I have always been fascinated by the human body's resilience and its capacity for healing since I was young. This curiosity turned personal when I suffered multiple ankle injuries while playing soccer. Although frustrating then, these injuries introduced me to the field of physical therapy. I was inspired by the commitment of the physical therapists who helped me regain strength and mobility, and I realized that I wanted to pursue a career whereby I would be able to do the same for others. One of my main professional goals is to work as a physical therapist, ideally with professional athletes. I love sports, always have, and know the toll an injury, physically and psychologically, can have. I look to make sustainable changes in sports by enabling professional athletes to make safe recoveries, avoiding future injuries. I do not, however, wish to limit myself to working only with athletes. Most of the people in underprivileged communities have very limited access to quality physical therapy, which is a big determinant of their mobility and overall well-being. I will use my expertise to bridge this gap by providing affordable rehabilitation options and advocating for better healthcare accessibility. Giving back to my community has always been important to me, and my experiences have only reinforced my desire to help others. With the Hudson Scholars, I had an opportunity to be a mentor to younger students, helping them get through the struggles of academic and personal difficulties. It is rewarding to watch those students develop their confidence and capability, reinforcing for me the impact of good mentoring. Equally, my work as a tutor for my younger neighbor has shown me how providing educational support can make a real difference in someone's success. Beyond tutoring and mentoring, I contribute to my community by walking dogs for elderly neighbors and those who cannot care for their pets due to physical limitations. It is small in terms of structure but has instilled in me a sense of reaching out where my help would be needed. In this case, these experiences influence me into using a sympathetic, service approach towards my prospective occupation. Today I support the people in my community, but by helping to reintroduce these very same abilities among people using physical therapy, this is exactly the way I'll be continuing with giving. Ultimately, my academic and professional goals are driven by a personal need to make a difference. Whether an athlete returning to sport, a geriatric patient regaining access, or providing care when no other options might exist, I seek to make lives better with my work. I will empower patients through physical therapy so that they can overcome physical limitations and live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Ever since my childhood, I have been fascinated by the human body's ability to endure and recover from various traumatic injuries. This got personal when I suffered recurrent ankle injuries playing soccer. What could have been a discouraging experience instead became a source of inspiration as I worked with physical therapists who helped me regain strength and mobility. Their dedication and expertise left a mark on me that furthered my interest in the field of physical therapy. Fast-forward to today, I am determined to embark on this journey and to make a difference in the lives of people by helping them overcome their physical challenges and gain independence. Contributing to the World: One main way I envision myself contributing to the world will be through interactions with athletes involved in professional team sports. Competition and sports had always been great parts of my life, since I know injury can take great tolls in both mental and physical ways when it comes to athletes. As a physical therapist in professional settings, I will help rehabilitate them so that they safely and efficiently recover, informing them about their injury prevention methods in the process. I do not plan to simply rehabilitate but also educate people about different parts of the human body in a way that optimizes performance by reducing the danger of further probable injuries. Beyond athletes, I have a strong passion for making physical therapy accessible to the less privileged in society. Injuries or mobility problems plague everyone, but quality rehabilitation services can often only be found in areas with higher-income status. I dream of bridging this gap by volunteering my skills at community centers, offering cheaper therapy options, and advocating for better healthcare policies. Movement is key in daily life, and this treatment deserves not to take anyone's financial situation into consideration regarding their full recovery. Furthermore, I want to use my platform as a physical therapist to teach people about the importance of movement, injury prevention, and overall wellness. So many injuries could be avoided with proper conditioning, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Whether through workshops, social media, or partnering with schools and sports programs, I can further help people learn at any age how to take care of their bodies in a proactive manner. These experiences as a mentor in the Hudson Scholars program have crystallized my commitment to helping others. In this program, I have been able to work with younger students, offering guidance and support in an effort to help them through academic and personal challenges. Mentorship has shown me the power of encouragement and how small acts of guidance can result in tremendous growth. Similarly, as a physical therapist, I will not only treat injuries but also act as a mentor to patients, to push them through the rehabilitation process with confidence and determination. Eventually, I would want to leave behind a dent where lives have improved in terms of quality. It could be about getting an athlete back on the field, being able to work with an older patient and walk again, or even care that was given because no one else would; the work I want to do must make a difference. For me, physical therapy is much more than just a career-it is one surefire way to help build a healthy, strong, resilient world.