Page 16 - OPTA Volume 48

Student SIG Report Carolyn Hinkle, PT, DPT – Chair
What a year, and an unexpected wrap-up for the Student SIG’s activities as Covid-19 altered the course of our work together—yet much was still accomplished by the SSIG this year. In particular, students focused on: increasing the SSIG’s online presence, re-designing the annual student programs, and making the transition to video conference calls where our SSIG board conducted expert interviews and created video content tailored to our student membership’s interests .
16 | September 2020 | OPTA
In response to all the new challenges faced
– virtual classes, postponed clinicals, the uncertainty of the times – students led with resilience, adaptability, and looking for ways to help each other and their communities . On a recent SSIG call, students shared the mantra to “Grow where you’re planted .” The SSIG aims to move forward with that spirit to flourish in any given circumstances . We hope you will follow along with our progress through the SSIG website (found under the “Students” tab on the OPTA website) and through our social media channels (@OPTAstudents) .
As an expansion to the SSIG’s traditional Student Volunteer Challenge, this year, we considered additional student activities in a new Program of the Year Challenge . There were wonderful acts
of service by many students across the state, and ultimately The University of Toledo earned the win with their efforts logging charity run/walk miles and establishing a council to increase awareness about PT to underrepresented populations and promote cultural diversity in our profession .
Well done, UT DPT students! A big thank you also goes out to Malerie Takach, PT, DPT and her committee for their excellent work in organizing this Challenge . The SSIG is looking forward to expanding the Program of the Year Challenge in the coming year, and we hope every Ohio PT and PTA program will participate .
Thank you to our entire outgoing SSIG board! Your dedication and service to the SSIG have helped
to advance student engagement in the OPTA,
and your contributions are much appreciated .
Best wishes to our graduating student leaders beginning their careers as PTs and PTAs . We hope to enjoy your continued involvement as a professional member of the OPTA!
Outgoing SSIG Board of Directors:
PT CHAIR: Nicholas O’Hanlon
VICE-CHAIR: Sara Lance
SECRETARY: Talia Pangalangan
ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR: Malerie Takach
APTA CORE AMBASSADOR: Lindsey Jubina
WEBSITE COORDINATOR: Tara Stith
Congratulations, and welcome to our new SSIG Board of Directors for 2020-2021!
PT CO-CHAIR: Malerie Takach
VICE-CHAIR: Edem Gadagbui
SECRETARY: Leah Neroni
ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR: Alexis Vella
APTA CORE AMBASSADOR: Laura Finke
WEBSITE COORDINATORS: Edem Gadagbui and Leah Neroni
As always, the SSIG aims to give students a voice in the OPTA, and we value your interest and participation . Please feel free to reach out to me or any of the SSIG board members with any questions or suggestions for the SSIG .
For more information, contact Carolyn at:
cmhinkle9@gmail.com