Graduation Spotlight: Marissa Conway, Dance Science
Marissa Conway grew up as a classically trained ballerina, but injuries in high school changed her plans to become a professional. The recovery from those injuries inspired a new career path, and she came to Texas A&M University to pursue a future in physical therapy.
“My initial pull to A&M was the fact that they had a dance science degree, which gives me the opportunity to continue in my love for dance while making it applicable for the career I want,” she said. “So throughout college my primary focus has been on what’s ahead, which is physical therapy school and ultimately being a physical therapist and growing in those skills that will allow me to be impactful.”
The Allen native will receive her dance science diploma on Friday as one of the first graduates of the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts, alongside fellow seniors Jordan Christie and Sydney Rutledge. Conway will head to Baylor University’s physical therapy program in January, saying she’s “thrilled to have gotten to this point.”
Photos by Samantha York Photography
“I truly believe that with physical therapy, it healed me not only physically, but it healed me holistically,” Conway said. “I think having someone be with you every step on your healing journey is a really special and unique opportunity to be able to have someone cheering you on during potentially a very difficult time. For me, it was the most difficult time of my life. So having that cheerleader, that support system. Learning how to understand my body to prevent things like that in the future just really gave me such an empowered feeling.”
A major benefit to dance science courses is the application-based approach, Conway said. Students constantly get up to move and experiment, she said, learning how to problem-solve, communicate effectively, care for clients and understand safe practices.
Conway, who was recognized with dance science’s distinguished undergraduate student award, credits Carisa Armstrong, program director and associate professor; Diane Bedford, clinical associate professor; and Christine Bergeron, clinical professor and associate dean for academic affairs, for “investing in my education.”
“I truly believe they are the smartest women in the field of dance science, and they made such an impact on my personal and professional life,” she said.
Being among the first graduates in the new school is an honor, Conway said.
“I’m thrilled that we’re incorporating more of the arts in our university,” she said. “I truly believe that the arts are so valuable, and I love that we’re moving in that direction as a whole.”
