Hey everyone! My name is Colin Freeman and I have been serving for this past year as the Texas Student Physical Therapy Association secretary. I am a third-year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. I have loved the opportunities that this position has offered me and I am proud to say I have been a member of the TPTA since I have started school. I want to talk to you about the upcoming Texas Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference. Hear me out. It’s worth a read.

“What is the Texas Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference?” If you don’t have an answer you are not alone, but if you don’t find out for yourself you will be missing out on a highlight of your school career.

This year, our annual conference will be held in beautiful Corpus Christi from October 26-29. I mean, just look at this place!

The conference is an excellent place to learn, to share and to network. It is four days full of countless opportunities to be educated by experts from across Texas in many practice settings as well as meetings and events with fellow students from across the state as well. “Greeeeaaaaat…..I can hardly keep my interest in all of the lectures I already have to go to anyway….” I’ll just pause here, because I know some of you may be thinking that. Not going to lie to you, the courses you can attend are in lecture format, but you aren’t tested on the material. Don’t stress. Pick what you like. Avoid what you don’t like and enjoy the crazy amount of knowledge that is available for the taking if you just sign up and go.

You also have the opportunity to attend the annual student conclave which is a great way to network with other students, learn from recent grads and participate in some fun competitions because who doesn’t like competition?! There are other things you could be doing during this time, but seriously don’t miss it! It is awesome. Want to prove your program is the best in Texas with competition and trivia? Come to conclave!

Every year, we design and sell a T-shirt for the Texas Student Physical Therapy association. This is what this year’s shirt looks like and It is frankly the best shirt on the market for a student physical therapy organization. I may be biased because I designed them but hey they only cost $15! Also, there will be a drawing for a Yeti cup and a free year of TPTA membership dues.

“I am a poor student. I cant afford this.” I know. We all know this feeling, but do everything you can to get here. Plan with classmates. Carpool together so its cheaper. Pack 10 of your classmates into one hotel room. Eat rice and beans for a month to save up extra money.

Early bird registration is open on the TPTA website at the price of $125 for registration. That will end on 9/8/17 when the price goes up to $175. Don’t miss out.  It is seriously worth it! Come find me at conference. I’ll be there! Will you?