In this next post, the pace of the blog will shift to hear Jessica Liberio’s side of how classroom learning has been beneficial to her. It is worthwhile to hear the other end of the spectrum and how classroom learning has aided in some individuals career paths.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Liberio, who is currently enrolled in Neumann University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program with an anticipated graduation date of May in 2025. Liberio is a recent graduate of Temple University’s College of Public Health. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Professions this past May. Liberio’s dream job is to be a physical therapist so she can “help individuals improve their physical well-being and quality of life.” In addition, Liberio revealed that she “hopes to help her patients achieve their goals and return to their desired life as quickly as possible.” 

Liberio had her eyes on the prize when she decided to begin her doctorate degree of Physical Therapy just six days after her undergraduate graduation. In her opinion, this was the best option because she was still in “school mode.” She explains that it would have been a lot harder to go back if she had waited a few months or even a year. Starting grad school immediately did not give her time “to change her opinion on school.” She also feels that her chances of being accepted into a program would have been less likely with the time gap.  

In Liberio’s case, she feels that she learned some of her best lessons through the classroom experience. Liberio says “during undergrad a lot of the time we are sitting in the classroom wondering when we are ever going to use this stuff, but for me, I am actually using the stuff from the classroom in grad school.” The material from her undergrad classes directly correlates to the success she is finding currently. She also explained that she feels independence was a major part of her college career. Going forward, she feels that she is confidently able to form her own opinions on essentially every issue.