Physical therapy is important to me because it embodies the process of growth, learning, and transformation—both for the patient and the therapist. I have always been passionate about seeing others make progress, whether it be in their physical capabilities, confidence, or overall well-being. Ever since I started going to the gym and learning more about health and fitness, I found myself eager to share what I was learning with my friends. I wanted them to benefit from the knowledge just as much as I did, and I realized how much I enjoyed guiding and educating others. The ability to help individuals regain function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life is what drives me toward this field. However, what truly excites me is the opportunity to educate patients along the way, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to take control of their own health. Throughout my experiences observing and working in physical therapy settings, I have seen firsthand how education is just as vital as the treatment itself. Patients who understand why they are doing a specific exercise or how movement patterns affect their recovery tend to be more engaged and motivated. I love the idea of not only guiding people through their rehabilitation but also giving them the tools to maintain and improve their health long after their time in therapy. This is where I see my passion for physical therapy and education coming together. While my immediate goal is to become a skilled and compassionate physical therapist, I know that my journey in this field will not stop there. I plan to eventually transition into teaching, where I can help shape the next generation of physical therapists. Not only do I want to gain experience in the field before teaching, but I also believe that hands-on experience is invaluable. There are lessons that cannot be learned from a textbook, such as how to motivate patients and effectively communicate with people from all backgrounds. The values that define both physical therapy and education which include patience, adaptability, and the ability to inspire growth—are closely aligned, making this career path feel like a natural extension of my passions. By stepping into an academic role later in my career, I can extend my impact beyond individual patients and contribute to the profession on a larger scale. Limiting myself to just one role, whether it be solely a clinician or solely an educator, would mean limiting the amount of influence I can have on benefiting others health, and in turn their life. Physical therapy is a constantly evolving field, and I want to be a part of that evolution not only by practicing but by helping future professionals develop their skills and understanding. Whether it is through patient education in a clinical setting or mentoring students in a classroom, my ultimate goal is to empower others with knowledge and encourage them to take ownership of their health and learning. By pursuing this scholarship, I am taking another step toward achieving these goals. The financial support would allow me to continue my education and gain the experiences necessary to be both an excellent physical therapist and a future educator. I am eager to make a lasting impact in both fields, helping individuals regain movement and independence while also shaping the minds of future professionals who will continue to drive the profession forward. Physical therapy is more than just a career to me, it is a platform through which I can create meaningful change, both one on one with patients and on a broader scale in the academic world.