He credits support from professors, friends, and family.
Name: Eitan (pronounced Ethan) Otero ’26
Major: Biomedical Sciences; going on for a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Nazareth
From: University Heights High School, Bronx, NY
How have your Naz experiences shaped who you are today?
I learned how much having a supportive group of people can impact your life. There were a lot of moments over my 4 years when I thought I could never get into graduate school. I doubted myself. But when I did not see any chance, my professors, friends, and family had faith in me. I would have never met those people if it was not for Naz.
What’s next after Naz?
Nazareth DPT (doctor of physical therapy) program, starting this summer!
What are you most looking forward to in your life’s work? How has Naz prepared you for success?
Health care has always been something I knew I would end up in. During COVID, I fell in love with fitness and I felt physical therapy brought me the best of both worlds — helping people not just physically but emotionally while bouncing back from an injury.
I also am looking forward to meeting even more new people and creating new experiences I can share with people in my cohort. Naz has helped me prepare by helping me meet new people, gain lifelong friends and experiences I do not think I could have got anywhere else.
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In white hat, posing with our men’s rugby team on a trip to nationals in spring 2025. |
What lessons will you take with you from your Nazareth years?
Over my first few semesters, I was going through a lot mentally and it impacted me academically. However, throughout the end of my sophomore year into junior year I was able to find my footing and learn from mistakes and figure out how I learn best. I realized I had a chance not a lot of people have. I learned to use resources like tutoring. I go to all my professors’ office hours. I love that professors from freshman year still know my name and ask how I’m doing. I surround myself with positive people.
So I think a lesson I learned from that is it is never really over. We have more time than we think. All it takes is some really hard work.
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| Lab presentation during junior year. |
Who’s had a great impact on you?
Dr. Stearns [biology] has been one of the professors who stood out from when I took his class junior year, to now. He was always supportive and played a big part in my success here at Naz.
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| Connecting with Adam Stearns ’11, ’13G, DPT, who teaches anatomy and physiology at Nazareth. |
I also want to mention my now-fiance Kiara, who I would have never met if it was not for Naz. She has been one of the biggest supporters for me.
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| Kiara Anglin and Eitan |
Favorite moments?
Some of the most memorable moments for me were going to the Cab after rugby practices with my teammates or getting lunch at the dining hall with them and talking about life and just making memories I did not even realize were so important at the time.
Part of a graduating student profile series
