When your dreams are shattering in front of you, your faith is what helps you through. I have always loved God and tried to share my love with others. When I was in fourth grade, my best friend and I had dreams of being missionaries to Africa. Togo, Africa to be specific. We started saving all of our money and even ran lemonade stands. We were passionate about what God had laid on our hearts. While raising money, we started a bible study at our elementary school. There was one student in particular, Kamala, that started coming that couldn't speak English. We would stay in at recess to read the Bible and talk Jesus to him. In Oct. of my fifth grade year, my best friend, Eli, was hit by a car and passed away. I remember thinking how will I fulfill our dreams without him by my side? I have had to rely on Jesus. There's been many lonely times in high school because I haven't had my best friend here with me, but God has always seen me through. I have been blessed with a good group of compassionate friends. Over this last Christmas break, my friends and I set up an event for the NW AR Women's Shelter Victims of Domestic Violence. We served food and did arts and crafts with their children for the day. It was rewarding to serve and encourage these families who have been through so much. I hope to continue to make a difference in children's lives through my occupation. In the fall of 2025, I will attend college to pursue a Bachelors of Science in Health Science with a physical therapy emphasis. Then, I will apply for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Central Arkansas. I have chosen a degree in children’s physical therapy to make an impact in their development and quality of life. I hope to improve their mobility, range of motion, help with muscle tightness or pain, so students can enjoy an active life. One of my educational goals is to graduate with the highest GPA possible, because acceptance into the DPT program is very competitive as they only accept 60 a semester. While studying and learning as much as I can, I will join the PrePT Club. This club will help me learn more about the PT profession as well as meet friends in my program. Attending at least 3 club meetings a year is another requirement for enrollment in the DPT program. One of my long-term goals is to work in a physical therapy clinic and go on medical trips to help children not only in the U.S. but also in other countries, specifically Africa. As I have gone through high school, and committed to a degree in physical therapy, I still have the desire and heartfelt mission to go to Africa. Going to other countries with a medical team is one way I can fulfill the mission Eli and I had, and help children around the world. As a pediatric physical therapist I hope to make an impact in children’s lives by providing the physical therapy they need to improve their mobility, help with their pain management, strengthen their body, and improve their quality of life. Going to college and committing my time and work in the physical therapy program is what I have to do to make this profession become a reality. I will strive to do my best and with hard work and dedication, I will become a physical therapist who will make a difference in kids’ lives.

Helping kids be active to the fullest of their ability, doesn't that sound rewarding? In the fall of 2025, I will attend college to pursue a Bachelors of Science in Health Science with a physical therapy emphasis. Then, I will apply for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Central Arkansas. I have chosen a degree in children’s physical therapy to make an impact in their physical development and quality of life. I hope to improve their mobility, range of motion, and/or help with muscle tightness or pain, so students can enjoy an active life. One of my educational goals is to graduate with the highest GPA possible, because acceptance into the DPT program is very competitive as they only accept 60 a semester. While studying and learning as much as I can, I will join the PrePT Club. This club will help me learn more about the PT profession as well as meet friends in my program. Attending at least 3 club meetings a year is another requirement for enrollment in the DPT program. Another goal I have, while attending college, is to observe, work, and/or volunteer at different physical therapy clinics to get first hand experience in the field. This will allow me to gain insights and information on the skills and responsibilities tied to my profession. This will also allow me to build a network of friends and colleagues in the physical therapy profession. Time in different clinics will also help secure my thought of being a pediatric physical therapist. One of my long-term goals is to work in a physical therapy clinic and go on medical trips to help children not only in the U.S. but also in other countries, specifically Africa. When I was in fourth grade, my best friend, Eli, and I both felt called to Africa. As young boys, we weren't sure how we could help there, but we had a dream. Sadly, in fifth grade Eli was killed in a tragic accident. As I have gone through high school, and committed to a degree in physical therapy, I still have the desire and heartfelt mission to go to Africa. Going to other countries with a medical team is one way I can fulfill the mission Eli and I had. I can help children around the world. I can not wait until some of these opportunities arise. As a pediatric physical therapist I hope to make an impact in children’s lives by providing the physical therapy they need to improve their mobility, help with their pain management, strengthen their body, and improve their quality of life. Going to college and committing my time and work for 7 years in the physical therapy program is what I have to do to make this profession become a reality. I will strive to do my best and with hard work and dedication, I will become a physical therapist who will make a difference in many kids’ lives.