Kaneohe – Page 5 – Fukuji & Lum Physical Therapy

September 27, 2016 By Mark Yanai

Introducing Colby

Every six months I interview and hire new Co-op students from Northeastern University to work with our organization as physical therapy students. From their first Skype interview to their last day in clinic, I feel the need to take care of these kids, making sure they are learning about the PT profession and experiencing life here in Hawaii. I always feel a sense of closeness to them and often wonder what it is that draws me so much to these students.

Last week I dropped my son off to college at the University of Washington for his freshman year. The feelings I had as a dad seeing my son leave home and off to a new school was of both elation and sadness. I felt so proud of him that he was taking on a new adventure and yet I was sad that from now on, I wouldn’t get to be a part of it, as I have been. I hope that the new people who become a part of this new chapter will take care of him.

And with those thoughts I realized what draws me so deeply to our Co-op students. While they are not my sons or daughters, the F&L family treats them as such. I feel like a parent watching them grow as students and prosper as employees, while guiding them along the way. I am grateful to be a part of their short stay with us and am happy to say that I had a hand in their learning process so they are able to get the most of out of their experience, whether it be in or outside of the clinical setting.

With that, I am happy to introduce our new student Co-ops this fall semester, starting with Colby.
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In a haiku, what school did you attend in high school and what’s your current college?

First, Lynnfield High School.

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What drew you to PT?
I originally was in school for Mechanical Engineering (at Northeastern University); but after shadowing some engineers the summer before my freshman year of college, I realized I didn’t see myself as an engineer in 20 years. My mom and dad have been in and out of Physical Therapy for as long as I can remember. Seeing their progress through and through has inspired me to become a part of this field that can positively affect a patient’s life.

Why did you want to do your coop in Hawaii?
I grew up in a small town right outside of Boston. If I didn’t experience living in another state outside of New England then I would be doomed to live there for the rest of my life. Hawaii is a great opportunity to see and learn about a whole new culture. Now that I’m here I can’t wait to move back.

What is the strangest thing you have eaten since arriving?
Lychee Seeds brah, dey broke da mout’!

What are your outside interests?

I really enjoy hiking, body surfing, being at the beach, photography, pick-up games of basketball, football and soccer, and playing music. I’m also involved with the musical theatre company back at school.

What is on your to do list while here?
See the other islands. Try as many foods as I can. Take lots of pictures. Get better at surfing. Take a Hula Class. Honestly, the list keeps getting longer every week just by talking to the patients and coworkers.

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What is your spirit animal?
The majestic sea cucumber.

What kind of therapist do you hope to be?
I hope that I can be a therapist that not only provides care and therapy to the patient. But can be a friend if they need it. I want to foster a relationship with my patients and coworkers that makes choosing to go to work in the morning a very easy decision. As far as what setting I’d like to work in… honestly I have no idea yet; I would love to have a chance to work at as many different settings as I can.

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Who is your greatest influence in your life?
I have many influences in my life, all equally important to me. I can’t say one is greater than the rest because I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of them. An important influence has been my parents though. Being able to go home one day and fix them would be one of the most rewarding experiences. Another influence is seeing a patient’s path to recovery from start to finish. I’m glad and hope that I will always be able to relish and share the joy of getting a patient back to their “old selves”.

Happy at Work

September 21, 2016 By Mark Yanai

Meet Jocelyn

Pediatrics and Pool Time with Jocelyn

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Jocelyn Shiro, MSPT, PAq has been a licensed and practicing physical therapist for the past 30 years in California, Alaska, and Hawaii. Twenty-eight of those years have been in pediatric rehab, working with clients of various ages, ranging from birth to young adulthood. She has worked in neuro-rehabilitation, public schools, birth to three early intervention and private pediatric clinic settings.

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Jocelyn has experience with aquatic physical therapy, developmental assessments, sensory integration treatment, evaluation and treatment of children with global and motor developmental delays, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Spina Bifida, lower extremity amputation from disease, trauma, and birth defects, Failure to Thrive, FAS, seizure disorders, Brittle Bone Disease, and orthopedic anomalies.

In August 2016, Jocelyn became a certified Pediatric Aquaticist through the Aquatic Therapy University in Minneapolis. She currently works for Fukuji and Lum as a full time aquatic physical therapist, and for the Waianae Coast Early Childhood Services Parent Child Development Center.

Jocelyn joined us a year ago and has been busy at our Kokokahi location working daily in the pool. Her certification in Pediatric Aquatics brings us closer to providing lifelong care for our patients.

What makes you so drawn to working in pediatrics?
I have always had a soft spot for babies and children. No matter what deficit or diagnosis they have, no matter how high or low functioning they are, they just want to have fun and feel happy. If they are in pain or are unhappy, hugs tend to work much better than pills. They are also smaller than me, and being a rather small adult, it makes being a physical therapist much easier!

Who is your greatest influence in physical therapy?
My clients, both young and old are my greatest influences. I am often inspired by those who are overcoming pain, suffering and disability, and I strive to be a better therapist, so that I can better help them.

What is the most interesting thing or most rewarding thing in working with children?
Children’s bodies and nervous systems tend to be more plastic or resilient, because they are young and still developing. They tend to improve or recover relatively quickly, which makes working with them very rewarding. I also enjoy working with parents or other caregivers, educating them and empowering them to be their child’s best advocate and “therapist”.

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You moved from Alaska to work in Hawaii. What drew you to Hawaii?
I was tired of the cold, dark winters of Alaska and was ready for a change. I felt like I had made an impact and contribution to my small town in Alaska through teaching dance and being a PT for the hospital, public schools, and the birth to three early intervention organization. I wanted try making a new contribution to a new community, with the same feeling of “Ohana” if I could.

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What do you see in F&L that’s so different than other PT organizations?
The owners and clinic directors treat, make investments in, and take care of their employees like family. I am starting to really feel a part of it just after a year. I’ve worked many years in different settings, and it’s rare to find that special closeness between the different staff levels. Everyone is important and valued, regardless of title. When people feel invested like that, the company can run more smoothly and respectfully. I truly appreciate that and feel blessed to be a part of Fukuji and Lum Ohana.

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How have you adapted to life on the islands?
Haha, I think I have adapted very quickly and comfortably. I feel very at home here and have enjoyed getting to know a wide variety of people, both local and not local, and have involved myself in the medical, yoga, and dance communities this past year. And my son serendipitously ended up at the University of Hawai’i Manoa, which we both love (that was NOT planned, but he says I followed him).

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Happy at Work

September 12, 2016 By Mark Yanai

The Awesome Experience of Finding Yourself

One of the rewards of working with physical therapy students is being able to witness their amazing growth during their time with us. At the end of their internship, students normally see the success they accomplished with their work and have the realization of a learned skill. But with the Northeastern Co-Op students, it’s often a lot more than what happens in the clinical setting. They end up discovering their identity of who they really are and want to be in life.

While the experience of being in Hawaii for six months seems like an extended vacation, it is often much more than that. There’s a saying “You never leave a place you love, you take a part of it with you, leaving a part of you behind.” I find this is true for many of the Co-Ops, but much more so with Kara, one of our 5 Co-ops this past semester. When I first posted a blog introducing her back in Febuary, she wrote about her hopes to finding out what kind of therapist she could be. Six months went by fast and I could describe her tremendous growth in my words, but it’s more clear when you hear it from her.

My Co-Op Experience: Kara

So I guess now that I’m done with my first semester back I have no more excuses to not write this blog. It’s a big undertaking, however, because I am not particularly adept at putting my feelings and experiences into coherent thoughts. My usual encounter with anyone asking me how my 6-month co-op was in Hawaii might be something like this:

“So how was Hawaii?” Internal dialogue: ‘Ohmygosh it was so great I had so much fun I learned so much Fukuji and Lum is awesome they actually care so much about the co-ops and that we are having a good/educational time and the islands were great/magical/more than I ever imagined and I made friends and swam in the ocean with cute sea creatures and almost fell off a few mountains and ohmygosh I got so fit biking to work every day but it was scary in the rain and everyone was always so concerned and supportive of everything that we did and looked out for us like family wait what was I saying? What I actually say: “uhhhh…. Awesome?!?!”

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I’m pretty sure no one wants to hear me babble on like that, but that’s pretty much still all I can do. I cannot describe what a great experience working for Fukuji & Lum was, or how much all of my amazing coworkers mean to me. It wasn’t just 6 months of sun and fun in a tropical paradise, although there was plenty of that, I was welcomed into the F&L family as a long-lost relative. The Hawaiian concept of Ohana is now engrained in me, not by being told the definition over and over, but by being shown over and over in the kindness and love of everyone I encountered.

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The experience I gained in the different clinics will shape the type of therapist I become. Up till now, being a physical therapist was a VERY distant dream. Being back from Fukuji and Lum and taking classes this summer, this is the first time I have actually felt this dream was attainable. Working as a therapist was something I wanted to do, but honestly up till now it was something I never actually felt I was capable of doing. I continued semester after semester with the growing feeling that I wasn’t good enough, that I wasn’t smart enough. The people at Fukuji and Lum have been great mentors, and the confidence they have shown in me has in turn made me more confident. Since returning from Hawaii I find I have been able to accept the fact that no, I don’t know everything, but that’s ok, that’s what the rest of my education is for.

I am grateful for everything I came away from Hawaii having learnt and seen. In those magical 6 months I made lifelong friends, ate strange and delicious foods (does anyone want to send me some haupia?? no??), collected a hodgepodge of the culture and language, explored, learned much about myself, and fell in love…. with the Islands! So from the bottom of my heart, Mahalo Nui Loa!

Happy at Work

July 25, 2016 By Mark Yanai

The Hi Life of the Supposed

This past semester, Natalia, one of the five Northeastern University Co-ops worked with me at our W.O.R.C. site and with Randy at our Kailua clinic. She was one of the PT students that was exposed to and later immersed in Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) techniques, something exciting and new to F&L. Natalia has since returned to Boston to resume classes and continue her pursuit of her doctorate degree in Physical Therapy.

She spent her last weekend in Hawaii attending F&L’s closed course on PRI, which I wrote about in my last blog. I had just returned from my trip to Boston where I commented to everyone that “no one has heard of any student named Natalia”. She was then given the name “Supposed” by James Anderson, our course instructor.

I don’t always get to work closely with the Co-Ops as they are assigned to our various clinics, but when I do, I get very attached to them. Natalia was no different and we got to know each other well. She was a terrific student of the craft and I know she’ll become an excellent clinician. We will definitely miss her presence at the clinics and wish her the best in her future endeavors. We are so grateful to Natalia for writing about her experience working with F&L and the fun she had living on the island for six months.

My Co-Op Experience: Natalia

Upon my return to Boston, I’ve heard the same question over and over from my classmates and friends: “How was Hawaii?” This is a surprisingly difficult question for me. I usually answer with some variation on the words “spectacular”, “completely amazing”, or perhaps a succinct “epic”, but no matter what I say, the words seem lacking to describe how much the experience truly meant to me.

Living in Kailua and working at Fukuji & Lum has without a doubt been the best six months of my life to date. I got to work with such amazing, compassionate, intelligent people who provided me a real life example of what culture- and value-oriented health care is all about. I got to learn from uniquely skilled, experienced, and dedicated physical therapists who were incredibly generous in sharing their knowledge and went out of their way to give me an educational experience I don’t think I could have gotten anywhere else. I got to become familiar with types of treatments not all practitioners learn even after graduation, such as PRI, Strain-Counterstrain, and NAIOMT.

Over the past six months, I have grown so much and become more confident in myself as an individual, a healthcare professional, and a future physical therapist. And of course, I got to do all this in between weekends spent exploring sheer clifftops, cascading waterfalls, colorful pillboxes, jungle forests, ancient ruins, hidden treehouses, vibrant reefs, and white-sand beaches; eating amazingly ono grinds from all around the island, from the food trucks in Haleiwa to ramen in Honolulu; and visiting unique cultural places like the city graffiti of Kaka’ako or the tranquil beauty of the Byodo-in Temple, among so many others.

Along the way, I got to forge incredible friendships with my coworkers, roommates, patients and more. Living in Hawaii taught me to open up so much more than I ever used to and showed me just how easy it is to make friends, be it with someone I met on the top of the Makapu’u lighthouse hike, in downtown Honolulu, at the beach playing volleyball, or even in the clinic. I’m so grateful that I got to share some pretty awesome island experiences with such a large variety of people. No matter where I was or how much of a stranger I felt at first, I was always welcomed and treated like ohana. From my experience, the “aloha spirit” is very much a real and tangible thing; the islands really bring people together.

One of the things I’m really glad I did was visiting Kauai to take in the views along the steep Na Pali Coast hike and from the top of Waimea Canyon. Each island is so different and offers so many unique experiences, which I didn’t realize until after I had gone to Kauai. I hope to come back to Hawaii and experience more of the adventures each island has to offer. And despite all the hikes and adventures I managed to fit in, there are still things on my Oahu bucket list I have yet to do!

As I return to classes and adjust back to life in Boston (which, right now, is far hotter and stickier than Hawaii was, unfortunately), I am constantly reminded about how lucky and blessed I was to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains, bays and waterfalls in the world, all within such close reach. I deeply treasure all of the connections and ongoing relationships I made there, and it’s hard to be so far away; the island life already seems so distant. I think warmly of the patients I helped to treat and the amazing people I worked with, and I’m trying to bring some of that aloha spirit they showed me along with me back to Boston. If I’m being honest, I wish I could still be working at Fukuji & Lum – six months seemed too short! But I know that the rest of my education lies in front of me, and the island will always be there to welcome me back. In the meantime, I’ll have to settle to listening to Kolohe Kai and Jack Johnson while studying for midterms in the library, dreaming of Lanikai beaches.

Mahalo and aloha oe to everyone in Fukuji & Lum and anyone who’s touched my life in Hawaii in someway. I hope to be back to say aloha again some day.

Love,

Natalia

Happy at Work

January 25, 2016 By Mark Yanai

Mahalo & Aloha Victoria

As we introduce our new Co-Ops, we also say goodbye to those who have completed the fall semester. Victoria guest blogs for me as she reflects back on the past six months and her experience with F&L.

There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t wish I could be back in Hawaii (especially with Boston’s current 30 degree weather). I had wanted to apply to the Fukuji and Lum co-op ever since I first heard about it three years ago. As someone who loves to travel, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to continue my physical therapy education while living in and experiencing a new place.

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While the thought of moving halfway around the world for six months seemed intimidating, the Fukuji and Lum family welcomed us with open arms and showed us the true meaning of “Aloha” from day one. I feel truly lucky to have had the privilege of getting to know both the staff members and patients at F&L. From giving me my first spam musubi to inviting us to an Okinawan festival, everyone went out of their way to ensure we experienced all aspects of the Hawaiian culture. The always calm and friendly Hawaiian spirit was impossible not to catch and is something I hope to always keep with me.

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My weeks in Hawaii were filled with learning while I worked at the Kailua and Kaneohe Clinics as well as the Aquatic Therapy program in Kaneohe. The dedicated physical therapists and PTA’s were always there to encourage me and answer my many questions. Thanks to them, I have come back to Boston knowing more than I ever thought I could learn in six months and with a greater drive to continue learning and complete my final three years of physical therapy school.

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Growing up a swimmer, Kaneohe pool’s Aquatic Therapy program made me feel at home immediately. Working with physical therapists Rachel, Jocelyn, and Joy, as well as the rest of the aquatic therapy staff, Deb, Billy, Wes and my fellow co-op Connor, there was always somebody ready to show me new techniques or answer a question. During my six months, I was able to watch the program grow and have gained a greater understanding of Aquatic Therapy and the many benefits it provides.

In the Kailua clinic I worked closely with Randall Fukuji and Clarise who introduced me to PRI (Postural Restoration Institute), an approach to physical therapy that I had never heard of before coming to Hawaii. In the clinic, I instructed patients in their exercises and assisted with some manual techniques. I’ve learned the importance of keeping an open mind and always continuing my education as a physical therapist.

In Kaneohe’s Lower Atherton Clinic I was able to assist and observe physical therapists Jamie, Brad and Nate, and gained an appreciation for the many different ways each of them treated patients. Also, PTAs Colleen and Janie were always there to teach me new exercises and answer any of my questions. From observing evaluations, manual therapy, and attending different in-services, the Kaneohe clinic kept me constantly learning.

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Outside the clinic, my weekends were always exciting and filled with different adventures. My favorite memories include many muddy hikes and beautiful beaches, as well as kayaking to the Mokulua island, spending days on the North Shore, and swimming with wild spinner dolphins. I don’t think thank you is enough to describe how grateful I am to each one of my coworkers, patients, and new friends for making Windward Oahu feels like home.

Aloha,

Victoria

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Mark's Blog

August 31, 2015 By Mark Yanai

Finding Teagan: A New Home

Teagan Ferguson’s Co-Op Experience

When I think about Teagan, I get a little misty eyed. I first interviewed her for a co-op position a year before she arrived on Oahu. She was very quiet and reserved. Honestly, I was concerned that she wasn’t ready for the experience of being so far from home so I recommended that she apply again the following year. She ended up traveling to Hawaii with her family and visited our facilities. She contacted me and again expressed her desire to join us. Her determination to join us was evident and I offered her the position gladly.

Throughout Teagan’s six-month employment with us, her skills, along with her confidence, grew immensely as she worked closely with our patients and staff therapists. What amazed me the most about Teagan, was her ability to adapt. Due to multiple unexpected changes, she was asked to deal with changes to her schedule, including moving locations, and working with different programs. She definitely displayed a level of maturity that impressed us all and became one of our most versatile, multi-skilled clinicians that patients embraced as their own.

Here’s what she wrote about that experience.

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I’ve traveled my whole life and never lived anywhere very long. I’m honestly not one to jump at a chance to travel more, but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to revisit the place where I was born. After my co-op with Fukuji and Lum I was really glad I had taken the trip to work with them. F &L is truly a family, one that includes the patients that we cared for. I was able to work at Lower Atherton’s Outpatient Clinic and in Aquatic Therapy at the pool.

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With the F&L family I was able to solidify my skills in the outpatient clinic and learn a lot about clinical decisions from Jamie, whom I worked closely with. It was great to see things from her perspective as a newer PT and learn some tips along the way.

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Down at the pool I had the ever-amazing Rachael Hyland to guide my learning. She helped me grow from a nervous student to someone who was ready to take on clinical education with confidence.

It was amazing to see how much could be done in an aquatic setting, from ROM to conditioning and balance, and how creative the field could be. I was grateful that I could have such a positive experience in the field I’d like to specialize into.
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The things I’ve learned as a co-op student aren’t the only things I’m thankful for either. Everyone shared their part of Hawaii, whether it was food from our lovely patients, Colleen opening her doors to house us or Ryan and Talon showing us the social life. The staff went out of their way to really make this a wonderful experience for all of us.
Being back in classes definitely isn’t the same as being on an island but after this experience I’m much more motivated and have valuable insight. I look forward to a chance to return to Oahu and hopefully make it a more permanent accommodation.
Mahalo,
Teagan Ferguson

Happy at Work Uncategorized

June 17, 2015 By Mark Yanai

F&L’s 4th Annual Free Car Wash

This past Saturday, F&L held it’s 4th Annual Free Car Wash at the Kokokahi YWCA. Each year, F&L offers a FREE car wash as a service to our Windward community. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for supporting our organization. This year is extra special, as we celebrate twenty years of providing physical therapy to our community.

The car wash was the perfect event for our patients to watch us sweat as we washed their dirty cars. My favorite moment happened when one of my current patients enjoyed bossing me around by pointing out spots that I missed on her car so she could return the “favor” of working hard in therapy. She was determined to make us feel the wrath of her commands even though her truck was already spotless! We all had a great laugh!

Community events like the car wash are great ways for F&L to express our company values. F&L has always placed our values at the forefront of our commitments. Nurturing relationships is perhaps our greatest value and expressing gratitude toward those that we serve can be a powerful reminder of that value. Seeing our patients arrive at the car wash allowed us to interact with them in a different setting, which often brought on smiles and laughter.

We look forward to continuing our tradition of free car washes for many years to come. The feeling of declining to accept donations was fulfilling and continued to bring disbelief among patrons. See you all next year with your dirty cars!

Please look for information for next year’s car wash on our website and Facebook page.

Happy at Work

March 27, 2015 By Mark Yanai

Saying Goodbye

On Friday, March 20th, F&L said goodbye to two team members, Jenni and Jeralyn. These gals made a big impact on our staff, patients and community and truly embraced the F&L culture during their time with us. We are grateful to have had them as part of our ohana.

Jeralyn was Kaneohe’s medical receptionist for the past year and a half and always greeted everyone with her big smile and warm personality. But I discovered that beyond that grin, Strength was what carried her day to day and it reflected in her attitude when helping others. Her ability to be strong for herself and her co-workers during all the changes that Kaneohe went through the past year, especially the clinic move to Kokokahi, was tremendous.

A new opportunity and challenge came about in Jeralyn’s career. She decided to join the Navy. The decision to serve her country is typical of what I’ve become to expect out of her. I know that her strength will serve her well in this new venture.

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This past weekend we gathered at the Kaneohe clinic to have a going away party for Jeralyn. Her wish before leaving the F&L ohana was to do one last activity as a family, and she chose painting. An art teacher from Moanalua instructed all of us on how to paint a “whimsical tree” portrait. For most of us, it was our first painting experience since grade school. We had a great time painting together and enjoyed each other’s company.

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Jenni has been one of our main physical therapist assistants at our Kailua clinic since 2012. She came to us as a graduate of Kapiolani Community College’s PTA program. Jenni is a fun-loving, carefree spirit and was the queen of F&L dress-up days. She always got the most compliments during our Halloween and Spring Break activities.

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As a physical therapist, I enjoyed working with Jenni because she was always willing to learn and was able to adapt to others well. Like her many crazy and amusing characters she portrayed, we will miss her funny faces and infectious laugh.

Earlier this month, we gathered together for a wild and exciting night with Jenni to celebrate the joy she has brought to our company. She will soon be heading to the mainland to explore the Great Northwest and I’m sure she will share her happiness with others wherever she settles.

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Jeralyn and Jenni are perfect examples of the type of employees who sincerely exudes all of our organization’s core values, but especially, the value of “Embracing Change and Encourage Growth”. I hope they will continue to succeed in their future endeavors with this value as their guide. We thank them for their years of service, helping us to deliver happiness and compassion daily. Our F&L family will miss them dearly and wish them well.

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Happy at Work

March 17, 2015 By Mark Yanai

Happy Spring Break!

Spring Break Fun

This week, thousands of college students will flock down to Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Lake Havasu and Acapulco Beach for an annual gathering of fun, sun, alcohol, and shenanigans. Where did this craziness originate?

According to a TIME Magazine article in 2009, it started with the Greeks and Romans, when they celebrated the arrival of spring as a time of fertility and awakening (read the article here). More recently, the tradition of going south to Florida started when college coaches held an annual gathering at the Casino Pool in Fort Lauderdale.

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The first Olympic-sized pool in Florida held the annual competition which began in 1938 and brought in over 300 competitors yearly. This continued to gain in popularity and in 1959 inspired the making of the movie, Where the Boys Are, which starred Connie Francis and George Hamilton.

By the 70s and 80s, the tradition of college students flocking to Florida became commercialized and MTV launched its first televised special from Daytona Beach, which still continues today. Spring break has spread beyond the Florida beaches and is celebrated in just about anywhere a beach can be found.

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At F&L, we celebrate Spring Break in our own, unique way. The past week we have themed dress up days, where employees AND patients are encouraged to celebrate this “break” from the status quo. Pajama, whacky sock, sports and favorite musician day allowed us to enjoy a little buzz in our clinics this week. The anticipation of seeing what each of us would wear and watching the reaction of our patients are priceless.

This craziness will continue this week as we celebrate grandparents, rainbows, St. Patrick, bacon, and retro days. These activities are a part of our culture and our mission to “deliver fun and happiness”. At F&L, we practice creating an environment that generates joy, happiness, gratitude and fun. We want our patients to feel as if they are among family, albeit a whack one.

Feel free to join us in dressing up, we love it when patients participate. Keep track of our daily activities via Facebook and Instagram and let us know what you think.

References

A Brief History of Spring Break. (2009, March 30). In TIME Magazine. Retrieved 19:02, March 15, 2015, from http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1888317,00.html

Where the Boys Are. (2015, March 11). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:02, March 15, 2015, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Where_the_Boys_Are&oldid=650967306

Connie Francis. (2015, March 14). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:08, March 15, 2015, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Connie_Francis&oldid=651385004

George Hamilton (actor). (2015, March 6). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:08, March 15, 2015, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=George_Hamilton_(actor)&oldid=650221082

MTV. (2015, March 14). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:31, March 15, 2015, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MTV&oldid=651391806

Happy at Work

February 9, 2015 By Mark Yanai

The New Co Ops Are Here! Meet Sarah! (Part 3)

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MEET SARAH!

Sarah Agustin is our third Co-op from NEU who joined F&L this January. She is a graduate student in the physical therapy program and will soon graduate later this year. Sarah is also our very first student who is “homegrown” right here in the islands from the Nuuanu area.

Here’s a little bit about Sarah and her perspective of what it feels like to be from Hawaii and going away to the mainland for school.

What school did you attend in high school and what’s your current college?

I was born and raised in Honolulu and graduated from Iolani School in 2008. I completed my undergraduate degree at Concordia University in Irvine, CA majoring in Athletic Training. I am currently a Post-Baccalaureate of Physical Therapy at Northeastern University.

What drew you to physical therapy?

Being in the athletic training program I had the opportunity to shadow several physical therapists and see the impact they made on athletes’ lives. Seeing the process from acute care to post op, I knew this was my niche.

Why did you want to do your Northeastern Co-op in Hawaii?

Being from Hawaii I wanted to find a way to return to the islands to give back to the community. F&L offered a wide variety of therapy services that i could learn from which will allow me to build a better foundation.

What has your experience been like so far?

I was excited to return home after being away for a year to enjoy warm weather, ono grinds, and family and friends. I am excited to show the Co-op students what Hawaii has to offer.

What have you missed about Hawaii that you realized being away for college?

Being away for college I realized how lucky I was to live in Hawaii. I really missed the variety of foods and the Aloha spirit. I missed being able to wear my “rubbah slippahs” daily and not worry about the weather today, tomorrow or the next day.

What was the first thing that you were looking forward to eating when you came home?

Right off the plane my first stop was Nimitz BBQ for meat jun packed with a variety of Korean vegetables. Over the next several weeks I enjoyed Grandma’s Filipino food, Poke bowls, and Helena’s Hawaiian food.

Being the first Co-op from NEU to return to Hawaii at F&L, what are you hoping to find out about the experience?

During the first month at F&L I have witnessed a variety of skills and extensive knowledge throughout the staff. I am hoping to gain a better understanding of each of their specialties and how I can apply it to my future career. Such as: Graston techniques, manual therapy, and aquatics.

What’s been unique about F&L from your other experience in physical therapy clinics?

F&L is unique in that they focus on creating relationships not only between their employees but also with their patients. I really value that F&L embraces change, encourages growth, and challenges me to grow in my profession.

What is on your to do list while here in the Islands?

On my bucket list is to do many different hikes but most of all tackling Kalalau on Kauai. I also want to leave this Co-op experience with a better understanding of our profession.

What are your interests outside of school and work?

I love hiking, going to the beach, and spending quality time with my Ohana. I also love staying active and seeking new adventures.

What kind of therapist do you hope to be?

I hope to be a therapist that has a vast understanding of various modes of physical therapy techniques. I have an interest in specializing in hand therapy and prosthetics.

Who is your greatest influence in your life?

My greatest influence is my parents who have instilled the importance of a good work ethic. They have encouraged me to set high goals and to never give up.

Happy at Work

Pay Bill

Tag: Kaneohe

Introducing Colby

Meet Jocelyn

The Awesome Experience of Finding Yourself

The Hi Life of the Supposed

Mahalo & Aloha Victoria

Finding Teagan: A New Home

F&L’s 4th Annual Free Car Wash

Saying Goodbye

Happy Spring Break!

The New Co Ops Are Here! Meet Sarah! (Part 3)