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Bridget Forster and Caturcia Pierre

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Whether it’s work, study or play, Bridget Forster loves what she does at FGCU. A 2020 graduate of the Exercise Science program, she’s working on her

doctoral degree in physical therapy

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and expects to graduate in 2023. The hands-on aspect of the program appeals to her, as does the small cohort and the low teacher-to-student ratio.

Besides the joy she finds in her studies, Forster’s also passionate about her job at the library.

She has worked in the library as a Circulation Assistant for three years and plans to continue doing so through graduate school. “I love everything about the library,” Forster says. “I absolutely love all my co-workers and bosses. It’s an environment where we welcome everyone and we also have fun. Our supervisors always encourage us to ask questions.”

Forster shares a few tips about library resources: “I always recommend Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to people. Using

ILL has saved me hundreds of dollars

on textbooks,” Forster says. “We also

offer calculators, cameras, headphones

and laptops (and more things) for check out.”

Everyone has a favorite professor and Forster’s favorite is Associate Professor Peter Reuter, in the Department of Rehabilitation Services. Dr. Reuter has been a mentor throughout undergraduate and graduate school.

“So far we have written two publications together and we are working on three more,” Forster says. “He’s helped me build my self-confidence not only in life but also in my studies. He’s inspired me to be a mentor. Most importantly, he wants students to succeed.”

Forster chose physical therapy because it gives practitioners the opportunity to watch people do things that they thought they never would be able to do again. “It’s so rewarding helping people reach their goals.” Her ultimate goal is to be a physical therapist in a newborn intensive care unit. After graduation, with her Ph.D. she plans to continue her studies doing a fellowship or residency program in Orlando or Tampa.

Forster came to FGCU from Boca Raton, where her family lives, moving there from Lebanon, Pennsylvania. She received

help financing her education through

scholarships including the Theodore Siegel Exercise Science Scholarship, a tennis scholarship, an FGCU President’s Silver Scholarship and Florida Bright Futures.

In August 2021, Bridget will marry Kevin Tran and they’ll honeymoon in California. A big congratulations to Bridget and Kevin!

If you’ve visited the FGCU library over the past three years, chances are you’ve seen Caturcia (Cat) Pierre working at the Circulation Desk.

“I love the resources that we offer to students and faculty – course reserves, headphones, laptops, laptop chargers, and a new scanner that does everything for you,” Pierre says.

Pierre visited three Florida universities before deciding on FGCU because of its many offerings in the science fi elds. “I knew FGCU was focused on science and I also knew I wanted to be a physical therapist,” Pierre says, now in her fourth year as an Exercise Science major.

Why does Pierre love working in the library? “My co-workers and managers are incredible. I’ve never seen a workplace that’s like family. My library job has also taught me to solve problems.”

Her manager, Patrick O’Connell, has been a role model. “When dealing with patrons, Patrick tells us always to be kind,” Pierre says. “It’s a good lesson to learn and certainly will help me when I become a physical therapist.”

Outside of the library, she’s

involved in two registered student

organizations – A Step Above Perfection, which is

My library job has also taught me to solve problems. My co-workers and managers are incredible. I’ve never seen a workplace that’s like family. ”

a dance group, and the Haitian Student Organization.

Pierre recently participated in the Caribbean Student Association pageant and won fi rst place representing Haiti. She also was a second runner up in the Miss Black and Gold pageant. She won a $2,000 scholarship from each pageant.

Originally from Hollywood, Florida,

Pierre plans to apply to the doctoral program in physical

therapy (DPT) at FGCU and Texas State University next spring. “I’m not really sure where I will go after I fi nish my DPT studies,” Pierre says. “It all depends on where a job offer takes me.”

Whatever lies ahead, we know Cat Pierre has a bright future.

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