Never say never
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Alumna: Robyn Smith
Alumnus: Class of 2007, College of Health Professions, Associate of Science, Physical Therapist Assistant
Campus: Montgomery
Employment: Physical Therapist Assistant at Restore Therapy in Prattville, Alabama
Robyn Smith loves working with the elderly every day. Ask her if she wanted to use her physical therapy assistant degree to work with geriatric patients though, and she quickly says “no.”
“I actually didn’t find this job it found me. I guess when God wants to put you somewhere that’s where you are going to go.”
Robyn was set on studying physical therapy in college after she suffered a back injury in high school and went through physical therapy during rehabilitation. She also wanted to remain close to home in Deatsville, Ala., which is why she chose South University’s Montgomery campus.
“I had only heard good things about their PTA program, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
She credits the assistance and patience of Professor Faith Berryman for helping her make it to graduation and passing her board exam in 2007. Shortly after graduation, Restore Therapy, a company that contracts physical, speech and occupational therapists to skilled nursing facilities, contacted Robyn.
Robyn said it took a lot of prayer, but she accepted the position as PTA in November 2007 and has loved it from the start. She teaches patients how to walk again as well as fall prevention and general strengthening skills.
“I find it very rewarding and emotional when a patient of mine who hasn’t walked in a while takes steps again. It makes going to work every day worth it to know that I can help improve the quality of life for some of these patients.”
Now ask her about her dream job.
“I am already in my dream job. I just didn’t know it was my dream job until I started working in it.”