Emily Johnson ’16

Exercise Science

Biography

After graduating from Taylor's Exercise Science program, I was accepted to join a Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Washington University in St. Louis. Over the following three years I participated in learning through didactic semesters and clinical internships in St. Louis and in various locations across the country including Houston, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Upon graduating with my DPT in 2019, I moved to Phoenix, and began to work as a Physical Therapist in an adult outpatient neurological rehabilitation setting, later transitioning to inpatient neurological acute rehab, where I currently work.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

One of the most formative experiences I had during my years at Taylor was studying abroad in Ecuador with a group of Exercise Science students in the fall of 2013. I could not have asked for a better crew to experience the richness of language, culture, classes, and exploring the country! I feel strongly that the snapshot of international perspective, culture, and practical life skills that I was gifted with through that experience have continued to shape me into the person that I am now.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

I cannot overstate how impactful my department faculty and other university staff/faculty were in my intellectual and spiritual formation during my studies at Taylor. I'd like to extend a specific shout-out to Dr. Hayes and Dr. Renfrow from Exercise Science for their part in preparing me for a competitive graduate program and most importantly for an attitude of lifelong learning. They accomplished this on both a professional and personal level by exemplifying gospel-centered character in the educational realm while simultaneously inviting me and my classmates to spend time in their personal worlds. From open invites to the Hayes' pond to Friday night bonfires, we were invited into discussion on big life lessons and spiritual/philosophical concepts. Many of these conversations have continued to mark my thoughts and lifestyle to this day. I would be remiss if I did not also mention the greatest "Jeff's" of all time—Chief of Police Jeff Wallace and Dr. Jeff Cramer. I had the gift of interacting with these two men and their families through classes and two spring break trips to the Dominican Republic. These trips and experiences were deeply formative to my view of short term missions. I am grateful to have learned alongside and shared experiences with these faculty members! Finally, I look back on my participation in the Exercise Science department's Fit into Health program as a trainer and student manager to have been one of the single most foundational activities to prepare me for what I do professionally today. At the time, it made the most sense to combine fitness, a job, and valuable PT school resume-building experience into one package, let alone the social benefits of networking in the Taylor and Upland communities. Now I look back and see all the ways that my experience in that program also prepared me to foster the interpersonal skills required for clinical buy-in, organization skills to develop a treatment plan and enact systems improvements in a therapy department, and experience mentoring peers in a field that I love.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

All parts of a person, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, contribute to their identity, relationships, sense of meaning, and overall well-being. I have a passion for restoring what is broken, putting to order what has been displaced, and making things new. I desire to help people walk into a life fully lived. I aim to daily walk this out in my vocation as a physical therapist by using the gifts and education that the Lord has given me to bring hope and restoration to my patients and coworkers. The foundation for this passion is derived from the way that the Gospel of Jesus has changed my perspective on myself, my community, and the world at large. Many of these perspectives began their growth during my education at Taylor University and by doing life with the students and staff who live and work there.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

Study abroad if you can, be well-rounded with activities on campus, and intentionally choose a few professors, mentors, or community members to know well. Do not view this as the best four years of your life but as a launching pad and incubator for your debut into the world at large.