ASU grad is taking skills learned at the SDFC to a career in physical therapy

Spring 2021 graduate Seema Karoubi always knew she would attend ASU, ever since her 5-year-old self became infatuated with Sparky. However, trying to figure out her career path didn’t come as naturally. 

ASU grad Seema Karoubi at the SDFC

She always knew she wanted to enter the medical field. After being accepted into the School of Life Sciences with the New American University Provost Award, she wondered exactly what medical occupation was right for her. Then during her first year at ASU, Karoubi got a job as a Sun Devil Fitness Complex facility supervisor. It was there, at the SDFC, where her future became clear. 

Karoubi began ASU working toward a Bachelor of Science in biology. Originally, the plan was to follow the pre-med route. However, life took her another direction. As she worked her way through the ranks at the SDFC, eventually graduating as a facility supervisor coordinator, she started gaining skills in physical fitness. Fellow students would ask her for advice on how to maximize the benefits of their daily workouts. Karoubi always knew what to say. 

She realized the career path that was meant for her was hiding in plain sight. She decided to take the skills she learned as a facility supervisor coordinator and apply them toward a career as a physical therapist. She knows what she has to do next, and she is ready to take Midwestern University’s physical therapy program by storm. 

As Karoubi prepared to graduate, she reflected on her time at ASU and shared her advice for fellow Sun Devils. 

Question:  What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: One summer before my junior year, this one person was also working out in the weight room at the same time I came over and asked me to show him how to do a certain exercise. I was showing him the technique and how to put on the weights and everything. I left, and I was like wow I really enjoyed that, like that feeling of teaching someone the exercise. So that was when I'm like, OK, I want to do physical therapy.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: I would say I learned this on my job at ASU. I had a really good supervisor, and he told me that you can't have everyone like you. That really felt freeing to me. I felt like a burden was lifted off my shoulders. I relate that to anything now, like outside of work or if you meet new people in a classroom.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: Well, first ASU was really close to my house, so the commute was nice and I could save money living at home. It also had my major of choice, which was nice, too, because I always wanted to go to ASU. I think my earliest memory was seeing Sparky on someone's license plate and then asking my parents, ‘Oh, what is that?’ and they told me it was the logo or the mascot for ASU, and that just embedded itself into my mind.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: I would say Dr. Gruber. She was a professor of “The Human Event.” She was so open to all kinds of answers and viewpoints, never judgmental. I even went into her office for advice outside of the classroom. Just like I want to go down this career path, what do you recommend? She helped me write a lot of recommendation letters. She was fantastic.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: I would say find time to do things you love. Make sure the thing that you're studying toward is something you really love, or else in the long run down the road, it's gonna be really hard to stay committed to it. But if you like it, sometimes it won't feel as stressful.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends, or just thinking about life? 

A: Definitely the SDFC. When I think of college, I think of that place because it was my job for all four years; it was where I met a lot of my friends. When I walk into that building, even now I just feel a sense of community. So I love it there.

Q:  If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I think it'd be homelessness. Because when I'm driving home, I see people on the side of the highway or just anywhere in the street. People who do want to have a place to live and don't necessarily want to be in that situation. … I think they deserve the help.