accepted the challenge, prepared for the future

Abby Comeaux is a senior kinesiology major from West Monroe.

I have two older sisters, Allison and Ashley.

I have been a member of Alpha Omicron Pi since the fall semester of my freshman year. My mom was in the AOPi chapter at this university when she was in college, so it has been a fun experience to share with her! I am also a member of the Association of Students in Kinesiology, Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi Kappa Phi, the Order of Omega, and Mortar Board Senior Honor Society. Even though I am from the Monroe area and knew many ULM students when I started, I have enjoyed meeting new people and building friendships that will last forever through these organizations.

I am an intern in the pediatric department at Melanie Massey Physical Therapy in West Monroe. This internship has been a great experience so far, and it has prepared me for my future in physical therapy. Before I started, I was asked if I was sure I wanted to work with pediatric patients, and it made me nervous! Now, I am glad I accepted the challenge because working with children has been fun and challenging all at the same time.

I am applying for physical therapy school and am excited to be graduating this December!* I hope to start physical therapy school in May and eventually earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I chose physical therapy because a previous gymnastics coach was a physical therapist, and I was fascinated by how much he knew about how the human body worked together.

My favorite spot on campus would have to be my campus apartment with the beautiful view of the bayou. I have always had awesome roommates, and our apartment is a place where I can get together with my friends and relax when I'm not studying. It's also a great place to catch up on my sleep!

Dr. Fox, my chemistry professor, was my first favorite teacher at ULM. I took his classes when I was a freshman. He gave me confidence and taught me the discipline that helped me succeed throughout college. He also taught me that hard work and hours of studying would eventually pay off with a good grade!

Mrs. Church, one of my kinesiology teachers, is another one of my favorites. She is always there to listen to students, and she understands that we are college students with lots of things on our plate. She genuinely wants us to have a great experience in the kinesiology department at ULM.

Two of my favorite memories at ULM are the skits that the officers in AOPi performed at the last two spring retreats. Since I'm usually calm and quiet, it's fun to act crazy and make people laugh!

Academically, ULM has taught me that I can reach my goals if I try my best. Personally, it has given me confidence and it has taught me the responsibility that comes with living on my own. ULM has been a good stepping stone between high school and physical therapy school, where I will have to move further away from home to attend school.

Most people don't know that when I was younger, I liked to tightrope on the side of the bathtub, even though my parents told me not to, and I have a scar on my chin to prove it!

* Abby was awarded her degree December 19.