The Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences congratulates our May 2023 graduates! We proudly celebrate the accomplishments of our students, like Gracie Liang, a TCU Kinesiology movement science major, Spanish for Health Professions minor, John V. Roach Honors College student and TCU Swim & Dive Team captain. She spoke with Harris College about her undergraduate experience and post-graduate endeavors.
Why did you choose your area of study?
My parents are both doctors, so I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field but not a doctor. As an athlete, I initially found physical therapy (PT) to be an appealing career field, which is what drew me to kinesiology in the first place. As I learned more, I chose to pursue occupational therapy.
What brought you to TCU?
I am a recently retired collegiate athlete, so I came to TCU through the athletic recruiting process. TCU offered me the best balance of academics and athletics. I remember visiting the campus and seeing how much everyone loved being here. It was that community that really sealed the deal for me.
What have you enjoyed most about being a Horned Frog?
I have truly enjoyed how much pride everyone has in being a Horned Frog. I love wearing purple, repping TCU in my day-to-day life and competing for the university. Especially this year when everyone across the nation knew who the Horned Frogs were. It is always a treat to bump into strangers who cheer, “Go Frogs” to me!
What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll be pursuing my master’s in occupational therapy at Washington University in St. Louis!
How did TCU help prepare you for your future career?
Other than the degree itself, TCU offered me opportunities to build relationships with my professors which I’ve loved developing over the years. I was lucky to complete an internship that I enjoyed through the kinesiology department. TCU Athletics has really impacted me profoundly as well, teaching me adaptability, discipline and leadership, and I would do it all again if I had the chance.
Was there any particular experience that was especially helpful?
I loved my job and my senior internship! I worked in a PT clinic as a technician for about a year. Then I spent a summer shadowing an occupational therapist at a local hospital. Both of those experiences really helped me nail down what I wanted to do professionally.
What makes TCU so special to you?
It’s truly all the people I’ve met who have made TCU special, and I’m sad to be moving on.
Tell us about your proudest accomplishment while at TCU.
My proudest accomplishment was being a captain of the TCU Swim and Dive team in my junior and senior years! I was honored that my teammates and our staff felt that I was up to leading our team two years in a row.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I have loved every second of being a Horned Frog!
Gracie is pursuing University Honors and is likely to graduate with the highest distinction as an Honors Laureate. This is awarded to students who have completed both lower- and upper-division Honors and have a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or higher.
