Science Appreciation Scholarship

It was approximately five years ago when my true calling was revealed to me, becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapist. My mother used to work as a nurse at Prince George's Hospital Center. Unfortunately, she was attacked at work by a psychiatric patient. This incident caused her to suffer injuries to her lower back and hips. My mom attended physical therapy sessions weekly, but she eventually had to stop the treatment due to financial difficulties. Thus, I took the initiative to help my mom recover. I had a few experiences with physical therapy since I suffered injuries from track and field. Due to having an eight-month lower back injury, I understood the requirements it took to recover. Based on my scientific research and personal experience, the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method and accessory exercises was the best strategy to help my mom heal from her injury. Over time, her range of motion improved, and she regained strength in her lower back and hips. Science provides individuals with endless resources to improve one's community in a variety of settings such as healthcare. Without science, I would have not been able to assist in healing my mother. Watching my mom struggle helplessly broke my heart. My mother is one of the kindest individuals I know; she helped many patients through her comfort and compassion. Hence, helping my mom recover is my biggest accomplishment, for I was able to help her get back to doing what she loves to do. From that moment on, I knew I found my passion and would pursue a career in physical therapy helping others recover from their injuries. Recovering from an injury is not only a challenge physically but also mentally. There were times when my mother and I would both cry together. She cried every night about not seeing progress in her recovery, and she agonized over the thought that she may never be the same. I spent many nights motivating my mom to keep pushing during her two years of recovery. I wish to motivate my future patients the same way I motivated my mom through her recovery. Since my mother and I are both Christians, we prayed to God daily to heal her. My mother’s favorite verse that inspires her to not give up is Philippians 4:6: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Ever since then, I pray this verse whenever I am facing adversity. Therefore, I plan to continue praying and fighting until I achieve what I was born to do, having a positive impact on patients.