I am a pre-physical therapy student at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. I am in the RHOP program here at Chadron. I am 19 years old, and through my first semester of college, I have maintained a GPA of 4.00. Through my first semester of college, I learned a lot about myself. I realized that I work very well with others; I am very dependable and learned how to solve problems. I love learning new things, but college has been financially draining. Undergraduate school can be expensive, and I still have three more years to go before graduate school. I am a good fit for this scholarship, as it will aid me in completing my degree. Since my first year of high school, becoming a physical therapist has been my dream. It all started when I tore my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) while playing basketball. I had no idea how much of a positive impact my physical therapists would have on my life. I completed physical therapy before surgery and then continued with it after surgery on my own. This injury was one of the lowest moments of my life. Being active is essential, providing freedom from school and other stressors. The physical therapists who worked with me during my injury were the most supportive and caring people I could ever wish for. I aspire to help patients who are going through injuries like I did. Physical therapists and occupational therapists work hand in hand. During the summer after graduating high school, I worked at a nursing home on a dementia floor. I observed physical and occupational therapists collaborating and sharing ideas to develop the most effective care plan for the residents. The physical therapist primarily assessed movement plans and injuries, while the occupational therapist assessed speech and food care plans. I firmly believe therapists must work together to create the best treatment plan for all patients. Working at a nursing home was a great experience; I learned how to care for those in need, communicate with coworkers, properly transport residents, and be patient. Patience is tough to understand; being a physical therapist or an occupational therapist, you always strive for your patients to be better fast, which does not always happen; it can take months and possibly even years for patients to be rehabilitated completely. Physical therapy is an evolving profession, much like occupational therapy. The field is constantly developing new techniques for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is essential for all individuals, from those who find it difficult to perform daily activities. My goal is to assist people and pursue a career that I am passionate about.

Love is kind is showing compassion for others no matter the circumstances and reaching out to take care of those who need love the most. Love is kind is what I experienced on my first day walking into Bluff Physical Therapy to start my internship. I had known since I started high school that I wanted to work someday as a physical therapist. Getting to experience people going through a tough time with recovery from accidents and surgery has made me understand the amount of love, care, and selflessness that goes into being a healthcare provider. Each day I go to my internship I am able to create relationships with new patients and learn their stories. Each patient has a story, and letting those patients tell their stories and give empathy back to the patient takes patience, love, and kindness. During the time at my internship, I have worked with patients from young athletes with sports injuries to older people with hip and knee replacements to even people with brain and spinal cord injuries. Every day the building is flowing full of happiness from patients who are excited about getting better. The happiness that flows through patients when you tell them they got a new exercise on their chart just lights up the room. I believe that happiness is also referred to as kindness and love. The little bit of love that I give to patients is given back to me with a smile. I have learned that I am a small part of someone's journey to getting back to completing everyday activities. Being a small part of someone's journey to getting better makes me realize how important it is to be a healthcare provider. When I think about physical therapy I think of giving kindness and love to patients no matter what they have gone through or what they look like. Giving love to patients is also shown through respect or kindness, helping a patient with self-esteem, helping their dignity, and showing you care about human values. I also believe that love is a learning experience, you have to fail to learn love. Sometimes when patients fail or struggle doing exercises all it takes is a little bit of encouragement and patience to change their attitude. People respond better to someone loving and kind than to someone cruel and bitter. In healthcare, if you give love and kindness you are likely to receive love and kindness back. After I complete college and physical therapy school I plan to use love is kindness in my work. I plan to take care of patients the same way I would take care of myself or someone that I care about and love. I will use love and kindness by creating a personable environment with patients to learn their stories. I want my patients to understand I am passionate, dedicated, and attentive to their rehabilitation journey. To become a healthcare provider I will hold my values close to my heart. I will remember why I fell in love with the occupation of physical therapy, helping my community, and restoring patients' faith in getting better after accidents and injuries. I will forever use love is kindness in my work as I continue my journey into healthcare.