Erin Cannon is on a fast track to becoming a leader in the world of physical therapy (PT). Not only did she get into a PT program 鈥� a highly competitive achievement 鈥� but it鈥檚 paid for 100%.
On May 4, she received her degree in exercise science from 草榴社区 (UAH) College of Education鈥檚 kinesiology department. UAH is part of the University of Alabama System. A couple of weeks later, she began her post-graduate work at Tennessee State University (TSU) as a recipient of the Preparing Our Tomorrow Uniquely in STEM (POTUS) Fellowship 鈥� estimated annual value, $50,000.
鈥淐oming straight out of undergrad into PT school? It happens very seldom,鈥� Cannon says. 鈥淢ost of the people in my class are 25 and older. I鈥檓 22. I was very fortunate to be able to get into the field so soon. Not only was I going to PT school, but I was going debt free!鈥�
POTUS aims to increase African American representation in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines. Recipients 鈥渟erve as research and teaching assistants, produce scholarly works, and engage in professional development opportunities,鈥� according to the TSU website. They are expected 鈥渢o ensure their place among the leaders of tomorrow.鈥�
At UAH, Cannon established herself as a strong leader while preparing for her PT career. She was a member of the track team for four years, and she served as an ambassador for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Last fall, she devoted more than 200 hours to UAH鈥檚 Early Learning Center (ELC).
Her time at the ELC was a labor of love, but it wasn鈥檛 easy. She recalls waking up at 6 a.m. for track practice and then arriving at the center at 8 a.m. to work with 2-year-olds.
鈥淚 just ran probably five miles, and my body was hurting. There I was with the children, working with them 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Some of them had cerebral palsy or spinal issues. We were helping them retain or strengthen the motor functions they did have because they did have limited motion.鈥�
Cannon鈥檚 experience reinforced her awareness that PT is a demanding profession and also confirmed her desire and determination to be a part of it.
鈥淚 loved it. I thought, I would love to start my day like this.鈥�
Cannon鈥檚 PT dream began in high school when she spent a summer working with young children, some of them with physical disabilities. One lasting impression: watching a physical therapist help a 2-year-old with cerebral palsy learn to run longer without falling down.
That dream solidified at UAH.
鈥淲hen people were asking me what I wanted to do, I looked back. I want to work with the children. I want to work with the parents. I want to work with their families to get them to grow.鈥�
Dr. Ryan Conners, associate professor of kinesiology at UAH, expects Cannon will flourish at TSU and beyond.
鈥淓rin鈥檚 a natural leader. She pushes herself to that next level and helps those around her to be successful. This was evident when she took the lead on her undergraduate research group project, which is part of a two-semester course sequence in exercise science. She did a fantastic job of motivating her group mates and leading by example throughout the entire research process.
鈥淓rin is willing to put in the hard work and dedication to get the outcome she desires. I know she will be a great physical therapist and will help many patients during her career.鈥�