Emily Scanlan

I grew up in a humble home with one younger sibling and my parents. I attended a public primary school and a Christian private secondary school. I was an average athlete at most sports – however, from a young age I had an interest in coaching, playing sport and learning about sporting injuries. I played representative netball (both indoor and outdoor) at NSW-level since 11 years of age. My life has been filled with netball, but I’ve also found a general passion for exercise. This led to me participating in numerous sports, including triathlon, volleyball, touch football, swimming and athletics throughout my adolescence.

I have a passion for health, helping others and learning. I have worked or volunteered in areas such as disability support, child care and physiotherapy which continually fostered these. It is my two passions for helping people and the human body in relation to injury from sport which led me to Sport and Exercise Science. As I was not sure at the beginning of my tertiary study whether physiotherapy or secondary teaching was for me, I was glad that this undergraduate degree gave me the opportunity to meet all general health subjects while also allowing me to take on elective subjects. The postgraduate options available after completing this course were also very enticing.

I chose to study at UTS for many reasons including:

• Well known academic tutors, most of whom continue to participate in studies and/or write for academic journals
• The prestige UTS holds drew me in. It is an unpretentious university that provides so many opportunities both related and unrelated to your chosen degree, plus, the staff are very inclusive.
• It appealed to me that UTS has numerous buildings and resources dedicated to this area of study. For example, the new building located at the Moore Park precinct for Sport and Exercise students.

The most rewarding aspect of completing this course was learning about what I was good at, and the person I could be. The opportunities and learning fostered individual exploration, which helped to solidify my passion, and then encouraged me to learn that I was intelligent and competent enough to proceed to complete a Master’s degree (and soon enter the workforce). Without the friendships, teachers and support from UTS, I think this outcome could have been vastly different. Over my time studying I believe I matured as a learner and as a person. I have learned interpersonal skills and developed empathy toward the hard work people working in this field exhibit.

Currently I am studying a Master of Physiotherapy. I hope to gain further knowledge of human anatomy which will only fuel my passion when entering the workforce. I aim to choose an area to major in after participating in clinical placements, and at this stage I am leaning towards neurological physiotherapy. With a clear understanding of my treatment area I can enter the workforce and begin to help people.

I would encourage all future students to “dive in head first.” The more you embrace the process (on the good and bad days), participate in classes and make friends with your cohort, the more invaluable the experience will be. You won’t know unless you try!

Find out more about studying Sport and Exercise at UTS