Describe some of the steps you took to obtain your current position.

In order to get into this graduate program, my goal was to make sure that I was a well-rounded student. Along with keeping my GPA up, I worked as a University Greeter and Garnet and Gold Guide. I also held various positions within student organizations on campus. The most important decision I made was deciding to volunteer in both clinics and hospitals dedicated to physical therapy to gain experience.

How far in advance did you prepare?

I started making efforts towards applying to graduate school just before my junior year of undergrad when I started shadowing. I started my application, the PTCAS, the day it was made available, just before my senior year, and I began studying for the GRE around the same time.

If you used any Career Center services or events to obtain enrollment in your graduate program, what were they? How did these help advance your career?

First of all, thank you so much to Mr. Victor Martinez (Career Liaison for the College of Human Sciences)! He was my savior throughout this entire process. I met him in one of his personal statement writing seminars. Just after that, he met with me four times in one week to ensure that my personal statement was perfect and submitted on time. When I was offered a spontaneous early interview, he offered to help me by conducting a mock interview. He told me exactly how to dress, what I did well, and what I needed to work on. I definitely wouldn’t have gotten through the application and interview process without Mr. Martinez.

What is a typical day like?

On a weekday, I wake up at 6:30 a.m., regardless of whether I have class or not. If I do have class, I aim to be on campus by 7:45 a.m. If I don’t have class, I’ll either stay home and study or go to the FIU campus that’s near my house to get some work done. I usually finish my school responsibilities around 5 or 6 p.m. Then I go home to spend an hour or two with my family. Then I get back into my books until around midnight.

I have to constantly dedicate myself to keeping up with my readings and studying for six classes in a very fast-paced program.

What are some things you’ve taken away so far? How will these help prepare you for the next step in your career?

Working hard to get into a graduate school program and actually getting in boosted my confidence in ways that I could never explain. Out of thousands of amazing students, I was chosen as one of fifty-two students. The admissions officers and professors think that I will become a successful doctor. They have instilled in me the belief that I can and will do this. Through every single long night and weak moment, I know that I have a responsibility to prove them right.

Did you have experiences that helped clarify your career path?

When I started at FSU, I had no idea what type of doctor I wanted to be. After volunteering/shadowing at a few clinics in Tallahassee, I knew that I definitely wanted to be a physical therapist. Working in other fields just didn’t appeal to me anymore.

Do you have anything further to share with other students?

YOU CAN DO IT! Every tear will be worth it in the end. I know how much you probably hate Strozier and Dirac and everything in between, but remember that there is a reason you're torturing yourself.