Wednesday, December 18, 2024
On the second floor of the EAD building at The , a collection of 50 pieces of art told powerful, deeply personal stories of resilience and humanity. Each piece, crafted by first-year students, represented the journey of an individual living with a disability, reflecting an innovative assignment in their Culture and Psychosocial Issues in Physical Therapy course.
For students like Miranda Lutterbei and Lan To, the project transcended traditional classroom learning. It was an opportunity to connect deeply with their subjects, shedding clinical detachment and embracing emotional storytelling through artistic expression.
Photo: 魅影直播HSC's Miranda Lutterbei with her artwork and friend Rich
鈥淚 knew immediately who I wanted to focus on,鈥� Lutterbei said. 鈥淥ne of my good family friends, Rich, was diagnosed with ALS just over a year ago. It鈥檚 been devastating to see the progression, but I wanted to create something meaningful 鈥� something that reflected who he is, not just his diagnosis.鈥�
Lutterbei, a Baylor University graduate, highlighted a common misconception about ALS: that it impairs cognitive function. 鈥淚t doesn鈥檛. Rich鈥檚 mind remains sharp, even as the disease affects him physically,鈥� Lutterbei explained.
Her project featured letters and statements from Rich鈥檚 loved ones, each describing his personality, favorite memories and the impact he鈥檚 had on their lives. The result was a heartfelt tribute, intended not just for the class but for Rich and his family.
鈥淲hen Rich and his wife Janelle saw the project, we all cried,鈥� Lutterbei said. 鈥淭he photos I included were from their wedding last April 鈥� a reminder of how quickly ALS progresses. But more than that, it was about celebrating him as a person.鈥�
Lan To鈥檚 piece struck a different chord. To, a University of Houston graduate and former art student, turned her focus inward, creating a deeply personal tribute to her late father, who suffered three strokes throughout his life.
鈥淗is strokes were unique,鈥� To said. 鈥淧hysically, he could walk and coordinate himself, which confused his doctors. But emotionally, they changed him. He would get agitated easily, and society didn鈥檛 always understand that.鈥�
Her painting depicted her father surrounded by dark tones and judgmental eyes, representing the way others perceived him. A hand pressed down on his head, symbolizing the pressure and emotional turmoil he often described.
Photo: 魅影直播HSC's Lan To with her artwork dedicated to her father's experiences
鈥淗e used to hold his head and say the migraines were unbearable,鈥� To explained. 鈥淚t was his way of expressing his frustration 鈥� with his own body, with us and with the world that didn鈥檛 understand him.鈥� Despite the somber tones, the piece celebrated her father鈥檚 warmth and humor. 鈥淚 called him my grumpy sunshine,鈥� To said. 鈥淗e was playful, loving and stronger than anyone realized.鈥�
, PT, DPT, EdD, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, underscored the importance of the project as part of the department鈥檚 curriculum.
鈥淭he art project assigned in our Culture and Psychosocial course is an example of how we weave affective objectives and authentic assessment into our curriculum,鈥� Furtado said. 鈥淎rt allows students to explore the subjective experience of disability beyond clinical terms, fostering emotional connection and empathy. If students can understand the lived experience of individuals with disabilities, they鈥檙e more likely to communicate in meaningful ways in their clinical practice.鈥�
Pieces by first-year students Jessica Dalley, Kaitlyn Lynch and Holli Richards were awarded Best in Show.
The assignment encouraged students to step beyond their academic comfort zones and engage with the human experience. Whether through painting, sculpture or written word, each piece reflected not just a story of disability but also of perseverance, identity and dignity.
鈥淭his project reinforced why I want to go into physical therapy,鈥� Lutterbei said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about treatment plans and exercises. It鈥檚 about building relationships and truly seeing your patients for who they are.鈥�
To echoed that sentiment, noting how the project highlighted the PT program鈥檚 emphasis on human connection. 鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to get caught up in the science and forget about the people. But this program prioritizes community and empathy. That鈥檚 what makes it so special.鈥�
As students and visitors moved through the reception, the artwork sparked reflection and conversation, creating a moment of shared understanding and emotional depth. For many, it was a reminder of the responsibility physical therapists hold: to see beyond diagnoses and truly connect with their patients.
鈥淚t was an emotional, meaningful night,鈥� Lutterbei said. 鈥淚t reminded all of us why we鈥檙e here.鈥�
From - Community by Eric Griffey