Lauren Staley

Lauren Staley

Hometown: Clarence Center, NY

Major: Physical Therapy

Graduation Year: 2024 (BS) 2026 (DPT)

Why did you choose Daemen University?

I chose Daemen for a few reasons. The first is for their highly reputed Physical Therapy program. While there are other universities in Western New York that offer PT programs, the close dynamic between the students and the professors ensures that I am a valued student and not just a statistic on an exam. Secondly, the Daemen community is so friendly and welcoming, and I immediately fell in love with the camaraderie on campus.

Why did you choose your present major?

I chose to pursue a career in Physical Therapy my senior year in high school. When I was in middle school, I suffered a concussion and had to go to PT, and I became fascinated with the rehabilitation method to heal my injury. I was also a member of a program called Unified Sports, whereby I played sports alongside students with disabilities, I loved seeing the students with disabilities overcome challenges that people thought were difficult to achieve. 

Please briefly describe your Scholar's Day. 

My Scholar's Day was nothing less of a celebration. All of the current scholars were extremely comforting prior to the interviews, and the atmosphere during the entire day just makes you want to emboss yourself with Daemen culture!

Please describe your academic experience at Daemen.

I am always up for a good challenge, and the Daemen PT program definitely lives up to my expectations! While the workload certainly piles up, I am always curious about the content, which keeps me motivated to learn more. I am certain that the Daemen curriculum prepares me well for my professional career.

What do you like best about Daemen?

My favorite thing about Daemen is that the faculty values all of their students to succeeding in their goals. In high school, I believed that professors would not care about their students, but the small population size at Daemen enables professors to engage with all of their students, which I think has been an essential part in my achievements thus far in my academic career.

What is your favorite spot to stop by in town?

Spot Coffee will always have a place in my heart!

What piece of advice would you give to prospective students? 

Don’t ignore or deny your problems; accept your vulnerability and propel a better version of yourself!