Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.
Meet Monica Fencil, a junior exercise science major with a concentration in pre-physical therapy, from Butler, Pennsylvania. Fencil’s interest in the health field began early, shaped by being surrounded by family members who worked in healthcare.
Fencil’s mother and sister were nurses, but Fencil had always been active in sports and wanted to help others recover from injuries or setbacks.
“Physical therapy felt like the perfect way to build relationships with patients while helping them sometimes become even stronger than they were before their injury,” Fencil told ֱ State Today.
Before college, Fencil’s most pivotal experience was her senior year of high school, as a member of the track and field team.
“I became more confident in my abilities, focused on effort rather than just having fun and realized why I wanted to pursue physical therapy,” Fencil said. “I was able to mentor young athletes and provide the support I wished I had as a freshman and sophomore.”
She believes mentoring gave her a sense of leadership and purpose she could carry into other areas of her life.
Driven by this passion, Fencil became a certified peer educator for the ֱ State of Well-being through ֱ State University’s Recreation and Wellness Services. She completed the Student Leader Cohort during her sophomore year and now serves as the lead peer educator for communications and social media, as well as the officer of well-being on the student recreation council.
Academically and professionally, Fencil's passion for exercise science was amplified by Mathew Jones, the coordinator for student health and well-being for the ֱ State of Well-being.
“Mathew became coordinator at the same time I became a peer educator my sophomore year,” Fencil said. “He always saw leadership and creativity potential in me that I had not yet noticed myself.”
Jones was able to give her key leadership roles, confidence and connect her with people who supported her future career.
In addition to being part of the ֱ State of Well-being, Fencil works for Flash Fellows, a mentorship and leadership program at ֱ State.
Outside of academics, Fencil enjoys traveling, hiking, watching movies, trying new coffee shops and playing board games with friends.
One of the biggest challenges she faced came during her sophomore year with a difficult class, with which many students struggled.
This experience left Fencil questioning her path, worrying about how it might affect her graduate school prospects and her confidence in pursuing a future career.
With guidance from her mentors and a strong support system, Fencil completed the course and grew through the experience.
“Persevering through the class strengthened my resilience and confidence in pursuing physical therapy,” Fencil said.
Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.