By the Saint Louis University Physical Therapy Student Association
Erin Hmiel
Lizzie Liese
Natalia Samborska
Alex Suellentrop
Kristi Orthober
Abby Hanselman
Divya Gandhi
Paulina Milanowski
Radhika Patel
Selena Mueller
Andrea Buschkoetter
Delaney Walker
Kathleen Sullivan
Kalynn Clearwater
Year in School: Junior
Position: Secretary
Why did you want to become a PT?: Having been in sports my whole life I had experienced many injuries and when I went to the physical therapist I fell in love with the job. I loved the idea of helping people be able to get back to what they love and get back to being able to function properly.
Bucket list item: Travel to all 50 states!
Fun fact: I have an unhealthy obsession/love for Abraham Lincoln
Year in School: Sophomore
Position: Treasurer
Why did you want to become a PT?: After experiencing injuries and observing many PTs I was drawn to the selfless devotion involved in PT. In this field I can not only form connections with the people in the world around me but also help make a difference in their lives
Bucket list item: Go bungee jumping off of a cliff
Fun fact: I have two kneecaps in my right knee
Jemma Kim
Year in School: Senior/PY1
Position: President
Why did you want to become a PT?: I chose to pursue physical therapy because I love the encouraging yet challenging role that PT's play in their patient's recovery process. I personally went to physical therapy multiple times throughout high school, being a varsity cross country and track runner for all 4 years. My physical therapist and the clinic that she worked at created such a welcoming and supportive environment and wanted to be that person for somebody else!
Bucket list item: To visit at least 50 national parks! (I've been to 22)
Fun fact: I was born in Seoul, South Korea.
Year in School: PY2
Position: VP of Programming
Why did you want to become a PT?: I was always very interested in science and "fixing" things growing up. In high school, I sustained a severe knee injury that required PT and quickly realized how interested I was in learning about all of the joint kinematics, muscle interactions, and strengthening exercises. I was constantly asking questions during my sessions. My physical therapist played a large role in not only my physical recovery, but also the mental aspect. She constantly challenged my mentality and coached me to overcome mental barriers that I faced during my recovery which ultimately increased my level of performance both as an athlete on the softball field and as a student in the classroom. I had also observed how physical therapists interacted with my grandparents on various occasions and helped them maintain their independence and mobility; I decided that I wanted to be that person for somebody. I ended up working a couple summers at the same PT clinic that facilitated my rehab and applied to SLU's PT Program after realizing that physical therapy was not only an interest but also my passion. Nothing makes me happier than helping someone increase their quality of life and giving them more control over their independence. Applying to this program has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I have not once looked back.
Bucket list item: Climb all 58 14ers in Colorado
Fun fact: I have taken 4 levels of Arabic
Year in School: Senior/PY1
Position: VP of Alumni Relations
Why did you want to become a PT?: The human body and its functions are fascinating to me and when I was receiving PT myself in high school I fell in love with the environment in the clinic, the knowledge that the PTs had, and how they were able to help the patients to their functional goals.
Bucket list item: Go backpacking through Europe after I finish college (and visit all the countries on my list that I didn't get to visit when I was abroad)
Fun fact: I have the most loving Golden Retriever named Nala
Year in School: Senior/PY1
Position: VP of Fundraising
Why did you want to become a PT?: I wanted to become a PT because I volunteered at a preschool with kids that needed PT and it really spiked my interest. I was excited to learn more and be able to make connections with future patients. I loved seeing the connection that the PT had with the kids in the preschool. That passion and care for others is what initially drew me to want to become a PT.
Bucket list item: Go to all 50 states!
Fun fact: My great grandma went to school with Freddy who the burger chain "Freddy's" is based around.
Year in School: Senior/PY1
Position: VP of Programming
Why did you want to become a PT?: I want to become a PT because it is my goal to help others achieve their optimal physical health and encourage my patients to work hard so they can live their lives to the fullest.
Bucket list item: A Rainforest exploration trip
Fun fact: I am a big foodie :)
Year in School: Junior
Position: VP of Philanthropy
Why did you want to become a PT?: I've always loved outdoor activities, and I'm grateful for my body's capabilities that allow me to hike, rock climb, and kayak. I want to help others attain physical autonomy so that they can partake in the activities that they love, too.
Bucket list item: Road trip along Big Sur
Fun fact: I like ice cubes in my cereal milk to make it extra cold.
Year in School: Junior
Position: VP of Fundraising
Why did you want to become a PT?: I wanted to become a PT because I want to see my patients progress on their road to recovery and for me to continue staying active in the workforce. Every patient and day are going to be different; therefore, I am excited to interact personally with patients and figure out a plan of care specified for each individual!
Bucket list item: To go skydiving!
Fun fact: I am left-handed.
Year in School: Senior/PY1
Position: VP of Alumni Relations
Why did you want to become a PT?: I find it very rewarding to help patients increase their quality of life and return to activities that are important to them.
Bucket list item: See the Northern Lights
Fun fact: I am 100% Polish and first-generation in America
Year in School: Senior/PY1
Position: Treasurer
Why did you want to become a PT?: I wanted to become a PT because I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and was always fascinated by the human body and the way it moved.
Bucket list item: Go skydiving
Fun fact: I have traveled to 19 countries!
Year in School: Sophomore
Position: Secretary
Why did you want to become a PT?: I love helping people through their healing journey, both mentally and physically. I have always been interested in the human body and how it recovers from trauma.
Bucket list item: Adopt a fish named Alfonso
Fun fact: I've never cried during a movie!
Year in School: Senior/PY1
Position: VP of Service
Why did you want to become a PT?: I wanted to become a PT, because I knew that I wanted to work in the medical field and physical therapy offers a lot of patient interaction. I had a close relationship with my physical therapist as a kid, as I was in and out of the clinic with multiple different sports injuries. I shadowed him in high school, loved being in the clinic, and decided that I was going to apply to PT schools.
Bucket list item: Visit as many national parks as possible.
Fun fact: My go to food when I'm sleepy is frozen mango.
Year in School: Sophomore
Position: VP of Philanthropy
Why did you want to become a PT?: I wanted to become a PT after having experienced physical therapy twice after I broke both my ankles (not at the same time) playing soccer. It was really interesting to see my progress in little things like being able to jump on one foot again or see those around me learn how to walk again.
Bucket list item: Travel to Rome
Fun fact: I am a BIG Taylor Swift fan.
Year in School: Senior/PY1
Position: VP of Service
Why did you want to become a PT?: I loved learning about the human body and always had a fascination with the musculoskeletal system, so I thought this was a great way to integrate my passion for anatomy with a job where you are working actively and hands on!
Bucket list item: Go to a Chipotle festival
Fun fact: I am a second-degree black belt in taekwondo
Follow PTSA on Social Media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slu.ptsa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PtsaSlu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slu.ptsa/
