meeting new students, involved in university life

Mallary Soileau is a senior kinesiology, pre-physical therapy major with a minor in dance. She is from Pineville.

I am the executive director of Up til Dawn, the treasurer for Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, and the vice president for ASK. I'm a Hometown Hawk, a member of Phi Kappa Phi, and I work in the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs. I was a ULM Warbonnet for three years, a Hawk Seeker, and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, PREP, POP and CAB.

This fall I will apply for Physical Therapy School and pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. I plan to enter into PT school in the fall of 2009. After completing physical therapy school, I hope to one day own my own practice and open a dance studio. I strongly believe that rehab restores lives, and since I have always had a love for helping others, I believe this is a perfect fit for me. I also have a passion for dance and children, so I cannot wait to share that with others.

One of my favorite spots on campus is well ... anywhere along the bayou! Whether it is sitting on one of the benches behind my apartment building to study, or in Bayou Park playing volleyball, the bayou provides such beautiful scenery and a calming effect. I also love to go canoeing!

One of my favorite professors is Mrs. Tommie Church. Mrs. Church is such a dynamic teacher and is truly interested in the well-being of her students. You can tell that she has a passion and love for teaching. I have taken several courses from her, and I have always enjoyed the fun learning environment she creates. I always leave her classes feeling prepared. Mrs. Church has also helped me in several ways outside of the classroom, and I truly appreciate it.

I have two memories that will always stick out when I think back on my days at ULM. One memory would definitely be my summers spent on PREP and POP staff! I loved to meet all the incoming freshmen, learn more about ULM, and perform in the Variety Show. PREP allowed me the opportunity to meet so many new people. I have made some of the most amazing, lasting friendships because of it! Another favorite memory of mine was being named ULM's Most Involved Female Student during my sophomore year. This was truly an honor and very humbling.

ULM has broadened my horizons and given me a pathway to my future. I have learned a lot about myself in the four years that I have been here, and I have grown as a person. ULM has opened my eyes to many new experiences, friends, even cultures. I have learned to take some things with a grain of salt, stress less, and laugh more. I know that I will be prepared to venture out and further my career once I leave ULM.