Name: Aya Hassan
Graduation Year: 2018
Major: Exercise Science
How did you decide on your major?
Ever since I had volunteered at Robert Wood Johnson in high school, I knew I'd want to become a physical therapist at Rutgers. I fell in love with the idea of changing lives by optimizing the human experience through movement. So I chose my major to help further prepare myself for PT school.
What is it about your chosen field (and the department) that appealed to you?
The major provides so many classes that expose you to a variety of healthcare fields. I learned of so many different careers that I never heard about before. The department, clubs, and advisors really help guide each student in their undergraduate studies in order for them to reach their career goal. Choosing this major not only helped me take all my pre-requisite courses for PT school, but also helped expand my knowledge in the field.
Do you have a favorite class/professor within your major?
Functional Human Anatomy with Dr. Lentine was my all time favorite course! It opened my eyes to learning more about the human body, muscles, bones, etc. and it made me love the field even more! Currently, I'm really enjoying Biomechanics, taught by Dr. Manfredonia, because the curriculum is all PT- based. He relates the material with patient stories and teaches lots of material about PT – the class is phenomenal, I always feel like I’m in a PT school class!
What are your favorite academic experiences outside of your major?
Being Vice President of the Rutgers Visionary Lions Club has been a great experience for me. Community service was always something that I enjoyed doing and giving that opportunity to students makes it even better. I learned that there are many ways to change lives in the world, and if one person can make a small difference for a cause, everyone joins in and supports them, making the difference even bigger. It’s the little things that really do go a long way!
What are your other Rutgers activities?
I’m the President & Founder of the Kinesiology MBF club. I was a Course Assistant for both courses: Functional Human Anatomy and Exercise & Aging. I played in the RU Women’s Club Basketball team for a year. I used to work as a Front Desk Assistant at CAG. All of these great positions and experiences really shaped me into the person I am today.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to work on getting my EP-C (Exercise Physiologist certification). I’ll continue to work as a physical therapy aide and volunteer at PT clinics while applying to Physical Therapy schools.
