Active pursuit
Impressed with the physical therapists he shadowed as an exercise science major, Jake chose to pursue the field and specialize in sports and orthopedics. Skills developed as a Raider wrestler—identifying problem areas and perfecting technique—serve Jake well at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, where he is a doctoral student in physical therapy. A member of Northwestern’s Student-Athlete Leadership Team as an undergraduate, Jake fondly remembers the hands-on learning in the human performance lab.What led you to pursue physical therapy?
I love that physical therapy allows me to combine my passions for exercise, working with people and having an active job. My dream job would involve working with high school, college and recreational athletes of all ages.
How do you hope to incorporate your faith into your future practice?
Being able to work with patients, I get the opportunity to be a light for Christ every day. I look to Colossians 3:23 as a reminder to come into work with a positive attitude and put forth my best effort each day as I get to serve.
How did NWC prepare you for your graduate studies?
NWC has a great curriculum and plan that set me up for success. The kinesiology department offers many classes that gave me the knowledge and hands-on experience that carried over into PT school. One thing I think NWC did really well was help me develop communication skills with peers and other professionals.
As a member of the Raider wrestling team, how did you grow as an athlete and as a person?
NWC has a fantastic group of coaches who developed my technique and truly helped me become a lifelong learner and problem-solver. The most valuable life skills wrestling instilled in me were being gritty and adaptable.