Stephanie Irwin is a candidate for director on the Student Assembly Board of Directors.
As a member of the Student Assembly Board of Directors I hope to grasp an even greater understanding of the impact students can have on the profession of physical therapy and learn more about APTA's efforts to advance our profession. I am excited and eager to be an active part of the discussion of ongoing change in our profession and contribute to further development of the association. As much as I anticipate to learn, I have an even greater enthusiasm to serve by pouring into our students and profession.
I have a number of strengths that would allow me to contribute to the Student Assembly, with the greatest being my passion. I have a passion for seizing opportunities to advance the field of physical therapy and for getting students involved in such a way that they create the change that takes our profession to new heights. Because of my interest in the student voice I invest in taking the time to listen to student ideas and needs that I believe drive innovation in the Student Assembly. I hold my commitments to high priority and consider leadership seriously. I view leadership responsibilities as more than just duties, but I invest my heart and energy into both the people and the cause that I serve. When under pressure, I rise to meet the challenge placed before me. I am not afraid to test new strategies, to voice my ideas or to speak on behalf of others and hope for the opportunity to do so as a board member. Alongside my leadership characteristics I strongly believe in teamwork and collaboration and will work to strengthen the Assembly through the contribution of all leaders and students alike.
As part of the Student Assembly Board of Directors I hope to continue to bring schools and students together through community and communication. I will aim to increase student involvement and leadership within the physical therapy community. I have a plan to bring greater awareness to our social responsibility as physical therapists and PT students that is outlined in our Code of Ethics. As the Massachusetts core ambassador I was exposed to areas of communication that need to be strengthened and learned how to more effectively communicate to students and programs. From this experience I seek to provide more consistent communication to students and faculty to inform them about opportunities, while working with state core ambassadors to ensure greater support to help students attend conferences and APTA events. I am specifically interested in spearheading advocacy actions as PT delegate for students to get involved in state and national advocacy, as well as making APTA legislative issues readily available and comprehensible to students. For the past year I have invested time in getting involved and understanding PT legislation through leading students at the Massachusetts State House Advocacy Day and participating in the Federal Advocacy Forum in DC. I intend to use what I’ve learned about advocacy to make advocacy awareness a collaboration among students, faculty, and physical therapists.