As a sophomore in high school, Kailee Marasco fell in love with Samford University the moment she toured campus. She recalls feeling that Samford could challenge her to be the best version of herself; now that her time at Samford comes to an end, she states that her experience has surpassed all of her expectations.
“The Lord has proven His faithfulness time and time again throughout my Samford experience,” said Marasco. As an exercise science major, Marasco served as a research assistant for the Department of Kinesiology and she was selected as a student representative at the Southeastern American College of Sports Medicine Regional Meeting. Her original research project tested the nocebo effect on reaction time performance, an experience that she says taught her to think critically, practice discipline and overcome challenges.
She also was a member of the Society of Kinesiology, a spiritual life assistant, a home group leader, a member of the Step Sing choreography committee and the Samford Recruitment Team, all involvement activities that afforded her with opportunities to serve those around her.
Marasco says she felt challenged by her professors to be professional and excellent in all that she did during her time at Samford. She says she will seek to pursue these same standards after graduation as she continues her studies as a physical therapy student. She has been accepted into a Doctor of Physical Therapy program and will begin her studies next fall.
As a physical therapist, Marasco plans to use her vocation as a platform to educate and empower her patients to permanently reclaim physical health. “I am eager to not only care for my patients' physical well-being, but their mental and spiritual health as well," she said. "I want to serve for a purpose so much greater than myself." Marasco says this desire was instilled in her through her experience in the School of Health Professions.
Samford’s School of Health Professions seeks to teach students the importance of treating the whole person. The school’s theme Scripture is 1 Peter 4:10 which says we should use our gifts and talents to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace.
“This calling is not only extended and carried out by the students in the School of Health Professions; I believe our ability to uphold this calling is possible because of the outstanding examples that our professors set for us,” said Marasco. “I am immensely thankful and proud to be a part of the School of Health Professions because the professors and students share a great respect for one another; therefore, we can learn and work in an environment where we are constantly striving to use the gifts we have been given to serve others. The community truly encourages us to reflect the character of Christ.”
