Exercise Science Grad Finds The Track to Success
By Alyese Bolton, Political Communication Major
Morgan Petro was one of the first students to enter the Exercise Science Program at 抖阴短视频. While earning her bachelor鈥檚 degree, she was also a member of 抖阴短视频鈥檚 track and cross-country teams. After graduating from 抖阴短视频 in 2016, she went on to earn her doctorate degree in physical therapy at Slippery Rock. She鈥檚 just started her career, and is already working toward a sports specialty certification. Below, she provides information about her experience at 抖阴短视频 and in the field.
What made you decide to enroll in 抖阴短视频鈥檚 Exercise Science Program?
When I decided to study at 抖阴短视频, the Exercise Science Program did not exist yet. It wasn't until the end of my sophomore year that I took my first class in the program, Intro to Exercise Science. I signed up as a biology major prior to that, and I remember a professor asking me if I would be interested in the exercise science field. I wasn't 100% sure about it then, but, after my first course, I was really happy I made the switch.
More specifically, why did you choose 抖阴短视频 over other prospective colleges?
I chose 抖阴短视频 over other colleges because I loved the atmosphere. The staff and students are all very welcoming and the smaller class sizes allowed me to get the most out of my education. 抖阴短视频 quickly became home to me.
Did you find that 抖阴短视频鈥檚 program prepared you for graduate school?聽
Yes, 抖阴短视频's program definitely prepared me for physical therapy school. I had a greater understanding of exercise prescription, fitness testing, and learned how to work with many patient populations. I gained critical thinking skills and hands-on experience while at 抖阴短视频, which helped me as I adjusted to grad school.
What do you love most about track and cross-country?
I loved competing in track and cross-country because each and every race was a chance for me to push myself to the limits. I always tried to leave everything on the track and to get better each time.
Why did you want to go into exercise science?
I wanted to get into exercise science because I have a passion for fitness, love learning about anatomy and physiology, and enjoy working closely with others to help them achieve their goals.
Which area of concentration did you go into?
I went through the clinical track.
Can you tell me about your current job?
Currently, I work as a physical therapist at Resurgent Sports Rehab in Fairfax, VA. I am studying to obtain my sports specialty certification. I work in a cash-based clinic, where I typically see high-level athletes looking to return to many different sports (running, triathlons, ice hockey, rock climbing, competitive cheerleading and more).
Is there anything else you鈥檇 like to share about SHU?
抖阴短视频 will always have a special place in my heart. It was at SHU where I gained confidence in myself and really found the field that I am so passionate about today. I still stay in touch with Dr. Larouere, the program coordinator, to this day and enjoy visiting the campus whenever I am in town.
