Ana Uniforme will graduate May 5, 2018, from the University of Texas Permian Basin with a bachelor’s degree Kinesiology and a minor in Biology. 24 days later, she begins the next chapter of her life: the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Texas at El Paso. Ana says she has always been active and from a young age she had a fascination with how the body works and moves. She also knew she wanted to help people. Read below for more on her new adventure and how her experiences at UT Permian Basin helped her succeed in this highly competitive field.
You were recently accepted into several prestigious Physical Therapy schools. What was that process like?
The process was pretty nerve-wracking and expensive. You have to lay all your cards on the table in hopes that it’s enough to get you an interview. Early July when Physical Therapy Central Application Service (PTCAS) opened up for the new cycle, I planned on applying to all the schools in Texas to better my odds, but financially I was not able to do so. Instead, I narrowed down my choices to three schools (UTEP/TECH/TWU). Each of these universities had a great curriculum, reasonable tuition and were located in cities I saw myself living for the next three years.
I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity to further my education, but I have barely scratched the surface to reach my goal which is to become a licensed physical therapist.
What stands out about your years at UT Permian Basin?
What stood out the most is how much I’ve grown as an individual. I came to UT Permian Basin as a wide-eyed freshman just hoping to make it through, graduate and find an average paying job. As time went by, I realized that I could be more and do more thanks to a very encouraging community that pushed me to apply for PT school.
What opportunities did you find at the university that prepared you for your acceptance into PT school and your chosen career path?
Since UTPB is a small university, I was not just a number lost in the system. I actually got to know my professors who steered me to the right direction that ultimately helped me advance in my academic career, make connections with important people and finally meet lifelong friends. I was able to join student senate and serve for two terms as well as become an orientation leader for two summers. This university offers so much more than meets the eye.
Tell us about some of the people at UTPB who encouraged you and impacted your life. How did they play a role in your success?
My boyfriend of three and a half years, Jon Whisenant, has been very instrumental throughout my academic career. He graduated with a BS in Chemistry here at UTPB back in May 2016 and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Texas A&M. He set a high standard for me to follow. During the whole process, he always had words of encouragement and reassurance that my application was competitive. He even boosted my confidence by reminding me that not all applicants carried as heavy a workload [school and work] as me. I cannot thank him enough for being a great example and a warm-hearted individual.
Dr. Steve Trocchio, a UTPB adjunct professor and Director at Monahans Physical Therapy, was the first PT I had the pleasure of shadowing. He is a great mentor and showed me the type of PT I hope to be in the future. One day I hope to be half as good and as knowledgeable as him!
The kinesiology professors (Dr. Eldridge, Dr. Braun, Dr. Morris) were instrumental in my academic growth by challenging me on a daily basis. The Institutional Research and Student Housing staff were very encouraging and understanding throughout the application season and GRE process.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome and how have they shaped your life?
Before my high school graduation, my parents sat me down and told me I wasn’t going to college because they could not afford it. We also had to deal with our immigration papers which were a big hassle. I was fearful that I was going to drown in student debt, but that first semester here at UTPB my family and I finally got our permanent residency card which allowed me to get a job. Soon, I had the opportunity to work for Dr. Denise Watts in Institutional Research at UTPB and I’ve been here ever since. For my entire undergraduate career, I received grants and scholarships that enabled me to stop worrying financially.
This feeling of uncertainty has really helped me to become a very hard-working individual. Aside from being the student assistant at IR, I am also a resident assistant in Student Housing and a PT tech at Optimus Physical Therapy. Three jobs while taking more than 15 hours college load because I refuse to ever feel helpless.
What’s your advice for students who are hoping to follow in your footsteps and begin a great career/graduate program after graduation?
You are your own definition of enough, be POSITIVE! I felt like I wasn’t “good enough” compared to the other applicants, but soon I realized that I was bringing the best version of me to the table which is all anyone can ever ask. There was no need to beat
First 5 Program Helps Prepare Children for School
The University of Texas Permian Basin is stepping up to answer a critical need in the community – make sure all children are ready for school.