Audiology
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Optometry
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Zachary LaBarth ‘23AUD and Sierra Niesen ‘24AUD
Philadelphia, specifically the quaint neighborhood of Chestnut Hill, was the backdrop for Zachary LaBarth’s and Sierra Niesen’s segment of The College Tour focusing on “A Prime Location.”
Picturesque Germantown Avenue, known as the city’s garden district, showcases antique shops, art galleries, farmers’ markets and everything that’s great about Philadelphia while being only a short drive from the University’s Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, campus. 
And, the two Doctor of Audiology students were the perfect pair – LaBarth, a South Jersey native, who currently lives in Roxborough, spoke about growing up in this metropolitan area, while Niesen, who originally hails from Oregon, brought in a different West Coast perspective.
“Being a part of the filming process was really incredible. My journey to Salus hasn't been easy but I love being able to share my experience with others,” said Niesen. “My favorite part of the filming process was seeing how they filmed my segment and the magic that happened to make it into the final product. They made me look good!”
LaBarth received his undergraduate degrees from Philadelphia’s La Salle University, one in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and the other in Urban Public Health. When on campus, he has served as an ambassador, a member of the Student Engagement Committee, and a member of the Salus Mentor/Mentee Program.
Niesen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Oregon. While at Salus, she served as the assistant treasurer of the Student Council Executive Board.
Niesen chose to study to become a future audiologist because of an issue stemming from childhood. “One thing that a lot of people don’t know is that my interest in audiology was because I started to lose my hearing when I was 12 years old,” she said. “I wear hearing aids. I have a tattoo behind my one ear that says the word, ‘What?’”
But, both were drawn to the University because of the early hands-on experiences, faculty and staff who work tirelessly to help build the next generation of the top-tier healthcare professionals — in a meds and eds hub such as Philadelphia. 
“It was mentioned a lot in the video, but Salus really does pride itself on the opportunity to provide students hands-on experience. But I don't think it was mentioned the opportunities that were provided during the pandemic last year,” LaBarth said. “I know, me personally, I've never been able to learn out of a textbook by reading words. I have to get my hands involved. So, thanks to all the people that were involved in getting us all the hands-on experience that they could while we were in this pandemic.”
His tour counterpart agreed. “My advice for those entering Salus is to find your people, for both study but also for fun,” Niesen said. “This journey is not easy and it truly takes a village to make everything happen — a great support staff is a must!”
Whether near or far, East Coast to West Coast, as The College Tour host Alex Boylan said in this segment, Salus students share the love for Philly and quickly feel at home not only in the City of Brotherly Love, but also at the University – a whole community in itself.
“I'm very grateful that I went through that experience, to be able to be here, and be able to pursue my dream. I'm also very grateful for this opportunity to be a part of The College Tour. Salus is an incredible place to now call home,” Niesen said.
