My name is Carlie Wytulka and I am a student Nucla High School. This summer I am interning at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. I am working with Dr. Sanderford, Dr. Priest, and Dr. Blevins. My first week was a little hectic, trying to figure out my schedule and all the different buildings to go to. Luckily my host, Nana, helped me find my way around! Once I got everything figured out, I became more and more grateful to be a part of some amazing programs.
The first program I go to is called the “Better Breather’s Club.” This group is located in the Cross Timbers Medical Center. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday a group of people come into the Medical
Center. Two other interns and I take people’s blood pressure, oxygen level, and heart rate, the people then go and excercise for as long as they desire. A few other interns track the exercises and intensity level of the workout. After they exercise, we record their ending blood pressure, oxygen level, and heart rate. I not only helped record the data, but I went around and walked and worked out with a few of these individuals. I already feel like I know these men and women very well in the short time I’ve known them. One gentleman told me he and his buddies used to go up to Lizard Head pass to hunt! For those of you who might not know, Lizard head pass is located near Telluride! Ironic, huh?
Center. Two other interns and I take people’s blood pressure, oxygen level, and heart rate, the people then go and excercise for as long as they desire. A few other interns track the exercises and intensity level of the workout. After they exercise, we record their ending blood pressure, oxygen level, and heart rate. I not only helped record the data, but I went around and walked and worked out with a few of these individuals. I already feel like I know these men and women very well in the short time I’ve known them. One gentleman told me he and his buddies used to go up to Lizard Head pass to hunt! For those of you who might not know, Lizard head pass is located near Telluride! Ironic, huh?
The next program I participate in is at Tarleton State University. This program is a free physical therapy/rehab clinic. People who have had strokes and accidents and have become paralyzed are able to come and exercise in hopes of waking up their muscles. People who aren’t paralyzed but need assistance with strengthening thir muscles are more than welcome as well. For my first week here, my job was just to get to know the clients. I have already made very strong connections with these people. One day I talked to this guy for over an hour about hunting, fishing, rodeos, and pretty much anything else you could think of. He participated in rodeos all over the country and then later was a rodeo judge. Come to find out, he rode a broncos in the Norwood rodeo one year!! In the afternoons, I go to an A&P (Anatomy and Physiology) class at the college. I listen to the lecture, participate in the labs and am expected to take tests just like an enrolled student. This will help me know what to expect from an actual college class. It is also good for me to learn about bones and muscles considering I want to pursue a career in physical therapy.
I am so grateful to be a part of these programs and get to know these amazing people. I look forward to my following weeks here in at Tarleton.
Carlie,
It sounds like you’re enjoying your time at Tarleton and taking advantage of this great opportunity. Thank you so much for sharing. Pat and I are looking forward to reading your future posts. Take care, Pat & Melonie