Student Spotlight

Delanni Johnson

The last of the Student Spotlights for 2019 features Delanni Johnson, a current student in the PTA Program. As you will read below, Delanni means what she says when giving advice, “take each week as it comes and don’t try and jump too far ahead because things can change. You need to be ready to make adjustments”. Her life has been full of changes and she continues to put into practice of going with the flow!

Tell Us A Little About Yourself. Where Did You Grow Up? What Are Your Interests?
My Name is Delanni Johnson, I grew up in West Los Angeles Ca. I went to Hamilton High School and then attended Talladega College for 2 years on a dance scholarship becoming a member of their traveling Dance Company. I transferred to Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, graduating with a degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in international communications.

Some of my interest include fitness and health and traveling. I enjoy musicals and concerts as well as riding motorcycles. I also enjoy volunteering in my local community. I am a proud dog owner and lover of animals.

What Is A Cause You Are Passionate About?
I am passionate about the poverty in this country and the poverty right here, in Los Angeles. I work with my church and a small group of friends who donate goods directly to the homeless or to those in need of food or necessity items. We also prepare meals for children and families during the holidays.

I mentor a small group of women that seek guidance – similar to a big brother program, but we meet and discuss goals and steps to take to meet their goals. We focus on positivity and growth. The goal is to help these young women make better choices in life that will help set them up for success. It gives them an opportunity to grow, meet goals and become successful. The program also teaches them to look out for one another and help others just as someone once helped them to grow.

How Did Your Path Unfold and Who Were the Faculty And Staff Who Have Helped You Along That Path?
I believe my path is still unfolding and am not at the finish line yet. I feel like my journey towards the field of physical therapy began here at Casa Loma. I thank everyone in the department, because to be honest, they work as a team preparing you for this field. I believe that there is strength in every instructor. What I like the most is that although they are from the same field, Physical Therapy, they each bring something new to the table – a different perspective. At first, I was not a fan of this because it was confusing, however, now I am starting to see a variety of perspectives is essential for this field of Physical Therapy. Physical Therapy is about thinking both inside and outside of the box, things are always changing, and no situation will be the same – and having more than one perspective will help with that – prepares you without you even knowing. All my instructors are responsible for my journey. I hope to make them proud!!

What Have You Learned or Are Learning That’s Made A Difference to You?
I have learned to trust the process. When I started, I wanted all the information immediately and I felt like I didn’t know enough of anything. But each semester I have noticed that many of the skills I learned the prior semester help me achieve goals that I now face. I am learning to layer my skills and realize that there is a process to learning material and that I am building my skills and knowledge more and more each day and semester.

What Have You Learned From Other Students?
There is something to learn from everyone, and, not everyone is great at everything and where you are weak others can be strong and it’s okay to help each other and learn from each other.

What Has Been Your Greatest Challenge?
Overcoming my fear of making mistakes has been my greatest challenge. I’ve come to realize I am not perfect, and school is the place where I can make mistakes and learn from them.

What Has Been Your Favorite Class So Far and Why?
Anatomy, I really enjoyed learning the bones, muscles and the systems within the body. It has provided me with a strong foundation for classes that have followed.

What Did You Want to Be When You Were Growing Up?
I wanted to be a sports commentator.

What Would People Be Surprised to Know About You?
People would be surprised to know that I am very shy.

What Is Your Plan for After Graduation? What Type of Facility Would You Like To Work In And Why?
My plan is to hopefully get a job offer from one of my clinical rotations. I want to work in any arena that will get me exposure and experience to the field. My goal is to work my way into the field of Lymphatics and Physical Therapy for breast cancer survivor’s. I am also interested in the federal correctional facilities providing physical therapy for veterans or inmates.

What Advice Do You Have for Incoming Students?
Take each week as it comes and don’t try and jump too far ahead because things can change. You need to be ready to make adjustments. Know that you can do this if you want it!

What Makes Casa Loma Special?
I chose Casa Loma because it was the only school that did not make me feel like a number. I am very impressed with how warm everyone is. I like the fact that the classrooms are not overcrowded, and things are easily accessible.