#I♥OSUIT: Tabitha Parker

#I♥OSUIT: Tabitha Parker

Sara Plummer
#I♥OSUIT: Tabitha Parker

Where are you from?

I am originally from a little town called White Hall, Arkansas.

What school and program are you enrolled in?

I am enrolled in Orthotic & Prosthetic Technologies.

Why did you want to come to OSUIT?

There were a combination of factors. I was looking to change careers after 20-plus years in electrical engineering. After a lot of research, I decided to attend graduate school to become an Orthotist/Prosthetist. Unfortunately, engineering didn't provide me with all the health and science prerequisites needed to enter into an O&P graduate program. In researching the different schools across the country, I noticed that OSUIT had an associate degree program where I could not only obtain the needed prerequisites for graduate school, but gain simultaneous training as an O&P technician. Although my end goal isn't to become a certified technician, I felt that the experience developing fundamental skills used in the field would be invaluable. Additionally, since I went through the OSU system many years ago, I have fond memories of Oklahoma and am comfortable with the OSU system. I was confident that I wouldn't have problems transferring credits and so forth.

What’s been the best thing about being a student here?

The technical training has been excellent and challenging.  I don't believe I could have received better training anywhere.  However, I would rank the pleasure of getting to know the students and faculty as the best part of being a student here.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

I would say my favorite spot is our O&P lab. We have a great group of eclectic students and staff who make it a fun, welcoming home-away-from-home kind of place.

What would you tell someone who was thinking about attending OSUIT?

As a non-traditional student who was returning to college after an 18-year hiatus, I can tell you that OSUIT is a great place to rebuild your confidence in going back to school. It's never too late to find your passion, and OSUIT is truly a place where everyone is rooting for you to succeed.