For the past couple of years, I found myself torn between pursuing a career in Athletic Training or Physical Therapy. I have always been interested in both fields for various reasons, but I couldn’t quite decide which path felt more meaningful.This all changed in November 2024, when my dad suffered a life changing stroke. The stroke left him completely unable to walk or talk, and our whole family dynamic changed. He spent 50 days in an inpatient rehabilitation center and he continues to attend outpatient therapy sessions to this day. Watching my dad go through this journey, I found myself in the world of physical therapy in a very personal way. I spent hours by his side as he worked with multiple physical therapists, each with their own techniques and styles even getting to assist them at times. Their dedication, patience, and compassion had a profound impact on me. It was inspiring to see how they motivated my dad and helped him regain strength, function, and hope. Observing their efforts and assisting during a few of his sessions sparked a deep interest in me. I realized how impactful this work truly is and how essential passionate, skilled therapists are to people’s recovery.Through conversations with his therapists, I learned more about what the field involves and what it takes to be successful. I began to picture myself in their shoes, making a difference in someone’s life every single day. My interest evolved from a general knowledge about the medical field to a focused passion for physical therapy. I’ve always wanted to help people, but experiencing my dad’s rehabilitation firsthand gave me a deeper purpose and passed for the field because it became personal for me. Now, I’m committed to pursuing a career in physical therapy. While I haven’t decided whether I want to specialize in sports physical therapy or rehabilitation with a focus on stroke victims. I’m confident that this is the right field for me. I want to be someone who helps others find strength in their recovery, just like my dad’s therapists helped him. Having experienced the impact physical therapy can make in someone’s life, I feel driven to be that source of support and healing for others. No one realizes how much of an impact a physical therapist makes on your life just like people do not realize how much a patient can impact their therapist. My dad’s journey has shown me my calling, and I’m ready to explore this passion of mine.