Student Spotlight: Internship helps Wheeling student affirm career choice

INDICATORS MET: Advanced Placement success, Co-curricular participation, Internship experience

A summer internship at a physical therapist’s office affirmed Wheeling High School student Hannah DeGraff’s decision to pursue a career in the field.

The internship – coordinated through District 214’s Center for Career Discovery – gave Hannah a better understanding of what physical therapists do every day. It also provided her a behind the scenes look at running a healthcare business, from calling insurance companies to cleaning medical supplies and the importance of taking detailed notes to track patients’ progress.

Additionally, Hannah, an AP and honors student in band and track, credits the hands-on experience for helping her realize she enjoys a fast-paced environment and is interested in pediatric physical therapy. “The internship definitely confirmed I like getting to know patients on a deeper basis.”

District 214’s Health Science Pathway provides students a competitive edge when applying for direct admission programs with early college credit, industry credentials as well as early work experiences that inform their post-secondary decision-making and choices.

Now in her senior year, Hannah has been directly admitted to pre-physical therapy programs at three universities, meaning she can graduate in six years with a bachelor’s and doctorate’s degree. She also wants to study finance to better understand the business side of the industry.

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BIOGRAPHY

Hannah DeGraff

High Shool: Wheeling High School
College Plans: Hannah has been directly admitted to pre-physical therapy programs at three universities, meaning she can graduate in six years with a bachelor’s and doctorate’s degree
Career Ready Fact: Hannah interned at a physical therapist's office, an experience that helped affirm her decision to pursue the career.