Featured Student
Dominique N. Simmons
by Catherine Bradford
When Dominque N. Simmons, the 2015 Integrative Studies Student of the Year, started Kennesaw State University five years ago as a first-year biology major, she had never heard of University College, nor the Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies. However, when a volleyball court collision with a teammate resulted in a second concussion for the student athlete, she had plenty of off-court time to rethink her academic and career plans. That process led her to her new academic home and degree in University College.
“After my injury, I had to figure out a new way of learning. I found myself having to use flashcards, and I started studying in groups for the first time. I had to put in the effort. My progress made me appreciate having to work hard. It was all very motivating – to be able to learn and help myself move forward instead of having to live in frustration, ” Simmons said.
Simmons credits her physical and vestibular therapists with helping her recover. It was during this time period that she became intrigued with the idea of becoming a physical therapist herself, a career that would enable her to work with other injured and frustrated athletes as well as individuals who needed support to regain strength and flexibility for everyday chores. She did her homework and discovered that most graduate programs for physical therapy require a fair number of science and psychology courses.