Student Activities

Name: Mark Clarke

Hometown: Fairview, North Carolina

Undergrad: English Lit & Creative Writing

Hobbies outside of PT: Hiking, Biking, Sports, Playing Music, Mushroom Hunting, Filling out Forms

What is something people would be surprised to know about you? 

I can recite the entire movie Cool Runnings from memory.

What is a cause you are passionate about? 

Encouraging people to care for the planet and spend more time outside. 

Describe your journey to choosing physical therapy as your profession.

I graduated college with little idea of what kind of job I wanted. I loved studying literature, but I was not sure what to do with my degree, so I went and worked on a farm. In 2014, I got married to beautiful woman named Asia, who was just about to start a graduate program in speech language pathology. I became interested in the allied health field and started talking to different professionals about their careers. I decided PT was for me after many talks with therapists and some shadowing in a nearby clinic. I loved the philosophy of therapy, the unique patient-therapist interactions, and the depth of knowledge that I saw in the clinic. I like to think of the therapist as an editor who helps clients to rethink the narratives they tell themselves about the capability of their bodies. 

Discuss why you chose the DPT program at WCU and/or what you have appreciated about your experience at WCU. 

I love that the WCU program is focused on producing great clinicians. The atmosphere is so positive and conducive to learning. The students really care for each other and the faculty and staff have done a great job fostering a culture of interdependence and mutual respect that is so crucial to success both during school and long after graduation.

Is there anything else you would like to share about WCU, the DPT program, or your future aspirations in the physical therapy profession?
The WCU DPT program is amazing! Everyone involved is so dedicated to seeing the students become great clinicians. I can’t think of a better environment for learning and growth.

Name: Dani Harris

Age: 33

Hometown: Forsyth, GA, though I most recently lived in Wilmington, NC 

Undergrad: BS Biology from UNCW

Hobbies outside of PT: Hiking, skiing, spending time with my husband

What is something people would surprised to know about you?  

You can google “female flight engineer coast guard” and find an article written while I was the only female Flight Engineer in the CG.

What cause are you passionate about?

Spread happiness. It’s not a cause, per se, but I firmly believe happiness (love, compassion, positivity etc.) is almost always the answer.

Describe your journey to choosing physical therapy as your profession.
At first, I thought physical therapists were glorified personal trainers. I didn’t understand everything going on behind the scenes at my first PT experience. Then I had in-depth conversations with my mom’s, brother’s and grandfather’s physical therapists as they recovered from accidents and surgeries. I realized PT would be an almost perfect fit for my personality and the lifestyle I am most suited to.

Talk about a time when you felt proud to have chosen physical therapy as a profession, or had a moment when you were energized by being a part of the profession.

Every time I mention going to PT school, someone has a “good PT” story to tell. They usually include that the PT put them through more pain than anyone else, but in the end, they also understand the reason they got back to doing what they love, it is in large part because of the PT!

Discuss why you chose the DPT program at WCU and/or what you have appreciated about your experience at WCU (for example, student-centered focus, service-learning emphasis, physical

location and facilities, etc.)

I chose WCU based on gut instinct that it is a good fit for me. Now, every time I turn around I find something else to be impressed with about the program. I can’t speak highly enough about the support that WCU DPT program provides! I can’t imagine being anywhere else at this point!

Name: Megan Hutchinson

Age: 23

Hometown: Parkland, Florida 

Undergrad: B.S. in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University (go noles!)  

Hobbies outside of PT: Running, rollerblading, hiking, and rock climbing.

What is something people would surprised to know about you?

I am moving to Alaska after graduation! 

What Cause are you passionate about? 

I am passionate about making an impact in my community through
volunteering and community outreach programs. After graduation, I yearn to continue my efforts by becoming an officer in the United States Public Health Service, to promote and integrate rehabilitation services in
underserved populations around the nation. 

Describe your journey to choosing physical therapy as your
profession.
Initially, my fascination with physical therapy stemmed from a variety of running-related injuries I sustained while competing in high-school. After cross country and track practice, I would spend hours deciphering which
anatomical structure was causing the injury and researching exercises and stretches to alleviate my pain and ultimately remedy the issue. My experience recovering from injuries may have kindled my passion for physical therapy, however, it wasn’t until I began volunteering in clinics and witnessing the difference it made in patient’s lives that I discovered my true fervor for the field. My motivation in pursuing this career is tied to the meaningful experiences I gained with patients while volunteering in clinics and hospitals around my college community.

Talk about a time when you felt proud to have chosen physical therapy as a profession, or had a moment when you were energized by being a part of the profession.
I felt energized about being part of this profession with the addition of the MAPHealth clinic in Asheville. I am excited there is now a second pro bono clinic for the Asheville cohort to allow our class more opportunities to become involved in the clinic, student board, and community.
Discuss why you chose the DPT program at WCU and/or what you have appreciated about your experience at WCU (for example, student-centered focus, service-learning emphasis, physical location and facilities, etc.)
I chose Western Carolina University’s DPT program because of its pro bono clinic, location, professors, and cost of tuition. The pro bono clinic was a significant factor for me because volunteering initially blossomed my passion for physical therapy and I wanted to become involved in the clinic to help facilitate my learning and make a difference in the community. In addition, I yearned for a break from Florida’s sweltering climate and wanted to experience the city of Asheville and new outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Another reason I chose WCU, is because I felt that
the professors truly cared about their students and loved their careers. Lastly, as an out-of-state student, my tuition is still less expensive than the majority of in-state schools I was looking into.

Is there anything else you would like to share about WCU, the DPT program, or your future aspirations in the physical therapy profession?

I feel like my classmates and professors will do whatever it takes to help me succeed in this program. All of my classmates and professors have been so supportive and encouraging especially during these uncertain times with COVID. I am so grateful that I chose Western Carolina University for physical therapy school.