When I first picked my majors, I thought I had a pretty clear idea of what my future would look like. I knew I was interested in physical therapy, passionate about movement, and motivated by helping others improve their quality of life. What I did not realize was how much I still needed to discover. 

One of the most impactful experiences in my college journey so far came during Elon University’s Winter Term, a three-week period where students focus on a single course. During this time, I completed my Practicum in Exercise Science course, an immersive experience designed to introduce students to careers in health-related professions. We had to shadow professionals at three different agencies and reflect on what we learned. At first, I viewed the practicum as simply another graduation requirement. Looking back, it became one of the most transformative learning experiences I have had.  

Learning Through Experience 

I selected three sites: Renew Wellness, a physical therapy clinic; Envision Wellness, a chiropractic practice; and Empirical Wellness, a private healthcare clinic. 

At Renew Wellness, I was introduced to the world of physical therapy and holistic rehabilitation. I observed treatments such as cupping, acupuncture, and electrical stimulation. As the physical therapist explained each patient’s condition and treatment plan, I began to see healthcare differently. It was not just about treating injuries; it was about helping people return to the activities and lifestyles that mattered most to them. I chose to be there for a full day, and it truly allowed me to picture what a day in the life of a physical therapist looked like. 

My experience at Envision Wellness challenged me in a completely different way. Before arriving, I admittedly held a narrow view of chiropractic care. I assumed chiropractors were just back crackers. Within minutes of meeting Dr. Karen Wilkinson, I realized how much I did not know. Instead of immediately having me watch what she does, she encouraged me to learn how the entire practice operated. I spent time at the front desk learning about scheduling, communication systems, and patient interactions. 

Through conversations with Dr. Karen and her staff, I learned that healthcare goes beyond treatment rooms. I gained insight into leadership, entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating a welcoming environment. I also saw how wellness can take many forms, from chiropractic care and red-light therapy to educational programs and preventative services. Every day, I left feeling inspired not just by what I had learned, but by the possibilities for my future. 

My final location at Empirical Wellness provided yet another perspective. Shadowing under Dr. Crystal King, I observed patient interactions and assisted with administrative tasks. While I entered the experience already knowing that nursing was not a career path I planned to pursue, I gained a deeper appreciation for the profession. Watching Dr. King manage multiple responsibilities while serving her patients, family, and community taught me the importance of hard work, adaptability, and service. 

How Location Shapes Learning 

Overall, this was a very purposeful centering experience. It reminded me of the importance of learning on location and how it is quite literally everywhere. This idea resonates deeply with my work as a student scholar in CEL’s Learning on Location seminar: Place-Based Pedagogies in Higher Education, which explores how place, environment, and space shape learning experiences. Through both my CEL work and this practicum, I have come to appreciate the many ways learning can occur and how important it is that we step outside of traditional classroom spaces and engage directly with people, places, and communities. 

As different as these experiences were, they helped me understand that, when finding the right career, it is about discovering how your values align with the work you do every day. College can sometimes feel like a race to complete requirements, earn grades, and prepare for the next step. In the process, it is easy to lose sight of why we chose our paths in the first place. We declare majors based on our interests and spend years completing coursework, often assuming we fully understand what our future careers will look like. With busy schedules and endless assignments, you have a hard time squeezing in shadowing,  so you do not get to fully understand what it is like to be a professional in the career you have chosen. 

This practicum allowed me to do exactly that. It connected my education to people and careers, and opened up a world of possibilities that I had not fully considered before. More importantly, it reminded me that learning on location provides transformative experiences that challenge my assumptions, confirm some of my interests, and introduce me to new perspectives I had never considered before. I believe every student can benefit from opportunities to learn in the places where knowledge is actively being applied. 

About the Author  

Sanai Crosby is a 2025-2027 CEL Student Scholar and Honors Fellow, double majoring in Exercise Science and Dance Science. Her work focuses on contributing student perspectives to collaborative research on engaged learning in higher education.  

Learn more about the current Student Scholars.  

How to Cite This Post 

Crosby, Sanai. 2026. “Learning on Location: Finding Clarity Beyond the Classroom.” Center for Engaged Learning (blog). June 30, 2026. https://www.centerforengagedlearning.org/learning-on-location-finding-clarity-beyond-the-classroom.