Judith Chia,
Jos Plateau, Nigeria

Like many other students, Judith Chia first learned about the University of Evansville through word of mouth. Two friends from her hometown had been students at the University and shared their experiences with her. Judith liked what she heard, made a decision to attend Evansville, and is now a junior in physical therapy here.

But Judith is not like other students. When she first heard about the University of Evansville from her friends, she had never been to the United States, let alone Evansville, Indiana. She had, however, decided to study in America, and when she learned that her friends’ school had an excellent physical therapy program, her choice became an easy one…at least easy for one who is willing to travel over 6,000 miles from home in pursuit of an educational dream.

Physical therapy is an ideal career choice for Judith. “I am strong in biology. I want to work with people and help them, and I want to be in the medical field. Physical therapy is perfect for me.” Judith knew the curriculum and the courses would be hard, but she also knew that she was willing to work even harder. Language has not been a barrier, but there have been cultural differences. “Life, in general, is more liberal in the United States. It has been an adjustment coming from a communal society to one that is more individualistic.”

Cultural differences aside, Judith has developed close relationships with her physical therapy professors and is impressed with how they make themselves available to students. “I especially love my physical therapy professors. There is not a single day that they don’t make me laugh. Even though the program is difficult, they are making it fun and memorable for me.” She has also formed friendships with other students on campus through her involvement in the Physical Therapy Club and by supporting the activities of the International Students Club.

As a student in the professional level of the program, Judith is preparing for her first clinical placement in which she will work with an outpatient population. Yet she is already thinking about her next clinical and is considering a placement in England, hoping to experience Harlaxton College, the University of Evansville’s British campus. She is also thinking about her future. “Initially I’d like to stay here and work in the United States. I’ve thought about specializing in neuro, or women’s health, but I’m keeping my mind open.”

Craig Phifer
Staunton, Illinois

For freshman Craig Phifer, the biggest adjustment to college wasn’t that he would have to study – he knew that. Rather, it was figuring out how to study. “At first, I was spending a lot of time in the library studying, but it wasn’t meaningful studying. I just thought that more time meant better grades. It didn’t take me long to figure out I was off the mark.”

According to Craig, his first semester was a wake up call. As a sophomore student intending to major in physical therapy, he now sports a 3.95 grade point average in a curriculum that is rigorous, to say the least. As if the academic challenge isn’t enough, Craig is also a member of the Purple Aces Division I basketball team. It is a combination that works, due in large part to Craig’s tenacity and attitude. “I know that to do this, I have to go all out or not at all.” He also recognizes the support of his coaches and professors and their willingness to work with him. “Coach Merfeld understands that there are labs that I just cannot miss and my professors know that during the season when the team is on the road I will miss some classes. They are always willing to help me, though, as long as I am willing to get the work done.”

Craig began shadowing a physical therapist at a hospital while he was in high school. While completing his prerequisite courses, he completed a practicum at ProRehab under the direction of C.J. Barnard, MPT, a graduate of Evansville’s physical therapy program. There, he observed an array of orthopaedic protocols. He is complementing his major with a minor in sports medicine and wants to one day work with athletes, treating their injuries and guiding them in their strength and conditioning training.

Like the majority of University of Evansville students, Craig volunteers in the local community, serving as a role model for young boys and girls. He visits elementary schools, attends day camps for kids and participates in youth basketball clinics sponsored by the University. He is also in a pen pal program and corresponds with a 5th grade student.

Finding the right physical therapy program was paramount to Craig as he was choosing a college, but other things mattered, too. “When I visited Evansville, I really liked the campus. It seemed to be a friendly place; I knew that it was a great school for physical therapy. Everything just fit.”