Victoria Petruzzella
Hands-On Experience
Student: Doctor of Chiropractic
October 2020
Victoria Petruzzella is from Paramus, New Jersey and is the oldest of three siblings. She enjoys doing yoga and reading books.
“There were a couple things that led me to LIFE. I started chiropractic care when I was 10 years old because I hurt my knee and tore my meniscus. I went to two orthopedic specialists, and both of them told me I needed surgery.”
Petruzzella’s parents were determined to try everything they could to avoid surgery at such a young age. Her dad found a chiropractor, and they adjusted her knee and gave her PT exercises. “He was able to get me back into the sports that I was playing and back to normal.”
Through her undergraduate experience, Petruzzella worked for a chiropractor. “So, what led me to LIFE was that my chiropractor at home told me to check out LIFE Leadership Weekend,” she said. “When I was there, I just knew I belonged at LIFE.”
Petruzzella shared that being at LIFE felt like a rollercoaster. “Starting first quarter I was like a lost puppy not knowing where I belong,” she shared. “A lot of it is about having self-discipline and having faith in yourself and faith in God.”
While trying to find her niche, Petruzella tried out several clubs. “LIFE has just felt like one big journey with meeting new people, mentors and professors. They really made me who I am.”
Before coming to LIFE, Petruzzella was planning on becoming a physician assistant. But when she was working for the chiropractic office during her undergraduate, she saw all of the patient testimonies and that helped guide her decision to check out Chiropractic.
She is currently the vice president of the Motion Palpation club and the president of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) club. “So, I have a lot on my plate, but I do love it. It’s a good balance because you get your hands-on people with learning how to palpate and tactile skills,” she shared. “And then for the ICPA club it’s more about bringing in speakers that talk about pregnancy and pediatrics.”
Being a leader in campus clubs is really important to Petruzzella in being a person that other people look to at LIFE. “What I try to do the most is just love on people and accept them no matter what. I don’t think we need to create a division in our profession based on what technique you want to go into.”
Her biggest advice to other students is to go out and meet a variety of people. “Get to know them because you never know when they might be one of your great friends down the line or a mentor. It’s really important to get that connection with people, especially in our profession”
LEARN MORE:
Faces of LIFE is a story campaign that showcases members of the dynamic LIFE community, including faculty/staff, students, alumni and health science professionals. Interested in being featured or nominating a candidate? E-mail Natalie.Esparza@LIFE.edu. Read more Faces of LIFE stories.
Social Media