From new student to student tour guide, Marie Le is passing on the gifts she’s received at Palmer.
Marie Le grew up in Davenport, Iowa, but her journey to Palmer College wasn’t as direct as you’d expect. “My parents both emigrated from Vietnam, and they believe in holistic or alternative health approaches, but I really did not know much about chiropractic growing up,” says Marie, a seventh-trimester student. “It was a winding road to get here, but I could not be happier to have found a home here.”
Marie was introduced to chiropractic when working as a nursing assistant with elderly patients. It was here that she saw firsthand how life-changing chiropractic care could be. “When I compared the quality of life for the patients getting chiropractic care with those who didn’t, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue,” she remembers.
After attending a large state university, Marie knew she wanted to continue her education in a different atmosphere. “I didn’t feel a sense of support or community on a huge campus,” she says. “It was difficult to know your professors or make real connections. That environment was not right for me academically or personally.”
When she visited Palmer’s campus, Marie was blown away by the welcoming and personal experience. “The moment I stepped on campus, I started making connections — the students and faculty who greeted me were genuinely interested and immediately supportive,” says Marie.
That personal, student-centered approach at Palmer made all the difference for Marie as a student. Her grades have gone up, she is more engaged than ever and — most importantly — she is pursuing a degree and a career that deeply matter to her. “I just finished my last exam of the trimester, and it went even better than expected,” Marie grins. “I really pushed myself in technique this year. The transition to clinic work has been deeply rewarding; it’s challenging, but it’s designed to be a place where you can grow with the support of expert faculty. I have really thrived there.”
The warm welcome she received on campus inspired Marie to apply to be a campus guide. It’s a role she was born to play. Personable, enthusiastic and with a deep love for Palmer, Marie has now welcomed hundreds of potential students and their families to campus. Campus guides also absorb and share Palmer’s rich history, a responsibility Marie takes very seriously.
“History is alive at Palmer,” Marie says. “Chiropractic began here, and it’s grown here because of the contributions of generations of alumni. As students, we have a responsibility to learn that history, share it with others and hopefully become a part of it in some small way.”
Many families touring campus include alumni. “I love connecting with Palmer graduates,” Marie says. “They are an amazing resource. Without exception, they have been excited to see the growth that has happened on campus. Seeing their continued passion for the profession is something that motivates me.”
Marie’s plans after graduation aren’t set in stone. She has explored a move to the Washington, D.C., area, but another part of her would like to stay in the Midwest.
Wherever she practices, she’s prioritizing a patient-centric approach. “What excites me most about chiropractic is the personal relationship with patients,” she says. “Medicine creates so many barriers between patient and doctor. I’m focused on working with patients from the start, offering them conservative care and helping them lead the healthiest lives possible. Palmer is giving me the perfect foundation to pursue this meaningful career.
Marie’s Top 3 Ways to Refer Students
Palmer alumni are essential to ensuring that promising students like Marie find their way to Palmer College. Here’s how you can get prospective students connected.
- Talk with your patients, family and friends about Palmer College. Share your experience and your passion for the profession.
- Fill out the online Prospective Student Referral form at www.palmer.edu/prospective-student-referral and refer a student to Palmer.
- Follow up with the student and see if they have questions about campus or your career.
When you refer students to Palmer, you strengthen the College and the profession.
