 1. What are you doing now?
At the present time, I am a graduate student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. It is there that I am enrolled in the Department of Physical Therapy, where I am in my first of three years, working to obtain my Doctorate (Doctor of Science) in Physical Therapy. I hope to specialize in Neurological Pediatric Physical Therapy upon completion of my doctorate in May of 2013.
2. How did UTM’s Psy Prog help achieve what you have become?
UTM’s Psychology program is outstanding! The dedication and diligence of the faculty, staff, and classes work synonymously to provide a program that stands above others in student preparation for a graduate level institution and a competitive workforce. I owe a great deal of my success to the ambition that the Psychology program embedded in me.
As a Psychology student, I was presented with numerous opportunities to seek involvement, further my knowledge, and make lasting memories. Whether it be through PSI CHI, Psychology Club, Brain Awareness, or volunteer opportunities, I was provided with endless ways to compliment my academic learning. I was a member of Dr. Susan Buckelew’s research team as a part of my undergraduate coursework. Along with that experience and the intense preparation provided by Dr. Angie Mackewn and Mr. Brian Johnson through Experimental Psychology, I am able to conduct statistical research easily and efficiently in my graduate coursework. Since health care is largely facilitated by research, I will be responsible for conducting it throughout my career; it is because of my training at UTM that I can accomplish this to the best of my ability. I am also able to daily apply the knowledge I have gained from Social, Abnormal, Child Abnormal, and Physiological Psychology.
Mr. Brian Johnson, Dr. Susan Buckelew, and Ms. Sherry Jones have given me the ability to successfully interact with mentally disabled, afflicted, and perfectly normal patients on a level far beyond just the surface. As a clinician, I will be responsible for mentally assessing patient attitudes and barriers and inadvertently working to correct them through means of physical rehabilitation. Once again, it is because of UTM’s Psychology program that I am prepared for this. And, of course, I have Dr. Michelle Merwin to thank for teaching me not to limit myself and my ability, and preparing me to push myself, both in the classroom and clinic. I am professionally and personally accelerated because of the Psychology program at UTM. I loved every minute of my time as a part of it!
3. What advice would you give students who are interested in becoming UTM psychology majors?
I would advise any student who has a love for Psychology to become a part of this amazing program! I would encourage them to work hard, enjoy their time, and partake in every possible opportunity to expand their knowledge. There were so many things that I never expected to put to use that I am using daily now. What’s even more important is that, no matter what your interests, Psychology can be applied to every aspect of life. You can major in Psychology and not have to limit yourself to a certain career upon graduation. It can be used as a basis for just about any and all future endeavors, whatever they may be. The versatility is endless!! |
