Emma Plack is graduating from Mercer University‘s College of Health Professions with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health.
What are your plans after graduation?
This August, I will be attending Mercer’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program on the Atlanta campus. After that, I hope to become a pediatric physical therapist.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Mercer has so many great professors that I don’t think I can narrow it down to just one, but I can narrow it down to two: Dr. Mary Mathis, associate professor of practice and director of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, and Dr. Suzie Madden, assistant professor of practice. I had the privilege of working with both of these professors in multiple courses, student organizations and volunteer opportunities. Both Dr. Mathis and Dr. Madden truly care about their students and their success. Dr. Madden is always willing to help any time I need it, and Dr. Mathis provides some of the best life advice I have ever received. I truly feel that both Dr. Mathis and Dr. Madden have shaped the majority of my college experience through their teaching.
What is one of your favorite Mercer memories?
My favorite memory is meeting my husband at Mercer. I came in freshman year and knew absolutely no one, so I went to a welcome party for Christian organizations on campus. I talked to a few people but really connected to one person over baseball and how much I did not like calculus. He offered to help me with calculus, and we went to a Braves game a few weeks later. Fast forward to November of my junior year and his senior year, and we are engaged! He graduated from Mercer in May of 2022, we got married in June of 2022, and now our last step in Macon is my graduation this May. We have both come to love Mercer’s Macon campus so much, but we are excited to see what the Atlanta campus has in store for us.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
As a peer adviser, I have seen many new students come through Mercer. The best advice I can give new students is just keep going. There will be times when you feel so tired you just want to give up, but it will all be OK in the end. Don’t worry about the little things, and cut yourself some slack as well. College is a whole new experience, and there is a learning curve. When you feel discouraged, you just have to keep going.
How did Mercer prepare you for your future?
Mercer not only provided me with an education, but it provided me with so many connections and valuable experiences. Throughout my time at Mercer, I had the opportunity to hold several leadership roles in student organizations, become a peer adviser, organize blood drives, and so much more. I feel that I have a better understanding of the world around me as well as my immediate community. Mercer has given me connections that I will cherish for the rest of my life and experiences that have shaped me into the person that I am today. I feel prepared to move on to professional school as well as the work force as a well-rounded individual.
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