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By Kate Hunger 

On Oct. 13, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and students around the world gave back to their communities during the Global PT Day of Service.

Thirty DPT students from the School of Health Professions volunteered their time landscaping at a Buddhist center in San Antonio. The effort was coordinated through Work Out Help Out, said second-year student and organizer Kalie Pietsch. 

The students spent two hours planting and mulching at the Buddhist center. Students who couldn’t participate during the landscaping event were able to pledge to perform service elsewhere.

“I definitely think it’s great to get out in the community and give your time and give to others to be a part of something bigger than yourself,” said first-year student Morgan Hoffman, who helped organize student participation. 

The American Physical Therapy Association recognizes October as National Physical Therapy Month. Pietsch said she was drawn to the profession by her own experiences as a student-athlete with repeated injuries.

“I was just intrigued about how impactful [physical therapists] can be with someone’s life, and I liked the idea of providing a service for someone,” she said.