Winter Break

Dear Lauren,

Thanks for your posts, they're so interesting to read! That's so great that you and your friend were able to take this trip. I have never been to Disney World either, but it's on my bucket list! I am a first year DPT student and looking forward to going to FL for my second clinical in the fall of 2012. I'm hoping I'll get to go to Disney with some of my fellow classmates who also have a clinical in FL! As quick as this first year has already gone by, I can only imagine what it's going to feel like when it all comes to an end in two years. You're right, graduating college was one thing, but I too knew I had more school ahead. After graduating with my doctorate in physical therapy, I will most likely be off to work in the "real world" and the classes and tests will end. Well, to a point that is, I know that with this profession we will always be learning more about the field of physical therapy and the current research. Your post is encouraging and a great reminder that we as students should take advantage of the time we have off and fill them with travels and things we won't be able to do after school ends! On the two breaks I've had so far (one summer and one winter break) I tried to maximize my time by visiting out of state family and friends. I packed my car and started to drive up and down the east coast visiting my brother and sister and college friends in between. I know that I won't be able to take these long road trips in a few years. I'm off to study...and plan some trips for my next break! Good luck with the rest of your school!

- Rachel Webb

ECU DPT c/o 2014

Lauren,

I am a first year DPT student as well and am very excited about the program.  I am very blessed and very lucky to be a part of such a great team of people to help teach me the tools and techniques that I will need to help others in thei s profession.  I surley understand the stresses involved with school and the pressure that is felt during finals.  However, I always have to keep things in perspective.  I am here to learn the material so that I can achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a good PT.  When our finals were over and Christmas break began this past semester, I took a trip to Boone, NC where I had attended ASU for undergrad.  I took the time to have fun and visit old friends, as well as spend much needed time with my family.  Thought we do not get many breaks in PT school, we must learn to enjoy the time we do have off, as well as the time we have learning in PT school.  Hope that all goes well with you and your career!

Also, I loved Disney World when I went in undergrad! Happiest place on Earth!

Best,

Colt

Lauren,

I am a first year DPT student too and I completely understand how you feel.  I am so grateful to be in PT school.  I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to accomplish my dream and goal of becoming a Physical Therapist.  It is difficult at times to remember that when your head is drowning in information and you feel there is no end to the studying.  Each day I try to remind myself of how lucky I am to be a student and that I need to enjoy my time in school, along with the few breaks I do receive.  Good luck with everything and enjoy each and every day!

Bryan-  if Pennsylvania weather was more conducive to fishing in December, I would have tried it.  (I love fishing.)  But who could complain about Disney World?  I never went as a kid, so it was a totally different experience to see it first as an adult.  I loved it!  

Do you sometimes feel like you can't possibly cram any more information into your brain without forgetting some other very important information?  That's where I was at the end of last semester... vacation was absolutely necessary.  Good luck with everything!!!  And have fun fishing- I'm jealous.  

Florida sounds like an awesome trip.  Disney World is so much fun...even for adults.  I went a few years back and it was a blast.  For me the best way to relax after a tough semester of school is to go to the beach.  I like to go out and just sit on the beach, enjoy a few beverages and turn my brain off.  This is great feeling because we can spend months thinking and working our brains off for class.  I would say my favorite pass time to just turn my brain off from all school and work related things would be fishing.  You should try it sometime...maybe while you are in Florida next!  It will be one of the most relaxing times ever.