I’m from Westerly, RI, and I transferred to URI as a Public Health major with a specialization in health services two years ago. I missed being close to home with the ocean and support of my family, and returning to the beautiful state that I grew up in was one of the best decisions I made. Starting over at a new university, especially while switching my major, was intimidating, but I was surprised by how quickly I was able to build connections with students, professors, and faculty.

The most rewarding part of my time at URI was completing an internship at South County Hospital during my final semester. I worked alongside physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses on the Orthopedics Floor, applying what I had learned in anatomy and public health to real-life patient care. Assisting patients after difficult procedures aided in my understanding of rehabilitation and the healthcare policies that shape patient outcomes. That experience helped solidify my plan to become a Physical Therapist.

My advice to other Public Health majors is to explore everything – shadow, intern, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try new paths. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away. Career services, especially Ashley Foley, was an incredible resource for me during this time.

One of the biggest strengths of the Public Health major is its diversity; the field opens doors to a wide range of careers. Although I’m pursuing a clinical path, I know that my public health foundation will help me see the bigger picture, understanding not just the patient in front of me, but also the larger factors that affect health and recovery.

Since finishing up my time at URI, I am returning to my Physical Therapy Aide position for a year before attending a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I still plan to shadow other PT specialties and learn as much as possible before I’m back in the classroom. I am so excited for my future, and I can’t thank URI enough for playing a major role in my journey!