Tony Harding: The Future of Physical Therapy

By Garrett Athey

     Tony Harding is a Senior at Glenelg who was very involved in the Applied Research Lab (ARL) curriculum because of his interest in physical therapy. During his time at Glenelg, Harding participated in Foundations of Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation while in ARL. Harding claims that because of his time in ARL, “I have gained a lot of valuable information and experience that will help in the future with my career.” ARL has even helped Harding in his professional career as he gained connections in the medical field and will be spending the summer before college interning at a physical therapy clinic. As for college, he will be attending Towson University in the fall because of the location and the opportunities around the area for the future. While in Towson, Harding plans to get a degree for physical therapy then possibly earn a degree in economics.

     When Harding was not in ARL, he accomplished quite a bit during his time at Glenelg. He was involved in a few clubs including Key Club and Biomedical Club. Harding feels his greatest accomplishment was the many advancements that he has made in the medical field because of his involvement in the ARL curriculum. He regrets not participating in more sports while in Glenelg and advises other students to focus on getting good grades because this is significantly important when applying to colleges. His favorite memory of Glenelg was, “Spending time with my friends and participating in my ARL classes.” In the future he plans on opening his own physical therapy clinic.
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     Overall, Tony Harding had a positive high school experience and wishes that he would have taken more classes that would have contributed to helping his major in college. He believes that the classes he took in high school did not focus on specific topics and instead focused on broad topics that did not help his particular interests. He is grateful that he participated in ARL because it strongly prepared him for the future unlike just a basic high school education. All in all, Harding had a unique high school experience different from most others.