Caitlin Violette

When I was eleven years old, most of my friends wanted to be a teacher or singer when they grew up. I wanted to be just like Trista. Trista became the first “Bachelorette” when I was in seventh grade. Every girl at my school seemed to be watching the series and we all thought that Trista was perfect. She was a pediatric physical therapist, a Miami Heat cheerleader, beautiful and sweet. I thought if I became a physical therapist when I grew up, I would be closer to becoming just like Trista. I began to ask questions about physical therapy. Quickly I learned that physical therapists aided patients to attain or return to better physical health and ability.

Once I got to high school and realized that I enjoyed both math and science. The idea of following my dad’s footsteps and studying chemical engineering seemed great. I stood in a surgery and observed a DaVinci Robotic device and was sure that I was meant to be a part of medical advancement. I thought it would be amazing to build robotics that could help people to better health and make surgeries easier. Boring is the first word that comes to mind when I actually started taking engineering classes. It was pretty clear that engineering wasn’t the right field for me.

My middle school plans to become a physical therapist quickly came back to me. After talking with my advisor, attending some Physical Therapy Club meetings at FSU and talking with a physical therapist at home, I knew that it was the path for me. My outgoing nature, love of science and interest in patient progress affirms my chosen major. I began to observe and volunteer at different clinics to see the different fields of physical therapy. I loved being exposed to the field. The next summer I was lucky enough to be able to volunteer at The Andrews Institute and Athletes Performance. Here, I was able to work with active Special Forces and professional athletes. I learned how to use a BioDex and do a Y-test to athletes while also seeing some interesting injuries of people that are active in the military. I observed the clearance of a NFL player after his rehabilitation and training. I also observed at a nursing home. I enjoyed working in geriatrics and helping people have a better day and help them work towards going back home.

My senior year I started training to run a marathon. I finished the 26.2 With Donna in Jacksonville, FL. It is a marathon to 'finish breast cancer'! My next goal is to complete an IronMan!