Introducing "Your Pen Pal Al"

Hello!

    My name is Allison Hyatt, but on this blog, I'll be known as your pen pal Al. I am a first-year student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and a member of the occupational therapy program. I recently finished my Bachelor of Science at Harding University where I studied Exercise Science and Psychology. I was born and raised a Memphian, and I look forward to completing my master's in my hometown. 

    As cliche as it may sound, I've dreamed of going to OT school for quite some time. During my senior year of high school, a couple of occupational therapy students from UTHSC came and spoke to my anatomy class. They described the joys of the profession and the steps they took to get to graduate school. Their presentation must've been quite convincing because from that moment on, I knew exactly what I wanted my future to look like. I began preparing right away, and I couldn't understand why some of my friends were majoring in "undecided." Before my first day of undergrad classes, I met with my academic advisor to discuss the various requirements for graduate programs. To no surprise, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center was at the top of my list. 

    After four short years of exams, internships, and preparing for the GRE, I began to watch my plans come to fruition. As I sit here and write this post in my green and orange scrubs, I cannot help but feel overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. These next couple of years are going to fly by, and I look forward to sharing each step of the journey with you! 

        With love, 

    Your Pen Pal Al