Appreciating the Past and Embracing the Future
Reflections of the Co-Op Program
It has been ten years since we began our relationship with Northeastern University‘s Physical Therapy Department and introduced the Cooperative Program at F&L. Looking back at our journey with this exceptional educational partnership has allowed me to recognize how much our relationship with NEU has grown in step with our company’s growth.
In 2007, we took in our first two NEU students, Brittany Giles and Renee Noel. It was a learning experience for all of us, as expectations of our roles were undefined. But as the years passed on, we grew in diligently and developed a program that has now has a history of 32 students over the past ten years.
Personally, I’ve gained so much appreciation for the program and our growing relationship with NEU. I’ve interviewed and hired all of the students that have come into the program and continue to remain in contact with each of them. My recent trip to Boston was a great way to reconnect with some of them and foster new relationships with the staff that sends them our way.
The Co-Op program has provided the students a great way to experience the culture of our island and learn first hand what it’s like to work for a Values-Based Organization. Physical therapy is a profession that requires a high level of emotional intelligence and compassion and we hope that when the students leave, they’ve improved these qualities in themselves.
With that reflection, we look back at one of our students, Colby, who completed his stay with us last fall. Colby shares his experience working and living in Hawaii and compares it to his life back at school in Boston. We also look to the present and future with the introduction of Dan, one of the newest co-ops this current semester. Dan has been here for a couple of months now and tells us a little about himself and why he chose to do his Co-op in Hawaii.
Colby: The Best Six Months of my HI Life
[one_half] It’s been a little over a month since I’ve left the beautiful island of Oahu and I can one hundred percent say I miss it. Without a doubt I spent the best and happiest six months of my life in Hawaii. As I write this, my headphones are playing Island 93.1 Da Paina. After being back in the cold, treacherous, concrete jungle of Boston I’ve been able to narrow down what it is about Hawaii that I especially miss. And the answer is simple: everything. Here’s a little look at my Monday-Friday Schedule… and the one that I can’t wait to get back to.
Monday
- Class from 8:00AM-5:30PM. I have frequent breaks but am studying Gross Anatomy in the library during those breaks. After 5:30PM I will usually do more homework in the library for Gross Anatomy until about 8PM then grab dinner. Afterwards, I will finish my week’s assignments and go home.
What I would like to be doing:
- Going to work, seeing all the awesome patients in the pool in the morning. Going up to WORC or to LA in the afternoon and learn something new every single day. After, I’d even have the option of grabbing dinner at Kim Chee 1! Every lunch has to be a poke bowl of course, maybe spicy kine, maybe wasabi mayo kine, but definitely a poke bowl.
Tuesday
- Tuesdays are my relaxation days; I only have one class: Healthcare Research. But as usual, I have 3 other classes and have to continue studying for those classes too afterwards.
What I would like to be doing:
- This is my half day, working 7:30-12:30. After work I will usually take a drive to Sandy Beach and body surf, body board or take some Clark Little-esque pictures. Some sort of injury, big or small, will occur at some point during the escapades.
Wednesday & Thursday
- I have my Gross Anatomy lecture today and cadaver/palpation lab. In cadaver lab I look at dead people and learn the internal anatomy including organs, muscles, arteries, bones, veins, nerves and everything else. Palpation lab is learning how to identify all the muscles and bony landmarks of the body on a living person.
What I would like to be doing:
- See Monday or Tuesday
Friday
- I have my Tuesday class again with recitation after. After I will probably head to the library and in the evening I will finally be able to unwind before the weekend when I have to learn everything I accomplished during the week.
What I would like to be doing:
- Literally anything else, I miss you Hawai’i and all of the wonderful people!
Mahalo nui loa to my Fukuji & Lum Family. A hui hou!
As many may know, I enjoy taking pictures… here are a few of my favorites!
We are so appreciative of Colby for sharing his experience with us as well as some of his favorites photos of the islands. As Colby transitions back to Boston life, Dan is here to soak up the sun and gain some PT knowledge “Hawaiian Style”!
Let’s Meet Dan!
What school did you attend and what’s your current college?
The University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. After receiving a bachelors degree in exercise science, I was accepted into the DPT program at Northeastern University where I am currently studying.
What drew you to physical therapy?
In high school I played soccer and lacrosse where I accumulated numerous injuries which first allowed me to see the patient side of physical therapy. When I started at UNE, I was not set on physical therapy; however the classes, faculty, and internship experience I underwent quickly showed me this was the work field I desired. The feeling of helping patients achieve their goals and helping them return to a high quality of life drives me to become a PT.
Why did you want to do your co-op in Hawaii?
During my undergrad, I was fortunate enough to spend a semester internship at an out-patient orthopedic clinic. I immediately gravitated to this environment as it provides a laid-back, friendly atmosphere of rehabilitation.
What has been your experience like so far?
The atmosphere at Fukuji & Lum along with their therapist’s has been everything I expected and hoped. When arriving at either the W.O.R.C or the pool (the two clinics I work at) you are immediately greeted by the friendly staff, which creates a fun, engaging atmosphere allowing for a more successful treatment session.
What is on your to do list while here?
I tried to limit the list of things to do before arriving at Hawaii as I wanted to talk to therapists and patients to discover the best activities to try from those who live on the island. I am a big hiker and avid scuba diver, but I also wanted to try new things such as surfing.
What is your favorite thing that you’ve eaten since arriving?
POKE BOWLS!!!!!!
What kind of therapist do you hope to be?
I want to be a therapist that sees patients for the individuals that they are, one who engages and develops lasting relationships with patients that show I care about their recovery and is glad to see them.
Who is your greatest influence in your life?
This is an impossible question for me as I have been greatly influenced by so many wonderful people. I expect by the end of these six months there will be several more people who I can add to this list. My family is one influence that has always pushed me to discover new experiences and continue along my dream of becoming a physical therapist.
