Formed by Faith, Centered on Service
Emma Droog became interested in kinesiology during her own experience with physical therapy (PT) in high school. After suffering from a reoccurring shoulder subluxation as well as a torn ACL, Droog realized how much of an impact a physical therapist can have on their patients' lives. “I fell in love with my time in PT and the interactions I had with my therapists and realized I wanted to make people feel the same way,” she says.
This lead her to study kinesiology at Dordt University.
Alongside kinesiology, Droog also has two minors—biomedical science and psychology. These minors complement her majors and give Droog a broader understanding of the human body. These minors have helped her see the need for a holistic approach to healing—one that considers mental and spiritual health as well as physical health.
For Droog, finding a college that would give her both strong academics and hands-on experience was a priority. Dordt provided just that.
Through her involvement in the PT club, Droog has built strong bonds with fellow kinesiology majors and extended learning beyond the classroom in an environment full of energy and collaboration. The PT club allows Droog to put her learning into practice. Working alongside her classmates, she gets to see what life as a physical therapist might look like.
Not only has Dordt provided the hands-on experiences and rigorous undergraduate academics needed to thrive in graduate school, but she’s also experienced the value of supportive faculty and mentors.
“I have had the opportunity to be taught by wonderful professors who genuinely care about the subjects they are teaching and their students,” says Droog. “I can see the passion they put into their work, and it has pushed me to grow academically and personally.
Droog is especially grateful for Professor Craig Stiemsma, who heads the PT club.
“He has helped all the PT students tremendously through the various field trips he plans, speakers he brings in, and grad school admission workshops. He has made this journey a lot more doable for me and celebrates my wins alongside me,” says Droog.
"Dordt has taught me a lot, but I believe the biggest lesson is that faith cannot and should not be separate from my work."
While Droog enjoys her busy schedule preparing for graduate school, she also recognizes the need for intentional rest. For Droog, this often involves long walks with friends to unwind after particularly long days. Regardless of season, Droog can be found walking through the Dordt prairie, enjoying the beauty around her.
“These walks come with conversation, encouragement, and laughter,” says Droog. She will miss them when she leaves for graduate school in the fall.
While Droog believes Dordt has given her a firm academic foundation, she also recognizes how her time at Dordt has challenged her to consider what it means to faithfully serve in her future career.
“Dordt has taught me a lot, but I believe the biggest lesson is that faith cannot and should not be separate from my work,” says Droog. “Whether in the classroom at graduate school, in my clinical rotations, or eventually working with my own patients, I have to carry the value of Christ into my actions.”
