国产主播鈥檚 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is all about empowering students to make a real impact on people鈥檚 lives. For Lilia F., that meant relocating from Northern California to Southern California to join WCU鈥檚 Center for Graduate Studies. Drawn by the supportive faculty and welcoming community, she鈥檚 found her place here, sharing how WCU has fueled her passion for physical therapy and helped her grow in ways she hadn鈥檛 expected.聽

Personal Inspiration 

Lilia鈥檚 passion for physical therapy began with a deeply personal experience. Her love for sports and activities made physical therapy an ideal career path. 

鈥淲hat got me into PT was actually seeing my brother go through it when I was younger, and he wasn鈥檛 fully able-bodied,鈥� she explained, reflecting on her younger years. 鈥淪eeing how the physical therapist kind of engaged him into getting back into activity and helping him get his motivation back… really brought to light at a young age that helping people is what I wanted to do.鈥� 

Choosing 国产主播 

Lilia鈥檚 search for the right DPT program led her to WCU, where she felt a unique connection with the faculty and the student community. 

鈥淚 knew I wanted to stay in California,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen I met the professors and interacted with them鈥� they were the ones that really showed the most care to their students.鈥� The compassion and dedication of the faculty have proven invaluable. 鈥淚 can say most of those professors were the reasons why we continued and didn鈥檛 give up.鈥� 

Support from Faculty 

Throughout her journey, Lilia has felt deeply supported by her professors, who have cultivated an encouraging and understanding environment. She noted one professor’s approach, saying, 鈥淗e felt the energy that we were feeling in the room. He felt the nerves; he felt the anxiety. And he took the time to speak with us and tell us, you know, 鈥楧o your best, and that鈥檚 all that should matter.鈥欌�� These reassurances have helped her, and her cohort gain the confidence to succeed. 

A Cohort That Feels Like Family 

The support within Lilia鈥檚 cohort has been just as meaningful. “No matter what, whenever something happened to a student, we backed each other up鈥� we wanted to make sure our class was a family, and we had each other鈥檚 backs.鈥� Lilia appreciates her bond with her classmates, who offer support through challenges and share in each other鈥檚 triumphs. 

White Coat Ceremony: A Symbol of Transition 

Recently, Lilia celebrated the White Coat Ceremony, a symbolic milestone for DPT students. 鈥淭oday we鈥檙e doing our white coat ceremony, which signifies the end of our didactics… and now starting in September, we鈥檙e out in clinics treating patients.鈥� This transition marks a significant shift from classroom learning to real-world clinical practice.  

Preparing for Clinical Rotations 

Lilia and her cohort are about to begin their full clinical rotations, where they will apply the skills, they鈥檝e learned. Many will stay in California. However, some will choose to travel out of state. 鈥淚鈥檓 very excited for the hands-on鈥� I鈥檓 ready to work with the patients, building that connection, seeing the results.鈥� 

Resources and Lasting Faculty Connections 

WCU鈥檚 DPT program has equipped students with extensive resources, from faculty guidance to administrative support. Lilia emphasized the faculty鈥檚 enduring commitment: 鈥淥ur professors have been there for us no matter what, and they even state to this day that they鈥檙e going to be with us even after. We can call them at any time.鈥� 

Advice for Future DPT Students 

Lilia鈥檚 advice to prospective students is simple: 鈥淒o it. It definitely challenges you, but the most important thing that helps me, especially being far away from my family and friends, is to take time for yourself鈥� because without yourself, you鈥檙e not going to get through the program. Without a mindset that is positive, you can get lost. Doing stuff that reminded me of who I am and what I love aside from studying鈥� that鈥檚 really what helped me.鈥� She believes in prioritizing personal well-being as the foundation for academic success. 

Be a Part of the WCU Physical Therapy Community 

国产主播鈥檚 Doctor of Physical Therapy program is more than an academic path; it鈥檚 a supportive, inspiring community that fosters the next generation of physical therapists. With dedicated professors, close-knit cohorts, and hands-on clinical experience, WCU鈥檚 DPT program prepares students like Lilia to thrive in a meaningful, patient-focused career.聽

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.