CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN PHYSICAL THERAPY

ENTRY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS CLASS OF 2018
Advisees Name: Danielle Weaver

Interview Date: 6/23/15

Advisor/Interviewer:
1.

ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?

Im originally from the small town of Hessel, Michigan in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. My family includes my mom,
dad, and my younger brother who is currently attending Michigan Tech. I attended Central Michigan University in the Fall of
2011 and after 4 years I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science- Kinesiology. During my undergraduate
career, I was part of the CMU Honors Program, participated in lots of community service (especially Girls on the Run), and
studied abroad in Belize for one week and Ghana for three weeks. In my spare time, I enjoy running, being outdoors, and
baking!

2.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A PT? WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE PROFESSION?

My first experience with physical therapy occurred after I tore my ACL during the volleyball season of my junior year
of high school. A year later, my brother tore his left ACL during track, and then his right ACL during football. During that
time, I took it upon myself to act as his at-home PT; that is when I began researching what it took to become a PT. Finally,
my dad had a stroke last summer; this was the final push that I needed to confirm that PT was without a doubt what I wanted to
do. Again, I was the at-home PT, but this time I was much more involved in helping my dad get to the point where he is at
today. What attracts me towards the PT profession is that Ill be able to help people on a physical and personal level. I think
that with my past life experiences and past PT experiences, I will be able to understand and help my patients to the best of my
ability.

3.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS/HOPES FOR YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN THE

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM?

I hope to learn everything that I can in order to be the best PT for my patients. By gaining an excellent basement
foundation through core classes, I hope to be able to take what I learn and be able to apply it to real-life situations, including
clinicals. I hope that my clinical experiences will help enhance and incorporate PT concepts that were previously learned, while
helping expand my knowledge and confidence.

4.

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR PT PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION WILL BE THE SAME AS OR

DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCS?

I have come into PT school expecting the coursework to be much more rigorous compared to what I did in my
undergrad. In undergrad, it seemed like most students were competing with each other in order to have the highest grades
and get into PT school. In graduate school, I realize that the competition is gone; both students and professors are here to help
and encourage one another. Finally, I look forward to having the opportunity to get to know my professors on a more personal
level compared to my undergraduate experience.

5.

HOW DO YOU FEEL YOU LEARN BEST? WHAT FACILITATES YOUR LEARNING?

I do enjoy courses that have a lecture component and some sort of lab/activity that accompanies it. It not only helps
me learn the material because I am re-hearing the main components, but it also helps being able to apply what we are
discussing in class. During class, I find that hand-writing notes help me to remember material better. I notice that things I feel
that are more applicable and interesting are more likely to facilitate my learning. That is one reason Im excited for PT school;
compared to my undergrad, all of my courses will somehow be relevant and applicable for my profession!

6.

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND INHIBITS OR CONSTRAINS YOUR LEARNING?

The only thing that inhibits my learning is when the instructor is not clear about directions or expectations for their
course. Ill find myself worrying more about whether or not I am meeting the instructors expectations instead of the courses
material.

7.

WHAT STRENGTHS OR SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS DO YOU THINK YOU BRING TO THE PT

PROGRAM AND PROFESSION?

I know that a lot of PT students have undergone therapy themselves, but I think that experiencing it myself and
helping with my brother and dads therapy helps give me a different insight on how I can help my patients. I also understand
how mentally and emotionally straining going through an injury can be, so I hope that I can act as a source of emotional
support for my patients. I also understand how much variability there can be in the treatment from patient to patient, and Im
willing to try new techniques and approaches in order for my patients to have the most successful experience.

8.

WHAT AREAS WOULD YOU LIKE TO GROW OR IMPROVE IN DURING THE TIME YOU ARE
COMPLETING THE PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM?

Right now, I have a hard time believing that I will learn everything needed to be an entry-level PT in three years. I
know that as the curriculum continues, my confidence in my abilities will grow, and hopefully by the time I complete the
program, I will have total confidence in my abilities.

9.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR SHORT-TERM (1-2 YEARS) PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
GOALS?

I hope to grow both personally and professionally. I hope that by the time I am done with the program, I have more
confidence in myself; this personal growth will help benefit me professionally too. Also, Im an introvert; I dont view this as a
negative aspect of my personality, but I do hope that I can increase my people skills slightly. Finally, I hope that I will be
able to have an idea of what area in PT I would like to focus on.

10.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR LONG-TERM (3-6 YEARS) PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
GOALS?

After graduating from CMUs PT program, I hope to find a position somewhere that is a good fit for me. I would be
happy to live somewhere in Northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula serving rural communities that are in need for PTs. Ive
also considered neurological PT or working for a VA hospital, but again, Im still not sure on what area of focus Id like to
work in. I hope that whatever area I do work in, I can provide the best care and support for my patients; I want to do my best in
order to make my patients enjoy coming to therapy rather than dread it.