Frank Rife Undergraduate Scholarship in Kinesiology
Maria Fabiano (BS, Kinesiology)
Maria Fabiano is a senior kinesiology major on the pre-physical therapy track. She became interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy after receiving treatment for injuries of her own and seeing the positive impact that physical therapists have on their patients. The shadowing experiences Maria participated in at several clinics throughout her undergraduate career further solidified her passion to pursue a career in physical therapy. Maria looks forward to having the privilege to help people from diverse backgrounds one day as a physical therapist. Upon graduating from UMass Amherst, Maria will be attending the University of New England in Portland, Maine, to study Physical Therapy. In her free time, Maria has been the treasurer of the Kinesiology Club e-Board for the past three years and enjoys getting to connect with other students in the major through this role. Maria also enjoys reading, writing, and working out with friends in her free time.
The Frank Rife Kinesiology Scholarship has given me the opportunity to gain incredible real-world experience as I continue to pursue a career in physical therapy upon graduation. By receiving this scholarship, I was able to participate in a two-week long physical therapy shadowing program with the Toucan Abroad organization in Cartago, Costa Rica. My experience in Costa Rica allowed me the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge I have learned thus far and experience my field of interest from a diverse cultural perspective without the associated costs being a limiting factor. Alongside the educational value of this experience, I was able to strengthen my communication skills and become a more open-minded and empathetic individual. My experience shadowing licensed physical therapists in Costa Rica will allow me to become both a better health care professional and a more well-rounded and culturally aware individual. I am incredibly grateful and honored to be a recipient of the Frank Rife Kinesiology Scholarship and for the life-changing experience I had the opportunity to be a part of. I look forward to applying the skills and knowledge I have gained through this internship as I prepare for physical therapy school in the fall at the University of New England!