Welcoming our Fall NEU PT Students!

We asked Jevin to share some thoughts about what made him decide to go into the physical therapy field as well as why he wanted to do his co-op here in Hawaii.

What school did you attend in high school and what's your current college?
I attended Ridgepoint High School in Missouri Texas, I graduated from the University of Houston with my bachelors. I am currently a student at Northeastern University in Boston enrolled in the DPT program.

What drew you to physical therapy?
I was drawn to physical therapy because it's a profession where you can help others, weather it's through tough injuries or tough times in their lives. With that being said, PT is a rewarding profession, meaning the work environment is friendly and welcoming. I have the ability to interact with patients on a personal level, to create a bond that will help in the process of improving individuals through their impairments and struggles. Most importantly going through physical therapy myself, I have experienced 1st hand the impact physical therapy has on individuals in a positive way and that is what drives me to continue pursuing a DPT. 

Why did you want to do your co-op in Hawaii?
Coming on vacation, I loved the culture and atmosphere. To live here for 6 months is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Also having many family friends in Hawaii, I am not fully alone here and that has made the move easier for myself. Most importantly, compared to the co-ops that were offered on the mainland, Fukuji and Lum I felt in the interview, valued our presence as students as much as I as a student value learning from the staff.

Why did you want to do your co-op in Hawaii?
Coming on vacation, I loved the culture and atmosphere. To live here for 6 months is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Also having many family friends in Hawaii, I am not fully alone here and that has made the move easier for myself. Most importantly, compared to the co-ops that were offered on the mainland, Fukuji and Lum I felt in the interview, valued our presence as students as much as I as a student value learning from the staff.

What has been your experience like so far?
After a month the experience has been great. I love the working environment and the staff at F & L. Everyone has been very welcoming and has treated me as one of their own since day 1 and makes work sometimes not feel like work. As for living, I think just being surrounded by nature has been very calming and beautiful. The only issue I've come across is the time difference so keeping in touch with friends and family has been an obstacle I have had to figure out. 

What's the strangest thing that you've eaten since arriving?
I do not think I have eaten anything strange yet, but this could change in the next 5 months.

What is on your to-do list while here?
During my 6 months in Hawaii, I want to visit all the islands, do as much hiking as possible, and learn how to surf. Most importantly learn more about the culture in Hawaii and what makes life here so unique to anywhere else in the world.

What kind of therapist do you hope to be?
I hope to be a therapist that is compassionate, understanding, and makes the patients feel comfortable and that they matter in each session. Building trust with the patient in a quick manner in order to have the best results for each patient that I will treat in the future. Overall provide a environment for the patients to want to come in and get better, and not just have to come because they have too. 

Who is your greatest influence in your life?
My mom is the greatest influence for me. Seeing how much she has accomplished coming to the United States from Vietnam, not knowing english or a high educational background. For her to be successful in everything she does, whether it is parenting, work, or even just taking care of our family. She inspires me to continue to push for my dreams and strive for success in whatever I pursue in life. Lastly, no matter how successful my mom is, she never loses sight of her values and continues to be a caring, compassionate individual who can accomplish anything in life. I hope one day I can be like her.