Quintin Morris '23Physical Therapy

Name: Quintin Morris 
 
Graduation Year: 2023
 
Major: Exercise Physiology
 
My Story:
Growing up, athletics were a major part of my life. I always wanted to be a professional baseball player, that was until I realized what was realistic for me and football actually took over as the sport I loved the most. Through my years in football, I was fortunate enough to never experience a major injury, but I saw my fair share of teammates and friends go down and have season ending injuries. I always felt a great deal of compassion towards these teammates and would want to do anything I could to help them. I think this is what drove me to want to pursue a career in the medical field.
 
In 2019, I came to Gustavus to continue my education and play football. I met so many great people over the years, but the experience that sticks with me the most is volunteering/shadowing at River’s Edge Hospital. I had the opportunity to work alongside physical therapist’s in a class called Rock Steady Boxing. This was a group exercise class for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. There is no cure for the disease, but the incorporation of high impact exercise and working in a group fitness class works to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s. I spent my time in the class coaching and prompting the participants to do different exercises and movements. Some of the participants needed my constant attention with me by their side and others could probably take me out. I learned a lot about working with a geriatric population and how much more physical therapy was than just working with athletes.
 
Through my time at Rock Steady and numerous other shadowing experiences, with the help of my academic advisor and the lovely health profession specialist, I had built a strong résumé to submit for applications to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). I am super grateful for the help from so many at this school, and for all the time spent at Gustavus. 
 
 
Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)
1. Volunteering/Shadowing at River’s Edge Hospital in Rock Steady Boxing
2. Being a Student-Athlete on the Gustavus Football Team
3. Hammocking in the Arboretum
4. Attending Christmas in Christ Chapel
5. Joining Greek Life
 
Advice:
1. Get help from the Office of Health Professions. The Offic of Health Professions specialist helped me build my resumé, find internships/shadowing opportunities, and write a personal statement.
2. Enjoy the time you have here at Gustavus. It might sound cliche, but it goes by so fast and I wish I would have spent more time getting outside of my comfort zone and tried new things. Go out and enjoy yourself, it’ll probably benefit you in more than one way.
3. Find your groups. Whether that's a friend group, study group, or organization, figure out who you work best with for different areas of your life.
 
Future Plans:
Attending St. Catherine’s University Doctorate of Physical Therapy program, starting Fall 2023.