This week’s
PHREAdom Leader profile is focused on Shantelle Igiozee, a May 2013 college
graduate of Winthrop University. I chose Igiozee because of her experience during
college as a McNair Scholar and role as a reservist in the Army National Guard.
I hope you all enjoy!
While many recent college graduates are probably thinking
about their next move, Igiozee,23, already knew her next step immediately after
she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science – graduate school.
She wants to work as a physical therapist.
Originally from Columbia, S.C., she will begin graduate
school at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences where she will be
obtaining a doctoral degree in physical therapy.
“This university has great facilities, wonderful faculty
and is an accelerated program,” Igiozee said. “I will be able to receive my
doctorate degree in about two and a half years, which is comparable to the
average three or three and a half year physical therapy programs.”
Although physical therapy wasn’t her first career choice,
she knew she wanted to do something that related to her love for science.
“Entering college, I wanted to study pharmacy, which
derived from my love for science. I was not truly passionate about the field,”
she said. “When I discovered the field of physical therapy, I quickly fell in
love and this field became my new direction.”
She believes in the power of exercise and educates her
peers and family about it.
“I am firm believer of exercise as a prescription over
medication depending on the situation. I educate my peers and family on the
medicinal effects of exercise, which has no side effects like medication,” she
said.
Education is Key
The importance of education is a strong belief of her
parents. Igiozee’s family serves a great support system in her life.
Igiozee served as a McNair Scholar where she conducted
summer research, travel to research conferences, presented at conferences, and
many more activities.
“This program prepared me for doctoral studies through
involvement in research and other scholarly activities,” she said. “I conducted
two years of summer research which provided me with skills including data
management, statistical analysis, formulating a manuscript, oral presentation,
and designing methodology that will be used in my professional career.”
Igiozee’s research as a McNair Scholar focused on food
desserts and the effect of food retailer placement in disadvantage communities.
She has traveled to SEACSM and SAEOPP McNair Conferences in Atlanta, G.A.,
Jacksonville, Fla. And Greenville, S.C. to present her research and allow her
to network with people across different disciplines. She was able to learn
different methods of how she could use her expertise in assisting people through
rehabilitation.
Therefore, her future research will focus on the
rehabilitation of soldiers and children due to her experience as a reservist.
PHREA to Igiozee
Individuals have their own perceptions and ideas of PHREA.
He or she may look at passion, hope, respect, empowerment, and ambition
differently depending on where they are in life. For Igiozee, those words overall
share a common goal to keep pushing, don’t give up, and stay learning.
Passion – Motivating yourself to achieve highest dream
and not stopping until you achieve it because are doing it because you love it.
Hope- Never allowing anyone or anything to deviate you
from your dreams because you have confidence in yourself.
Respect- Always having respect for yourself by setting
high standards and never allowing anyone to lower them. In addition, one must
be respectful to your peers and elders because maturity comes in time, not when
you hit a certain age.
Empowerment- Taking your knowledge and experiences to
educate and mentor the youth of today. Individual journeys should be shared
because it could help others going through a similar situation. Life is
stressful enough sometimes. Therefore, being an asset in someone’s life could
help them progress or even save a life.
Ambition- Having the determination to become successful
without letting any obstacles obstruct your vision.
Thank you Shantelle
for joining the PHREAdom Leaders train and allowing me to share a little bit
about you! Good luck in graduate school!
<3 Starkey
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