At KWS, seniors dedicate a week each fall to collaborate with a mentor at a local business, allowing them to explore and develop skills in a career field that piques their interest.
Last week, senior Ciara O’Hara spent her time at Philadelphia Union, exploring her interests in athletic training and physical therapy. She answered some questions for us, giving us a glimpse into Ciara’s exciting and inspiring week at Philadelphia Union!
Q: How did you pick Philadelphia Union as the place to spend your week-long career practicum?
A: When we were told to pick an organization/non-profit in the area of our career interest, I knew immediately I wanted to do something surrounding athletic training. I am lucky enough to have an amazing academic advisor Mrs. Rice who helped get me in contact with the athletic trainer for the Philadelphia Union ii Team. I was immediately excited about the amazing opportunity to be able to experience athletic training in such an elite environment surrounded by amazing trainers and players, which many people are not able to do until they are in grad school.
Q: What is it about a career in athletic training/physical therapy that speaks to you?
A: I have known for a good amount of time that I wanted to pursue a career in athletic training. Because I have participated in sports for as long as I can remember, I have been injured, and I have seen people being injured and the effect not only mental but physical it has on people. I am very passionate about helping people and being able to help people come back from injury and feel their best selves to be able to do what they love. It can be really hard to be injured and away from a sport that you truly love so much, and I want to be able to help people feel confident in themselves that they can get better and come back stronger than ever before.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of working with people through physical therapy?
A: My favorite aspect of working with people through physical therapy is just the fact that you are with them through every step and not only get to help them physically get stronger but you get to be there to cheer them on and support them no matter what. You get to push them to work their hardest and be their best selves even when they feel like they can’t and I believe that is so important in the recovery and training process because it is so easy to feel alone and want to give up.
