Willa June Wamsley
Showcase 1 Artifacts
Now and Then
As I look at my "I Am" and "I Want to Become" statements, I think about the student I was back then. At that time, I was a freshman getting used to the college environment. I was still learning about the world of physical therapy and adjusting to the college level of academics. I was very nervous about how to balance my school life, including Honors College, and doing things that I enjoy in this new place. As a person, I was also very reserved and nervous about getting out of my comfort zone. I struggled with confidence when volunteering and working as a rehab tech. Today, I feel so much more confident, open, and lively in these settings. Working with people every day excites me, whether it's at my internship with NeuroHope Wellness, or as a host at the restaurant I work at!
My Freshman Year Intention Statements
I am a student passionate about my future career in physical therapy. I am still adjusting and learning how to do it all, but I know I am capable of getting comfortable and adjusted to my life now and what it will be in the future. I am determined to succeed at what I do in life, right now I am determined to have a successful second semester with good grades and better experience with school and my future career. I am excited and enthusiastic about my college career, knowing that after all the hard work I have done and will do, I will have met my goals and have a career and life that I love.
I want to become a college graduate in the major I am in currently. I am passionate and determined to be successful in the classes I will be taking, as well as the classes I am taking now. During this time, I want to have the experience and knowledge that I will need going into Physical therapy school, as well as a good general knowledge to have in life and for my future. Following undergraduate school, I want to continue my academic career in Doctor Physical Therapy school to get my doctorate to become a physical therapist.
My Senior Year Intention Statements
Who I want to become now is an educated student of physical therapy. As I complete my internship and go into physical therapy school, I want to devote my time to the education I am receiving in order to be the best physical therapist I can be. I am working to grow as a professional while studying along the way to understand why the Guided Exercise Specialists, Physical Therapists, etc are doing what they do.
During these past few years at IUI, I have experienced a lot of personal growth through volunteering with the Motor Activity Clinic, Ability Fitness Clinic, and Live Laugh Dance. These are programs that give opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in exercise led by students on the exercise science path. It was such an amazing experience, and I especially loved getting to know my client and working with them.
My experiences with individuals with disabilities has shaped me into the person I am now. I feel I have developed so much understanding and empathy for this population, and I believe it has helped me with my professionalism. I want to grow even more in these qualities as I begin physical therapy school to be able to help patients and give them the best care that they need.
Reflection
Throughout the past four years, I have strengthened my skills in the professional setting as well as the academic setting through many different experiences. If I were able to go tell Freshman year me about how much I have accomplished, including getting into physical therapy school, I would probably be in disbelief and very emotional. It has been my dream to get into physical therapy school and to pursue my goals into becoming a physical therapist one day, and I can't believe that that is happening so soon! If I could just tell myself back then to have confidence and to believe in myself, I may have had some weight taken off of my shoulders and much less stress.
However, I am very grateful for being dedicated and focused on my studies, even if it meant the stress. It has helped me to become a better person today, and if I hadn't been devoted to my future career like this, I don't know where I would be today. As I complete my internship with NeuroHope Wellness, I will get to experience so much more, including opportunities for hands on work. My past experiences in volunteering have helped me to gain confidence in leading others, and I believe that as I work with patients with neurological injuries and diseases, I will carry that confidence with me. As a guided exercise intern and with the knowledge I have gained in my coursework through kinesiology, I know that I will be able to safely and effectively work with them to help improve strength, gait, and balance.
My experiences in the Honors College have shaped me into the person I am today through volunteering, projects, and other experiences. As I finish my last semester, I hope to continue to grow through these experiences and be able to reflect with this class in H496 and carry my strengths over into physical therapy school.
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