Meet Jorge Cuautemoc Orozco ‘21 (Kinesiology with an emphasis in Physical Therapy) and senior Nadia A. Orozco (Kinesiology and Nutrition Science)
Jorge, you’ll earn your Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chapman University in August 2024. How did Whittier prepare you for this competitive program?
While at Whittier College, I gained exposure to the PT field by participating in internships and volunteer opportunities in settings like outpatient orthopedic and skilled nursing facilities, helping me create more concrete goals for my future.
Working with the department’s equipment helped me become knowledgeable about useful tools appropriate for different work settings and allowed me to be more understanding when people describe their personal experiences using them. Access to faculty was helpful in acquiring graduate school references, learning about different opportunities on and off campus, and for discussions to gain their insight on topics helpful in determining which path I wanted to pursue in life. Participating in on-campus events, such as alumni talks and resume workshops, also helped develop my professional goals.
Nadia—you, your parents, and your brother have all been part of Whittier’s Kinesiology program. What are your favorite things about the program?
Professors are passionate and knowledgeable. They want to see us succeed and it shows through their actions and willingness to help students out whenever we need. Not only that but the classes with labs have been enjoyable. The tools and technology I’ve been able to use in my classes have made it interesting and provided a unique and more hands-on experience compared to other schools with larger class sizes that I've been in. I also like the events held by the KNS program which have allowed me to meet a variety of professionals who've graduated from Whittier’s KNS program including educators, healthcare professionals, athletic trainers, and others.
What has Whittier College meant to you and your family, Nadia?
Whittier College is a place my family loves and appreciates! We are proud to have gotten our education here in such a personal and great community. It has allowed for amazing opportunities and has been a huge stepping stone for all of our careers. We are incredibly grateful for Whittier College.
Why should a prospective student consider Whittier College, Jorge?
The small class sizes and easier access to professors are a huge benefit of Whittier. Getting the classes you need is not as much of an issue as it is at bigger schools and can help reduce the total amount of time you spend getting your degree. Whittier’s small community also helps to make participation in events and access to helpful tools/equipment easier. This small community facilitates relationship-building and can be helpful for getting references when you need them. Whittier also offers a good amount of scholarships and financial aid for students who qualify.
