Interview #2

NAME: Alison Hinsberger
YEAR IN SCHOOL: Senior, Undergraduate
SCHOOL IN ATTENDANCE: DePauw University

1) Do you plan on going to graduate school?

Yes

2) Where do you plan on going to graduate school?

I will be attending Northwestern University: Physical Therapy and Human
Movement Sciences

3) Why did you decide graduate school was right for you?

Sophomore year is when I realized I wanted to become a physical
therapist, even if it meant packing my schedule with prerequisites and
spending almost 3 more years in school.

4) How have you prepared throughout your undergrad experience for
graduate school?

I think exposing yourself to the type of work you want to do is crucial.
It is important to check it out before you spend more time in school. I
used internships and volunteering as a way to know what I wanted to do.
I also think it is important for students to be driven and crave a
challenge. Although I haven't started my program yet, I have heard a lot
about the increased level of difficulty. I hope I will be prepared
because of the commitment to academics that I have established in
Undergrad.

5) What would you recommend to other underclassmen?

Stay focused, but make sure to prioritize. Sometimes it is necessary to
take a break or a vacation in order to later accomplish something. It is
important to make sure there is a part of your life you dedicate to
school and another side that has other interests.

6) Do you think grad school is important/necessary for everyone?

No. I don't think every career needs more education. When you're dealing
with the medical field, of course, but I think other careers are better
learned through experience.

7) What internships/volunteering/work have you done to prepare for
your future?

I spent one January term on an independent study that explored the field
of physical therapy. I set up three internships over a month long period
that all specialized in different fields of Physical therapy. The
experience showed me the options and variations that Physical therapy
can have. Also, I learned a lot about how to interact with patients. I
also volunteered consistently throughout junior and senior year a couple
hours a week at different physical therapy clinics as an aid.

8) What do you hope to accomplish career wise?

I hope to become a practicing Physical Therapist with a long career. At
some point I have interests in teaching students of physical therapy and
Kinesiology.