School of Health Sciences

Transcript

Let me introduce you to Springfield native, Janelis. She got her bachelor’s and master’s degree in occupational therapy at AIC, and now she’s back for her doctorate. Janelis studies in the Colaccino Center for Health Sciences, which features state of the art occupational therapy, physical therapy, and exercise science labs. Let’s go, Janelis. You are on.

– Thanks for the warm introduction, Alex. Hi everyone. I come from a Latino household where my family carries Puerto Rican values of tradition, culture, and faith close to our heart. Being first generation, the importance of higher education was instilled in me at a very young age. My early experience as a personal care attendant inspired me to pursue a degree in which I could help others while making my family proud. The diversity of AIC’s campus mirrored the surrounding community that I’ve grown to love and have a desire to give back to. The support for first generation students on campus and their renowned Health Science programs make AIC a perfect fit for me. Outside of school AIC finds opportunity for community outreach including one that led to a trip to Houston, Texas to provide relief support after Hurricane Harvey. My first few years at AIC really inspired me to pursue my Master’s of Occupational Therapy right here at the college. The OT program grants fieldwork opportunities where we take skills that we’ve learned in the classroom and apply them to the surrounding community. The program’s faculty consistently challenged us to do better and provide the best care possible for our patients. Each of them inspires the inner clinician in me in their own unique way. After completing my master’s, I made the decision to pursue an occupational therapy doctorate. This decision was one that I would’ve never imagined after graduating high school. However, the family and community that I’ve created here at AIC made it an easy decision. As a new practicing clinician in the area, this degree will allow me to bring my patient care to the next level while continuing to give back to the community that I love. That’s my story. What’s next, Alex?

– Wow, Janelis. It’s incredible to see how much you learned at AIC in and out of the classroom. I love how you take advantage of any opportunity and make the most of it. I’m so excited to see how you apply what you’ve learned here, in the healthcare industry. Take care.