My path to becoming a Physical Therapist has been anything but clear-cut. About 2 years ago, I decided to go back to school to work on my pre-req's so I could apply to PT school. I've been working at PT Tech at an outpatient clinic for almost a year. I have loved connecting with patients and watching them reach their goals, helping them live a better quality of life. I am so excited to start PT school in August, so I can continue on that path and learn the skill set required to become a PT. I was originally drawn to PT back in 2019, right as I was getting ready to graduate from college with a degree in finance. I was almost done with school and had a good job lined up right out of college, so I took the easier route. I worked at Enterprise Rent-A-Car and was promoted very quickly, and became a branch manager after just one year in their management training program. I developed strong people skills, managed $ 5 million in assets, and ultimately learned to lead a team and run a profitable branch. Ultimately, I decided about 3 years ago to pursue a more fulfilling career rather than chase money and promotions. I share this because I feel it's what really sets me apart from other candidates. While I have a strong desire for and love of the work Physical Therapists do, I also see things through a business lens. During my time at my clinic, I have had the opportunity to go out almost weekly to market to doctors and build relationships to help grow our clinic. This was something I did regularly at Enterprise, and I have been able to apply those skills to help the clinic where I am currently working. Through my own research, I see a need for strong, business-minded PTs. Reimbursement rates for physical therapists have, on average, dropped by almost 10% over the past 10 years. My end goal is to open my own clinic and, hopefully, get to a point where I can create well-paying jobs for other PTs that allow them to provide high-quality care. I believe my experience running a branch will help me be a strong advocate for the profession as a whole. As to how I will accomplish that exact goal, I am not sure what that will look like or how it will play out. Right now, my focus is on getting through school and learning the skills required to be a physical therapist. What my time in the business world taught me is how to make adjustments, problem solve, and stay positive even when things aren't going according to plan. Quitting my job to go back to school with a wife and kid has been one of the more challenging things I have done in my life, but I am so grateful I took that leap. I believe all of my experiences up to this point have prepared me to own a business and be a positive influence in the physical therapy profession.