Meet the Class of 2025!
Four students share what inspired them to pursue physical therapy and what they are most looking forward to over the next two years.
Melina Marini
What made you interested in pursuing physical therapy?
I love being active and I have a passion for health and wellness. Growing up, I participated in many sports including dance, volleyball and weightlifting. When I was young, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. My physiotherapist worked with me by giving me exercises and using non-invasive treatments to reduce my pain. I was thrilled to be able to continue my active lifestyle with little impact on my quality of life. This experience led me to complete an undergraduate degree in kinesiology where I did a practicum placement with a physiotherapist. Seeing firsthand the joy on people’s faces when they were able to move without pain was such a special experience. It is so special to be able to be a part of a therapeutic relationship and watch patients continue to do the activities that they love.
What did you do before coming to U of T?
I am from Kelowna, B.C. I studied human kinetics at the University of British Columbia and completed a practicum with a kinesiologist and a physiotherapist. I loved the hands-on experience I received, as I got to do a variety of sports taping, and implementing patients’ treatment plans. While I was in school, I worked as a care professional aid where I got to meet so many incredible seniors and provide them with care so they could maintain their quality of life. I also worked as a community support worker for individuals with diverse abilities. Working with them was so fulfilling and fostered my love of helping others.
What are you most looking forward to in your studies? What are you nervous about?
I am looking forward to meeting so many new people in this program and getting to experience a whole new city! I am most looking forward to exploring different areas of physiotherapy through the clinical internships. I am so excited to learn more about neuroscience and musculoskeletal health and apply this to physiotherapy practice and research. I am most nervous about finding balance in schoolwork and other aspects of life, but I am so excited to start this new chapter and learn all the practical skills of a physiotherapist!
What do you like to do outside of school?
I love spending time outdoors – I love hiking, skiing, camping and travelling. I love spending time at the gym and helping others to achieve their health goals. I grew up doing ballet and contemporary dance, which played a big role in my love for the human body and all it can do, and I enjoy other sports like volleyball and soccer. Anything that requires movement, I am there! In my free time I also love cooking up a storm, hanging out with friends and reading a good book.
Justyn Ng
What made you interested in pursuing physical therapy?
My interest in physical therapy started after I tore multiple ligaments in my ankle while playing basketball. I went to physiotherapy where I witnessed the all-encompassing impact that treating an injury can have on an individual. My physiotherapist was constantly encouraging and motivating me to get back to the physical level I was at, and this helped me to believe in myself and gave me so much confidence. Knowing someone cares about you and wants you to succeed is a feeling I cherish, and I know I want to give that same feeling to others in the future.
I have also enjoyed learning about anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics and a career in physical therapy will give me an opportunity to apply my passion for these subjects.
What did you do before coming to U of T?
Last summer, I volunteered at a neurological clinic where I helped the physiotherapists during therapy and exercise sessions and taught patients some agility ladder exercises. This was my first time in a neurological therapy setting and it was amazing learning complex movements and exercises I have never seen before.
During the last year of my undergraduate studies, I worked as a kinesiology practicum student at a physical therapy clinic. This was a great learning experience for me as I was able to teach exercises to patients and apply different therapies.
What are you most looking forward to in your studies? What are you nervous about?
I am most looking forward to learning more about musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological therapy as well as practicing all the different clinical skills. I have always been fascinated by how knowledgeable and skilled physical therapists are when it comes to human movement and rehabilitation, and I cannot wait to learn all the different hands-on skills. I am also looking forward to meeting like-minded people in my class who share a passion for physical therapy. One thing I am nervous about is being in a new environment. This is my first time going to school in Toronto and I know it will take some time to adjust. However, I am ready to tackle any challenges that come and cannot wait to get started!
What do you like to do outside of school?
One of my favourite things to do is thrifting! I have always been interested in fashion and the joy and excitement of finding hidden gems at a thrift store is unmatched. I also love going to the driving range. This summer, the driving range has been my second home as I have been trying to improve my swing.
Vala Gharagozlou
What made you interested in pursuing physical therapy?
Growing up I played a lot of sports, which came with countless injuries, and I ended up spending a lot of time at physiotherapy clinics for rehabilitation. I became fascinated by the physical therapist's ability to treat injuries through physical activity and decided to pursue physical therapy as a career.
What did you do before coming to U of T?
I studied kinesiology and health science at York University. I also spent some time volunteering at a physiotherapy clinic and working as a physiotherapy assistant at a community health centre where I mostly interacted with seniors.
What are you most looking forward to in your studies? What are you nervous about?
I am looking forward to learning more about the different areas of physical therapy and putting my theoretical knowledge into practice. I am excited to learn hands-on skills from experienced clinicians. Despite my excitement, I am nervous about juggling the heavy workload along with a commute each day.
What do you like to do outside of school?
During my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, strength training, reading books and cooking. I love to try new cuisines and create combinations that have not been explored before!
Kevin Tong
What made you interested in pursuing physical therapy?
Knowing that one day I will get to use my knowledge and experiences to help a young athlete to play sports is what motivated me to pursue a career in physical therapy. I am excited to learn more about different injuries and conditions and how I will be able to provide preventative and rehabilitative treatment to athletes.
What did you do before coming to U of T?
Before coming to U of T, I studied kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. I also volunteered at a physical therapy clinic for individuals with neurological conditions and at another health clinic in Vancouver. I also volunteered as a research assistant for Sports Cardiology BC, an organization that does research on the risk factors and warning signs for cardiovascular events and helps people to safely participate in sports.
What are you most looking forward to in your studies? What are you nervous about?
I am most looking forward to getting hands-on clinical experience in my placements. I am nervous about moving to a completely new city.
What do you like to do outside of school?
Outside of school, I play ultimate on the U24 National Team, and I coach a youth club ultimate.