At just 16 years old, Peyton, a junior at Tuscarora High School in Frederick, has a plan for her future in healthcare and she’s not afraid to try new experiences to accomplish those goals. With several family members in the medical field, including her mother who works as a sterile processing technician, Peyton always knew it was her destiny to pursue a career helping others. To take the first step, she applied to Humanim’s Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE) with support from her school case manager.
Kelly, a coordinator in our Youth Transition Services team, found the perfect match for Peyton as an intern at her local Rehab 2 Perform, a physical therapy clinic with a modern approach to recovery through fitness and personal training. Here, Peyton is gaining early exposure to the healthcare field by working alongside medical professionals and immersing herself in the activities and decisions that come with each situation a patient may have.
Building Hands-on Experience
As a self-starter, Peyton actively looks for ways to learn and contribute during her shifts. She checks in with the therapists to see who needs support, cleans and prepares equipment, studies and writes patient routines on white boards, and builds soft skills by practicing professionalism, sensitivity, and attention to detail with every task in the clinic.
Katie, the Site Director of Rehab 2 Perform in Frederick, praises Peyton, sharing “She is such a great addition to the team. She’s so mature and awesome at everything she does and never hesitates to ask how she can help.”
Peyton’s eagerness pays off, because in her role she gets to focus on one of her greatest fascinations and her favorite part of the job: the human anatomy. “I enjoy discovering how different parts of the body work, move, and respond to treatment. Each shift gives me a new chance to learn from what I see,” she proudly shares.
Looking Toward a Successful Future
The lessons Peyton learns through her internship give her a strong foundation for pursuing a future in the medical field. After graduating from high school, she plans to continue her education and study physical therapy or dental hygiene. She is currently considering schools such as Towson University, the University of Maryland, and Frederick Community College.
Outside of work and school, Peyton dances, paints, draws, and overall loves trying new things. Her time as a participant in the WBLE program is helping her turn that same passion into career direction, giving her real-world practice in a field where she can make an impact.