Jordan Anderson, SPT | 2nd Year DPT Student @ University of Saint Mary

I believe Jordan deserves to be featured in the Spotlight to show that PT students can do so much to help people; not just in our own family or community but around the world too! Jordan is an amazing young woman with an amazing story that deserves to be shared! - DPT Student @ Univ. of Saint Mary

Jordan is proving herself as a leader, giver, and an impact to the community. She has impressive experience with traveling to Haiti to volunteer her time at an orphanage where she helps treat young children with disabilities! This year Jordan has put together a group of classmates to join her on a trip to Haiti. Check out below why Jordan was nominated as a SPT Spotlight, and be sure to follow our Facebook page  for notifications when another Spotlight is featured! 
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“After graduating with my Bachelors, I planned to start the DPT program immediately, however, like many of us, I was not accepted that first year after undergrad.  So, I did what most hopeful PT students would do and sought to gain more experience in the field.  While I wasn’t necessarily looking for the opportunity, I stumbled upon an orphanage in Haiti that was looking for summer interns. For two months I worked with thirty-eight children, both special needs and able-bodied, at Notre Maison/St. Joe’s Orphanage in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti.  I assisted with therapy, helped the nannies with daily care, planned and implemented summer activities, as well as took children to doctor’s appointments and orthotic fittings.
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Taking that leap of faith and traveling to Haiti has been life changing.  In fact, it’s hard to put into words the impact the country and children have had on me.  Haiti is a place like no other, filled with a rich culture and hope.  The people are filled with a zest for life and will do anything to lend a helping hand.  I have seen pure joy on a child’s face when he stands for the first time or gets her turn to ride the one bike in the orphanage.  I have learned how stepping away from what is familiar to me for a short moment can change another person for a life-time.

Since returning home, I have been serving on the orphanage’s advisory board, where I co-manage their website, social media, and quarterly newsletter.  The children and country of Haiti have had such an impact on me that I plan to travel and assist the children for the rest of my life.  As PT’s, we are given a skillset that can help so many.  Sometimes the biggest difference can be made with one little step outside our comfort zone.
If you are interested in the orphanage or interning, please check our website at https://gertrudesorphanage.weebly.com or feel free to email me at Jordan.anderson@my.stmary.edu I’d love to chat with you!”