I earned 73 hours, and I was volunteering about 5 hours a day. With it, I want to try different places, so I get a mix of different things. I actually found a pediatric one near my home. I'm excited to try there. I think it will be nice to work with kids, but I know I have to look at different places. I think I'll do one clinic per hour, and do the Fitness and Conditioning one in the spring semester and continue later on.
Back to this semester, I got into the leadership program and I have my first meeting with it soon so I better wrap this up. I am staying with Rho Tau, and I plan on joining something else. Hopefully I'll find something good. Now I must depart and get ready to go.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Fall Semester
So I begin classes on Monday. It's going to be quite the semester. As of right now, I am just enjoying my time of just hanging out. I moved into my new dorm at school. It's a traditional dorm with sharing the room with a roommate. Luckily though I have a bathroom in the dorm. I can't stand the thought of having to do the communal bathroom thing ever again. Not happening. Looking into finances, I decided not to buy my parent's car. Even though they were giving me a really good price for it, the payments for the car, insurance, and parking will be about half of my paycheck. That's not even including gas. I can use that money to help save for grad school. More than likely I'll move out of state for it and I want to establish residency. In order to do that, I'll need to live off campus, so I'll need money for an apartment as well and able to pay rent until I can get a job. I can always get one on campus if I need to. The good thing about living near a big city is that there will always be a job opening somewhere. I'm not too worried about not finding one. I know I will figure everything out and I'll make it all work.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Another Semester Completed and UCF
Although I'm not technically completed. I still have to take my finals for it, which will happen Thursday and Friday, but I am done with going to classes. I'm glad to being almost done with this semester. It has been difficult and I'm looking forward to moving on. I can't wait for clubs to start up and begin taking Zumba, kickboxing, and yoga at the gym. I'm ready to start work at the dining hall again and make some money. The upcoming semester I have 4 classes and 2 labs I'm taking. I'm taking Chem II + lab, Physics I + Lab, Food and Nutrition, and Intro to Kinesiology. And if I get into the leadership program, I will be taking a leadership course. It is a lot to take on, but at least I'll be busy. I need to keep myself occupied. And if I do have extra time, perhaps I'll try to find somewhere to do some volunteering. I know I need some more volunteer hours. I'm debating whether to do some this semester or if I should wait until I start taking practicums and then getting course credit for it. Sounds like an easy A if you ask me. I already have enough on my plate for this semester, including applying for my major, so I don't think I need to push myself even more right now.
This week I've been looking at the University of Central Florida more closely. After seeing the AASU campus, I realized that this isn't where I want to go. So looking at UCF, I started to really enjoy it. It's a big campus, just like UGA, and it looks like it's a lot of fun. It has a lot of good food places, and it's north of Orlando, so there's at least somewhere fun to go on the weekends. I began to fall in love with the campus, and I really want to visit the campus. Hopefully I will be able to before I start applying to schools. I want to know for sure that this is the place I want to be and not be deceived again.
This week I've been looking at the University of Central Florida more closely. After seeing the AASU campus, I realized that this isn't where I want to go. So looking at UCF, I started to really enjoy it. It's a big campus, just like UGA, and it looks like it's a lot of fun. It has a lot of good food places, and it's north of Orlando, so there's at least somewhere fun to go on the weekends. I began to fall in love with the campus, and I really want to visit the campus. Hopefully I will be able to before I start applying to schools. I want to know for sure that this is the place I want to be and not be deceived again.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Two Weeks Left
Until I am finally done with the summer semester. It have been a grueling two months, and it have made me realize that I don't want to do summer classes next summer. I want and definitely need a break. Next summer will be spent with my family, doing volunteer work or possibly practicums (pretty much volunteering but I get college credit for it), and studying for the GRE. Pretty much it will be less stressful that this summer is I need less stress in my life. It's gotten bad and if I don't take care of it, then I could do some damage to myself. I don't need that. But for right now, I'm just looking forward to the tiny break I'll have between this semester and the next.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Leadership Opportunity
This morning I checked my email and saw one that caught my eye. I was given a chance to be part of a leadership community at school that is run through the dorm that I will be living in next semester. I will be in leadership and serving courses, partake in service-learning experiences, and plenty more.
It sounds like a good idea to me. It will help me stand out when applying to PT schools. The additional course I have to take in the fall is one credit, which will bring my total to 15 for the fall. Not a bad number, I say. Also, the class is held on a day I don't have that many classes or work, so it fits right in with my schedule. When I first transferred to UGA, I really wanted to be involved. Besides, this was to be my home for 2 1/2 years. I want to make the most of it and make many memories. It'll help keep me busy with the addition of three classes, two labs, 22 hours of work, Rho Tau (pre-physical therapy club), and hopefully being involved in an improv group. Looking at this, I know I will be busy, but it will help relieve some stress that I have with school. And I do want to be involved with more leadership stuff. I used to lead stuff all the time. I'm really considering doing this, and hopefully they'll accept me into it.
It sounds like a good idea to me. It will help me stand out when applying to PT schools. The additional course I have to take in the fall is one credit, which will bring my total to 15 for the fall. Not a bad number, I say. Also, the class is held on a day I don't have that many classes or work, so it fits right in with my schedule. When I first transferred to UGA, I really wanted to be involved. Besides, this was to be my home for 2 1/2 years. I want to make the most of it and make many memories. It'll help keep me busy with the addition of three classes, two labs, 22 hours of work, Rho Tau (pre-physical therapy club), and hopefully being involved in an improv group. Looking at this, I know I will be busy, but it will help relieve some stress that I have with school. And I do want to be involved with more leadership stuff. I used to lead stuff all the time. I'm really considering doing this, and hopefully they'll accept me into it.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Possible Career Change?
I love the idea of becoming a physical therapist. I believe it to be an incredible field and I will enjoy myself very much. However, there are times when I do think of other things that I can do with my life and I wonder if I am going down the right way.
To give a little background on this, I absolutely love cupcakes. I'm practically addicted to them. I would go into Barnes and Noble and just look at the many different kinds in hoping of making them one day. This morning I joked around with Darren that maybe I should start my own cupcake shop. He liked the idea and started coming up with ideas on how to help me make this come true, even suggesting running it together. As much as I like the idea, I still wondered if I would want to do that instead of physical therapy. I know I have quite some time to think about all this before I make a decision, but it is a possibility. I could own it but have someone else be manager while working at a nearby clinic. It's very up in the air right now. Owning a bakery would be so cool and fun, but so would being a PT. They are so different from one another and it's hard to decide. What to choose?
To give a little background on this, I absolutely love cupcakes. I'm practically addicted to them. I would go into Barnes and Noble and just look at the many different kinds in hoping of making them one day. This morning I joked around with Darren that maybe I should start my own cupcake shop. He liked the idea and started coming up with ideas on how to help me make this come true, even suggesting running it together. As much as I like the idea, I still wondered if I would want to do that instead of physical therapy. I know I have quite some time to think about all this before I make a decision, but it is a possibility. I could own it but have someone else be manager while working at a nearby clinic. It's very up in the air right now. Owning a bakery would be so cool and fun, but so would being a PT. They are so different from one another and it's hard to decide. What to choose?
Friday, July 8, 2011
Underwhelmed
I know it's been about a week since I posted, but boy, do summer classes take a lot out of you. I am currently in Anatomy and Physiology II and Chemistry I. I go to class every day for an hour in each class, and I have longer days on Wednesday and Thursday for labs. It really is a lot, but I know it'll be worth it when I'm done with it all. However, it has stressed me out big time. So I really need to figure out something to release this stress because it is not healthy.
Now for the reason for this post. Last weekend, I went home. Saturday we went to Tybee Island, which is right next to Savannah. Armstrong Atlantic State University is in Savannah, so I had the chance to see the campus. I knew not to expect that many people since it was a holiday weekend. However, it wasn't what I expected. First off, it wasn't in historic Savannah. It was more in the actual city about ten minutes away from historic. Once we hit the campus, we drove around it. It was small. Very small. I think it's smaller than the first college I attended for my freshman year. I wouldn't really be surprised since there are only three dorms on campus. Yeah, I'm not kidding. Only three dorms. I'm sure everyone else lives off campus but still, that is not much. I also realized that traffic on a Saturday afternoon in the summer is horrendous. It was very crowded. I know I shouldn't have been so surprised since Savannah is a big tourist city, but I would have figured most of the people would have been in either the historic region or the beach.
I'm not really sure if this is where I want to go. I usually don't do well with small schools. I like big schools with a big sports program (what can I say? I go to a big football school). I know the beach is right there, but I do want to check out the other schools before I make a decision. I know in the planning is a trip to Orlando so I'm hoping to see the University of Central Florida because that is a bigger school.
Now for the reason for this post. Last weekend, I went home. Saturday we went to Tybee Island, which is right next to Savannah. Armstrong Atlantic State University is in Savannah, so I had the chance to see the campus. I knew not to expect that many people since it was a holiday weekend. However, it wasn't what I expected. First off, it wasn't in historic Savannah. It was more in the actual city about ten minutes away from historic. Once we hit the campus, we drove around it. It was small. Very small. I think it's smaller than the first college I attended for my freshman year. I wouldn't really be surprised since there are only three dorms on campus. Yeah, I'm not kidding. Only three dorms. I'm sure everyone else lives off campus but still, that is not much. I also realized that traffic on a Saturday afternoon in the summer is horrendous. It was very crowded. I know I shouldn't have been so surprised since Savannah is a big tourist city, but I would have figured most of the people would have been in either the historic region or the beach.
I'm not really sure if this is where I want to go. I usually don't do well with small schools. I like big schools with a big sports program (what can I say? I go to a big football school). I know the beach is right there, but I do want to check out the other schools before I make a decision. I know in the planning is a trip to Orlando so I'm hoping to see the University of Central Florida because that is a bigger school.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Orlando or Savannah?
I've been thinking about it and my top two choices are University of Central Florida and Armstrong Atlantic State University. Both are in amazing cities that I love visiting, and I can see myself living in both of them. However, they're both completely different.
Savannah is more of a small, quiet seaport town. It still has antebellum homes that survived the Civil War and the Spanish moss coming down from all the trees. Nearby is Tybee Island, which is the closest beach. I have a lot of good memories at that beach. There's this amazing seafood restaurant there that my family and I have eaten at every time we go there. The school is a very small school, possibly smaller than the first university I attended. It was also one of the first schools I considered when looking at different PT schools. I always found it to be a very beautiful place.
On the other hand, Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. There's Disney, Universal Studios, and Sea World. The school I'll be attending is north of the parks, so I won't exactly be in the middle of chaos. Still, it is close to downtown. With it being a larger city, there is a greater chance of getting a job somewhere. I'll live about an hour away from Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach, so there's always something to do on the weekends. Also, if I become a Florida resident, I will get discount tickets for the parks, which is always nice.
So how do I choose? Both are amazing places and offer different things. Of course, it'll have to go by what the school offers me, but it helps to know what my surroundings are. Not only do I have to like the school, but I have to like where I live, seeing as I'll be living there for three years (maybe more if I really like it). I still have some investigating to do.
Savannah is more of a small, quiet seaport town. It still has antebellum homes that survived the Civil War and the Spanish moss coming down from all the trees. Nearby is Tybee Island, which is the closest beach. I have a lot of good memories at that beach. There's this amazing seafood restaurant there that my family and I have eaten at every time we go there. The school is a very small school, possibly smaller than the first university I attended. It was also one of the first schools I considered when looking at different PT schools. I always found it to be a very beautiful place.
On the other hand, Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. There's Disney, Universal Studios, and Sea World. The school I'll be attending is north of the parks, so I won't exactly be in the middle of chaos. Still, it is close to downtown. With it being a larger city, there is a greater chance of getting a job somewhere. I'll live about an hour away from Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach, so there's always something to do on the weekends. Also, if I become a Florida resident, I will get discount tickets for the parks, which is always nice.
So how do I choose? Both are amazing places and offer different things. Of course, it'll have to go by what the school offers me, but it helps to know what my surroundings are. Not only do I have to like the school, but I have to like where I live, seeing as I'll be living there for three years (maybe more if I really like it). I still have some investigating to do.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Considerations
Like I previously said, I just made tabs for each school that I'm looking at. Right now, the list has jumped from six to eight. But looking at what each school wants, they're practically the same. The same classes, the same scores, the same volunteer experiences. But how will I know which one is right for me? I now have to expand what I'm looking at in a school. I have to start taking into consideration what kind of school I want to attend. Do I want amazing clinical experiences, or do I want to stay in the country? Do I want to really stay in Georgia, or will moving to a new state be good for me? Big school or small? I know I want to stay in the southeast but exactly where do I want to be? A beach is a must for me. I really dislike being far away from the ocean. It really is a lot to think about. Even though I just became a junior, before I know it, it'll be time to start applying to places, making sure I have all my volunteering hours in, my GRE (Graduate Recording Exam) scores, my transcripts, and letters of recommendation. It amazes me that in two years I will be in PT school, and I really need to get all this taken care of. I need to make a checklist, and I know just the place to make it ;)
Friday, June 24, 2011
School Tabs
I have now created tabs for each school that I'm looking at for PT school. Each tab has the school's logo, as well as information for admissions and where it is located. I find this an easy way to keep track of which school needs what and I won't lose it. I still plan on making the pro/con lists, which I will start soon enough. Thanks for the support!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Coming Soon
I know it seems like an eternity since I've posted here, but classes have kept me incredibly busy. Since it'll be like this for awhile, I've had an idea.
I have six PT schools that I have an interest in, and for my next six posts, I will make a pro/con list of each school. It will definitely help me keep them in line and I won't have to worry about losing this information. I will start with the first school this weekend and I'll have at least one posted per week depending on my schedule. And the one I choose will have it's own tab at the top where I'll have all the information. Or I may do that now for all schools. It's still debatable. Thanks for the support!
I have six PT schools that I have an interest in, and for my next six posts, I will make a pro/con list of each school. It will definitely help me keep them in line and I won't have to worry about losing this information. I will start with the first school this weekend and I'll have at least one posted per week depending on my schedule. And the one I choose will have it's own tab at the top where I'll have all the information. Or I may do that now for all schools. It's still debatable. Thanks for the support!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Goodbyes and Moving On
I'm back at school now. Honestly, I'm glad. I missed Athens and I can't wait to start up classes again. Of course, this meant that my time at the rehab center had to come to an end. My last day was yesterday. I did my normal routine while trying to hold back tears. I've been having back problems while working there so one of the therapists looked at it while he had time and gave me exercises and tips on how to fix it. At the end, I said my goodbyes and promised them that I would return, and I totally would. It was definitely a great experience to volunteer there. Who knew I would become so close to all of these people? They became a family to me, and I love that type of environment. It was positive, with some antics, but that is expected anywhere when the people are close. I know when I come back, there would be some things that are different. People will come and go into there, there will be new patients and new faces, but there will still be those familiar ones. Someone told me, "We all can be replaced, but it is how much they talk about you once you're no longer working here that shows how much of a difference you made." I know they will miss me, as I will miss them. I've become friends with some of them and go to them for advice. I will take all I have learned from there and use it in my future endeavors.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Post Offers, Golf Clubs, and Sick PTs
Today was a very busy day. One of the therapists called in sick, so all of his patients went to to others. This caused major problems trying to find people places for them to go and trying to figure out which patient was whom in order to check them off as here. The good side is that it made the morning go by very fast though that wasn't the other thing that did.
Observing really makes the time go by. Today I did two. The first one was a woman with hip problems, and I got to work with one my favorite therapists at the clinic. She placed a heating pad over the area first to relax the muscles a bit. Then came the Biofreeze. Biofreeze is a cool gel that helps with massaging an area. The therapist placed it on the patient and started rubbing it with a golf club. Why a golf club you say? It helps smooth out the muscle when it is tense. You just glide it over the area. If there are parts where it acts like a speed bump, that is where the muscle is most tense. You just keep gliding over it for awhile and the muscle will smooth out.
The most fun today was working with the soon-to-be fire fighters. They came to the clinic today for post offers. Pretty much what that is is a person may be hired for a laborious occupation, so they come to the clinic to be examined to see if they are physically fit for the job. Today it happen to be fire fighters. It first started out with them getting a physical examination checking their reflexes, strength, etc. Then came the fun part: the obstacle course. They had to walk up and down the stairs four times stepping on each step with a 50 foot hose. The next part was swinging an axe 20 times. Then they had to pull a ladder up and down and take a ladder off and on a couple of pegs. Next was carrying 60 pounds 60 yards then carrying a dummy that weighed 180 pounds. The last part was carrying a hose as far as it will go and turning it on. The coolest part after that was the chief let me spray the hose! It was definitely a moment I would never forget.
Observing really makes the time go by. Today I did two. The first one was a woman with hip problems, and I got to work with one my favorite therapists at the clinic. She placed a heating pad over the area first to relax the muscles a bit. Then came the Biofreeze. Biofreeze is a cool gel that helps with massaging an area. The therapist placed it on the patient and started rubbing it with a golf club. Why a golf club you say? It helps smooth out the muscle when it is tense. You just glide it over the area. If there are parts where it acts like a speed bump, that is where the muscle is most tense. You just keep gliding over it for awhile and the muscle will smooth out.
The most fun today was working with the soon-to-be fire fighters. They came to the clinic today for post offers. Pretty much what that is is a person may be hired for a laborious occupation, so they come to the clinic to be examined to see if they are physically fit for the job. Today it happen to be fire fighters. It first started out with them getting a physical examination checking their reflexes, strength, etc. Then came the fun part: the obstacle course. They had to walk up and down the stairs four times stepping on each step with a 50 foot hose. The next part was swinging an axe 20 times. Then they had to pull a ladder up and down and take a ladder off and on a couple of pegs. Next was carrying 60 pounds 60 yards then carrying a dummy that weighed 180 pounds. The last part was carrying a hose as far as it will go and turning it on. The coolest part after that was the chief let me spray the hose! It was definitely a moment I would never forget.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Lessons and Rewards
So, it's been a week working at the rehab clinic and I have got to say, it's been an amazing experience so far. Already I'm getting to know a number of the clients by name and to which therapist they belong. I get to hear some very interesting stories from them, including what happen to bring them into the clinic. I have several that I've become close, but many others I am still getting to know and become close to them. Because of confidentiality I will not mention private information.
One of the ladies I have gotten close with is a 95-year-old. She had a hip fracture and is now experiencing knee troubles. She does work with the P.T. Assistant about 2 times a week. She has told me quite a bit about how her family is very helpful with her and how she was the first majorette at the university she attended. From what I've been told, she has progressed a lot. She also tells me to make sure to keep on with schooling and that I'm going into a great field. I have to agree with her on that.
Another lady I have to agree with also works with the P.T. Assistant as well as the head physical therapist. She has had knee problems as well. I watched one time when she was being worked on, and you can see the pain in her face as she was going through the motions. The P.T. Assistant works really hard on his patients, perhaps a little too hard. But anyways, this is what the lady told me about them: "They may put me through hell, but there is a reason why I chose them." Patients know those who will work them above and beyond their limitations, and even though they will experience pain, they know that that pain will get rid of the original symptom.
An interesting time was when I got to observe a P.T. with a new client. She came in with back problems. The P.T. asked her several questions about how she felt during the day and when the pain would hurt etc. I watched as the P.T. looked at her back and made her move her back side to side and front to back. There seemed to be no problems with that, so it wasn't a spinal problem. Then, she would move the patient's knees to see if the problem was actually coming from her knees and causing the back problem. No pain again. Then, the P.T. began to massage different areas in her lower back and found out the problem was actually in her buttock region. She was involved with a lot of sitting for quite some time and it caused less blood flow to those regions. So, the P.T. came up with some exercises for her to do to help out with the problem. Physical therapy is like a solving a puzzle. A person can come in for one symptom, but the cause could be hidden somewhere else.
One of my favorite things I have done so far was help out with the O.T. (occupational therapist) with a client of hers. She has had a broken wrist and had to have surgery for it. My task was to help her with some of her exercises to move her wrist. We had her using a hand grip, picking up small items with her thumb and different fingers, and this one machine where you put a peg with the outside looking like an everyday tool and you would have the person turn it to work the wrist. I must say she did fantastic. I was thinking she didn't even need therapy anymore! It was my first time working hands on with a patient, and I really enjoyed it.
Even though it has been a week, it has been a rewarding experience so far, and I know that this will be a rewarding occupation. I'm so glad to have chosen this path for myself and I can't wait to continue on.
One of the ladies I have gotten close with is a 95-year-old. She had a hip fracture and is now experiencing knee troubles. She does work with the P.T. Assistant about 2 times a week. She has told me quite a bit about how her family is very helpful with her and how she was the first majorette at the university she attended. From what I've been told, she has progressed a lot. She also tells me to make sure to keep on with schooling and that I'm going into a great field. I have to agree with her on that.
Another lady I have to agree with also works with the P.T. Assistant as well as the head physical therapist. She has had knee problems as well. I watched one time when she was being worked on, and you can see the pain in her face as she was going through the motions. The P.T. Assistant works really hard on his patients, perhaps a little too hard. But anyways, this is what the lady told me about them: "They may put me through hell, but there is a reason why I chose them." Patients know those who will work them above and beyond their limitations, and even though they will experience pain, they know that that pain will get rid of the original symptom.
An interesting time was when I got to observe a P.T. with a new client. She came in with back problems. The P.T. asked her several questions about how she felt during the day and when the pain would hurt etc. I watched as the P.T. looked at her back and made her move her back side to side and front to back. There seemed to be no problems with that, so it wasn't a spinal problem. Then, she would move the patient's knees to see if the problem was actually coming from her knees and causing the back problem. No pain again. Then, the P.T. began to massage different areas in her lower back and found out the problem was actually in her buttock region. She was involved with a lot of sitting for quite some time and it caused less blood flow to those regions. So, the P.T. came up with some exercises for her to do to help out with the problem. Physical therapy is like a solving a puzzle. A person can come in for one symptom, but the cause could be hidden somewhere else.
One of my favorite things I have done so far was help out with the O.T. (occupational therapist) with a client of hers. She has had a broken wrist and had to have surgery for it. My task was to help her with some of her exercises to move her wrist. We had her using a hand grip, picking up small items with her thumb and different fingers, and this one machine where you put a peg with the outside looking like an everyday tool and you would have the person turn it to work the wrist. I must say she did fantastic. I was thinking she didn't even need therapy anymore! It was my first time working hands on with a patient, and I really enjoyed it.
Even though it has been a week, it has been a rewarding experience so far, and I know that this will be a rewarding occupation. I'm so glad to have chosen this path for myself and I can't wait to continue on.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Choosing This Field
I have figured out what I want to be, and that is a physical therapist. How did I come to this conclusion? Well, my parents come to me whenever they need a massage or whatever. They do so because I'm not afraid to hurt them while doing it. My mom and I were talking about it back in August and it just made sense for me to go into this field. So, from then on out, I have been working hard to get there. I transferred to a different school that has a major that goes perfectly with what physical therapy schools want. I’m starting to take the classes that I really need and have finished up all my core classes. I even joined a Pre-PT club at school. So, with academics, I have been on track.
There is another thing that PT schools take into consideration, and that is volunteering. They want students to start getting a feel of how it’s going to be. I started volunteering at a rehab center near my home and it has been an amazing experience so far. I know I’ll be able to get a lot of hours during May before I have to go back to school for the summer. Also, I have to prepare for the GRE (Graduate Recording Exam) in order to even apply for grad school. And on top of that, I also have to figure out which PT school I want to attend once I finish up my undergrad work. I’m in for a long, stressful time, but if something is easy, it’s not worth it.
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