Honors in My Field 

Summary: I went on a zoom meeting with Professor Aubrey Jackson Connor on September 27, 2024, at 1:00 pm for about thirty minutes. Professor Jackson Connor focuses on the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation. The first question I asked her was what issues are going on in her field and how they are being addressed? She then responded that the biggest issue is providing the best quality care and accessibility for everyone. She also said that educating the public is an issue because not everyone knows the benefits physical therapy can provide for them for pain. The next question relates to honors college. Since she is a professor at IUI I asked her if she has done an honors contract with a student before. She said that she has done one and that she recommends students reach out to hospitals and facilities to be involved in the community as an honors contract. At the end of the interview, she stated that she is passionate about the education piece of physical therapy. She loves to teach it and help people of all age ranges feel better.

Reflection: This has impacted me because I want to go to medical school, but I do not know which field I want to specialize in. My mother has been going to physical therapy so I can relate to this field. This is a field I have been looking to go into so taking this class and interviewing the professor has led me in a good direction. In relation to honors, Professor Jackson Conner has provided me with many great resources to get involved in the community and do an honors contract. Toward the beginning of the year, I was unsure of the honors contract I wanted to do, so I decided to write a paper. The idea of creating an infographic for the hospital to educate others on resources available to them is a good honors contract I could have done this semester. Overall, meeting with Professor Jackson Conner has given me more opportunities to get involved in my field. This has also given me a map for including honors in my field through different honors contracts I can do and internships and volunteer opportunities I can take.