Mike Peters Memorial Scholarship

From a young age, I was fascinated by how the mind works; an interest sparked when my mother recognized my ability to help others navigate their challenges. This early curiosity grew into a deeper exploration of the mind-body connection, which eventually led me toward physical therapy. Watching educational videos introduced me to the complex interactions between the mind and body in everyday life. I soon realized that I wanted my future profession to involve helping others recover both mentally and physically. I discovered that physical pain can spark mental health issues, which is why physical therapy helps patients both psychologically and physically. One reason why I'm pursuing a doctorate in this career is because I know what it’s like to have limited mobility. I was diagnosed with Lupus, which has dramatically impacted my joint movement. Before my diagnosis, I felt useless and scared; I was not accustomed to my body restricting my ability to walk and lift objects. This helplessness led to depressive episodes which affected my grades and work ethic. After my diagnosis, when prescribed my medication and exercise treatments, I became deeply motivated to make sure that no person felt that same helplessness I once did. Knowing what I am currently going through motivates me to make sure I treat as many patients as I can who have gone through the same issues. Becoming a traveling Physical Therapist is my ultimate professional goal. As a traveling PT, I will not only positively impact the lives of local patients, but also the lives of patients in underserved communities where PTs are most needed. These locations are often composed of people of color, namely African-Americans. Historically, African-Americans are less likely to seek medical care. This is often attributed to a distrust in doctors that don't resemble them. I believe that I can begin to lessen this disparity as a black healthcare professional. Currently, only four percent of Physical Therapists are African-American. It's essential to the health of millions that this number increases. Through my profession, I'll bring vital healthcare to underserved communities because I believe that people who live in these settings should have equal access to quality, reliable healthcare. I understand that a dedication to lifelong learning is crucial for both personal development and giving my future patients the best care possible as I work toward my goal of being a physical therapist. I intend to follow a few crucial procedures throughout my profession to show this dedication. First, in order to better understand different aspects of physical therapy, I have made the decision to take a gap year from school. I've previously worked in pediatrics, orthopedics, and inpatient care. I have not yet completed a rotation in acute care. I think that exposing myself to various physical therapy specialties will help me develop new perspectives and be prepared for graduate school. Second, following graduate school, I intend to obtain certification licenses in both Neurology and Gerontology. Gaining additional expertise in these areas will enable me to offer more comprehensive care, particularly to underserved communities, given the difficulties of treating patients with neurological disorders and the growing demand for specialized care for older adults. My experiences have fueled my passion for physical therapy, and I am committed to using this education to help others recover both physically and mentally. As a traveling physical therapist, I aim to bring quality care to underserved communities where healthcare disparities persist. My commitment to lifelong learning will enable me to provide the best care possible. I am excited to contribute to a profession that embodies compassion, equity, and continuous growth.