Leah Mengis in Australia

Leah Mengis (PT student in the Class of 2016) is currently studying abroad in Australia! She shared a little bit of her experience below (including some great pictures!). If you are interested in the finer details of studying abroad as a SLU student, see the link at the end of the article for the Saint Louis University Study Abroad Blog.  

Why did you choose your site?

I chose to come to Australia because I have loved beaches all of my life and Australia is the home of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Also, I figured this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit a place for 3.5 months, and since Australia is so far away, I chose to come here.

What did you anticipate? Were you nervous? Excited?

I was very nervous before coming here because I have never done anything like this before, especially by myself. I knew a few other PTs coming here, but I was still very nervous and did not know what to expect. However, the second I got here, I fell in love! I had nothing to be worried about at all.

What surprised you the most about your experience? What about the other culture surprised or shocked you?

Little things about the culture here surprise me. Everyone here is very friendly and approachable. If you have a question, anyone is happy to help and they do it with a smile. The cliché phrase “no worries mate” is used quite often, but I love their attitude on life.

 Would you recommend that other PT students study abroad? Would you recommend your site to them?

I would absolutely recommend that other PT students study abroad! I have only been here for a month and a half, but I have already experienced so many new things, made new friends, and had the time of my life! I really think studying abroad was one of the best decisions I have made, and I am so lucky to be in such a beautiful place with so many amazing people. I would also really recommend coming to Australia because of the fact that it’s so far away. I figured I could easily travel to Europe later in life, but Australia is much farther away so it truly is a great opportunity. It may seem scary to go to another country for so long, but I am so glad I made this decision despite some nerves and anxiety at first.

Another great resource for understanding the SLU student study abroad experience is the study abroad blog:

For those of you who are very curious about the student study abroad experience, make sure to check out the Saint Louis University Study Abroad Blog. This blog is put together by Saint Louis University students who speak in detail about topics like:

 Marketing your Study Abroad Experience

Packing Tips for Going Abroad

Living with a Host Family

Madrid, Spain

Pre-departure Preparation

Enjoy Germany – The Basics

Affording Study Abroad

San Salvador, El Salvador

Choosing the Right Program

Be a Global Billiken

London, England

Quito, Ecuador

France

Erin Bode at Crave

As our current students know very well, Crave is a Coffee House and Ministry of Christ in the City Lutheran Church located right up the road from the Program in Physical Therapy (with great coffee and a relaxing space, Crave can get pretty packed the morning before a DPT exam!). If you’re in St. Louis and interested in jazz music you may want to check out the next performer at Crave:

Crave will be presenting Erin Bode November 25, 2012 from 7pm-9pm.

Tickets are on sale now

$15 in advance/$20 at the door

For more information call:

314-771-3299

Crave Coffee House is a Ministry of Christ in the City Lutheran Church

3504 Caroline Street St. Louis MO 63104

http://www.cravestl.org/

Pictures from today’s class with the empathy belly!

National Student Conclave 2012

Several physical therapy students from the class of 2013 shared pictures and feedback from the APTA’s National Student Conclave in Arlington, VA:

“The sessions on interviewing techniques was extremely helpful and was well worth the trip.” 

Jacky Vandas

"It inspired me to do a residency next year!" 

Jim Heafner

“The interviewing skills lecture and networking opportunities are well worth the travel and lodging expenses.”

Annie Green

"I learned some important interviewing skills and networked with some of the leaders in the physical therapy profession, but my highlight was meeting Dr. Flynn!"

Chris Fox

“At NSC I learned the value of networking with students and professional PT’s as well as how to separate myself through proper resume writing/interviewing.”

Brian Schwabe

Sara Scholtes Physical Therapy Research Seminar

As seen on Newslink at http://www.slu.edu/x69034.xml:

Physical Therapy Research Seminar

Sara Scholtes, Ph. D., assistant professor of physical therapy will present “Movement Analysis in Children with Cerebral Palsy.” This event is open to the public. For more information, contact Joanne Wagner, Ph.D., at 314-977-8532 or jwagne34@slu.edu.

PT Turkey Bowl

Sign Up for the FIRST PT Turkey Bowl
WHEN: NOVEMBER 17^{th (12-3pm)}

WHERE: VANDY FIELD right by the SHACK!!!!

WHO:  PT STUDENTS--UPPER CLASSMEN VS.
LOWER CLASSMEN
for bragging rights
Questions contact: 
Kelly Schoen kschoen4@slu.edu

 PT Turkey Bowl Sign-up link: . https://docs.google.com/a/slu.edu/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnHHNpps7LPJdDFEcXdkLTlXZlYxTzhPQVdrNURCLXc#gid=1

Claire McKeone and the TASKforce Rock and Roll Marathon

The article below by physical therapy student Claire McKeone (Class of 2014) describes her experience as an assistant coach for TASKforce during the Rock and Roll Marathon and Half Marathon, including meeting runners from all over the world, a concert with Train, and an inspiring spirit of generosity.

Running has always been a part of my life. It has been a way for me to connect with my family, make friends and learn how to push my limits.  However, until this year I never really saw how running can bring people from all walks of life together. I was given the opportunity to be an assistant coach for TASKforce. This team of runners is from all over the world. They train together for the Rock and Roll Marathon and Half Marathon while raising money for TASK, Team Activities for Special Kids. TASK is a non-profit local organization for kids with special needs to participate in team sports and social opportunities in a safe and supportive environment. Many of my classmates thought I was crazy: 5AM runs, 3 times a week. But I loved really getting to know the St. Louis team members, running with them, encouraging them and watching them progress.

            I didn’t realize the impact this group of runners had until Race weekend. We started welcoming in international members on Thursday. There ended up being representatives from 13 countries and over 300 people in total, all raising money for TASK here in St. Louis. It was amazing to see everyone’s enthusiasm through the weekend. They were so dedicated to the race and raising money for kids they had never met.

            On Friday we had a social event where all the participants mingled and shared stories. This included having the opportunity to meet running legend and an Olympic gold medalist Frank Shorter. Then on Saturday there was a service project with all the TASK athletes so the runners could meet the children they have been supporting. Finally, it was Race day! All the coaches were placed on the course and took turns running parts of the race with our team members, encouraging and helping them to the finish line. 

            The last two events were a Thank You Gala for all the runners and a benefit concert featuring Train! Everyone was completely exhausted, enthusiastic to be done, and ready to relax together. I was able to bring a few friends to the concert. Amazingly Amanda, another physical therapy student, and I got pulled on stage! Amanda even stopped the show so we could take a picture on stage with Pat, the lead singer. The band did an incredible job incorporating all the TASK Athletes into the concert, by pulling many on stage, going as far as giving one of the boys a signed guitar and letting him play the last song with the band. After the concert the band handed out backstage passes with the TASK kids in attendance, giving them the opportunity to meet the band and get their pictures taken.

            It was definitely one of the most rewarding weekends and the most amazing job I have ever had. Sure it was rough some mornings, but I absolutely loved every minute of it. I was rejuvenated by seeing the joy on the runners’ faces when they crossed the finish line and making connection with the runners and coaches. The part that struck me the most was that it was all for a greater cause. They weren’t just running to finish or for a new PR, they were running for the sake of someone else. I am so thankful for this opportunity; it is something I will never forget.

Claire McKeone