Nicole Hignojoz (’06), was elected as a member of the National Student Assembly at the APTA National Student Conclave in Denver, Colorado.  Nicole will be serving on the nominating committee and will be responsible for fostering and mentoring students who want to run for APTA office; she will also serve as a liaison between 4 states, including California. 

Two Chapman students made the most of their final clinical internship by electing to go to Costa Rica. Jaclynn Fernandes ('05) worked at Casa Hogar Luz, a residental care facility for severly disabled individuals in Tres Rios. Maryam Fathi ('05) worked at Clinica Clorito Picado, an outpatient facility serving individuals of all age ranges and various diagnoses in the capitol city of San Jose.

We heard from Jackie and Maryam early in the internship. Here are excerpts from some of their emails:

Hello from Costa Rica,

Maryam and I just got back from visiting Casa Hogar Luz, which will be my internship site.  We had a wonderful experience meeting with the staff, and Christian was great to talk to and share ideas with.  He is so full of energy and love for PT.  We both loved the setup of the facility, the friendly people, and the amazing room for sensory integration and aquatic therapy. I am definitely looking forward to working there as I continue to improve my Spanish. It is truly an amazing experience.
                                                                                                         --Jackie

Hi Dr. McKenzie,

I started my clinical and I really like it. I feel that I’m learning from them, and showing them a lot of our techniques and treatments. The other students are great. I had to give an in-service today on an article that I read and it went well. My Spanish is also coming along.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                         --Maryam

And later:

Hi Dr. McKenzie,

I think this is the best experience that I have ever had and I think it will make me that much better of a therapist. I will tell you all about it when I get back, but definitely tell the classes below us that it is extremely rewarding and worth the money.      
                                                                                                        --Maryam

On my last day at Hogar Luz, the staff gathered around me and the Director presented me with a certificate of completion signed by himself and Diego, one of the Physical therapists. It was an amazing experience and that was a great way to end it. They are really wonderful and I will never forget this experience and the people.             
                                                                                                        --Jackie