Abigail Booth

I chose exercise science because coming from a sports background, I wanted to learn more about the foundations of exercise and why it is so useful in the world of physical therapy and injury recovery. I also wanted to learn about all of the other aspects of heath and wellness that can contribute to recovery. The things that I am learning in my major are going to be a fantastic foundation to make me a great physical therapist

I chose physical therapy because I grew up as a competitive gymnast, meaning that I was in and out of physical therapy a lot. I have always known I have wanted to go into the medical field in some way or another, and when I saw the relationships that PT's were able to build with their patients while helping them get back to the things they love, I knew it was the right choice for me.

The HPAO has helped to guide me in the right direction to make sure I am the most competitive application for post-grad programs as possible. Whether it was guidance on what classes to take, advice on what extra-curriculars to get involved in, or pre-health organizations like the Pre-Physical Therapy Organization, the HPAO as supported me as a student and a person through my first two years of college.

My most memorable experience working with the HPAO was during Spring of 2023. I found out that I was going to have to have a major surgery during November of 2023, which means I wouldn't be in Oxford for the last few weeks of the fall semester. Obviously, I started to freak out about what to do for my classes and finals, but I met with Meredith and we sat in her office and crafted a brand new schedule for my fall semester that would work around my surgery. I genuinely would not have known what to do if it weren't for Meredith and her willingness to help me figure it out.

My goal after physical therapy school is to get hired either in a professional/college sports setting or to work as a sports injury rehab specialist out of a clinic.

Chicken souvlaki wrap with sweet potato fries from Volta.