Fall 2015 Student News
By: Jodie McGill & Kaitlyn Purcell, Dalhousie Physiotherapy Student Society
Another back-to-school season has quickly come to an end as the students of Dalhousie's Physiotherapy program got settled into their, for some, new home. There were many hugs and stories shared between the returning Class of 2016 as well as many bright-eyed new faces in the Class of 2017.
The Dalhousie Physiotherapy Student Society of 2016, consisting of Jodie McGill (president), Michelle Baker (vice-president), Matt Ward (treasurer) and Kaitlyn Purcell (secretary) were busy all summer preparing orientation activities to welcome the incoming class. Events kicked off before the start of classes with the classic campus tour and a meet-and-greet for both classes to mingle. Other orientation activities over the past two weeks have included a trivia night, scavenger hunt, boat cruise and an overnight rafting “getaway”. Welcome gifts were also given to the incoming class, which showcased some the many local businesses students will frequent during their time in Halifax. Hopefully by now the first year students have had the chance to get to know the people and the city they will be spending the next two years with!
While the orientation activities are focused on welcoming the new first years, the now second-year Class of 2016 has been along for the ride. Many laughs have been shared as students catch up after a long summer apart while on clinical placement. It certainly feels much longer than a year ago that we were facing the 97-stairs up to the fourth floor of Forrest building, unsure of exactly what we had gotten ourselves into. Now a year wiser, and only needing to hike to the third floor, we’ve enjoyed the opportunity to reminisce on the good ol’ days, welcome the new class, and help them enjoy the fact that THEY MADE IT!
As orientation comes to an end, FTHOI is coming in like a wrecking ball. The excitement of the second year class will hopefully project onto the incoming class and encourage them to get involved. Physiotherapy is shooting for a 4-peat after all, and we need all hands on deck. Some of our upcoming fundraising events include a Yuk-Yuk’s Comedy night, hockey pool and many (many) more!