Sierra Meza, Photo by Tessa Chilton outside of the Porter Education Building
December 9, 2022
Roger Bannister was the first man to run a sub-four-minute mile. Until his accomplishment in 1954, many believed that running a mile in under four minutes was an insurmountable barrier, but that day the mindset shifted. Others saw that they could do something previously thought to be impossible.
Sierra Meza is graduating this December with a bachelor of science (BS) in Health and Human Performance with a track in Exercise Science. She describes the Roger Bannister story as one of her first inspirations at the University of Louisville. “I’m fascinated with the mechanics and physiology and understanding what the human body is capable of,” explained Meza. “I learned that in my first class at UofL. Hearing my professor be so tenacious about what she was teaching drove me to want to learn more about it. Everything from there has lived up to that first impression.”
Meza is originally from Bardstown, Kentucky and initially chose to attend the University of Louisville because of its proximity to her hometown. However, after her first day of classes, everything changed.
Meza worked full-time immediately after graduating from high school. She then started her educational journey at a local community college, still working while attending classes. Once she transferred to UofL, she continued working several part-time positions. “I knew I wanted to go into a graduate program, so I wanted to instill that grit and discipline into myself early on,” said Meza.
Meza was selected for the Joseph R. Trabue Award. This award is given to an outstanding senior in the HSS Department whose personal characteristics and scholarship give promise to constructive leadership. In her recommendation, HSS faculty member Dr. Kathryn A. Harman describes Meza as “an extremely disciplined scholar” who has gone above and beyond in gaining patient care and volunteer experience. “She has accrued over 500 hours of patient care experience in various physical therapy and allied health settings in preparation for grad school,” said Harman.
Meza currently works as a physical therapy technician and patient service specialist at Kort Physical Therapy in Louisville. “I applied for the position last October before I was required to and fell in love.” Once she reached the end of her program, she was required to take a practicum course with internship hours to graduate. “I wanted to stay here (at Kort) for as long as possible, and when I started my practicum, I was told I could use that for my internship.”
While working, Meza also shadowed at local physical therapy clinics and in inpatient settings. Specifically, she worked with Norton Healthcare and the National Parkinson’s Institute (NPI) of Louisville. “I was volunteering with Norton’s Healthcare Institute of Neuroscience when they did the Parkinson’s golf clinic,” said Meza. “That’s how I became involved with NPI in Louisville.” She has also completed volunteer hours at Norton Healthcare Pediatrics.
Meza noted the importance of seeing a diverse set of physical therapy environments. “Seeing the realm of physical therapy, what it can offer in all capacities, was fascinating.” Meza worked with various individuals, including patients who recently had a stroke to patients recovering from knee replacement surgery.
Meza has already applied to several physical therapy schools and hopes to join one after graduation. When asked about what type of physical therapy she would like to work in, she explained that her volunteer and work experience shaped her opinions. “Maybe something neurological because of my work with NPI,” said Meza. “That experience aligns with what I want to promote when I become a physical therapist. Exercise is important, and we all need it. I saw the improvement and joy physical activity brought the people at NPI.” Meza also explained that she’s interested in working with people with prosthetics.
Meza’s first day of classes at UofL and the story of Roger Bannister set the tone for the remainder of her undergraduate career. “(The CEHD) helped me understand the terminology, which has given me the confidence to believe in myself,” said Meza. More important though, was the enthusiasm and support from her faculty and advisor, Ethan Vicars. Meza explained that her environment was supportive and reliable from the first day. “Everything that followed was just as impressive or even better,” she said. “The whole community at UofL was energetic. They were excited to share their knowledge and help you understand. That stuck with me.” This enthusiasm and support reassured her that she was on the right path. Meza will graduate on December 16, 2022, at 7:00 PM at the KFCYum! Center.
About the College of Education and Human Development:
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