Christopher Parker Most of my life, I watched my mother suffer in silence after she was misdiagnosed for many years by many different medical professionals. The one time I was truly able to see my mother smile is when she would go to physical therapy. It was at that moment when I realized what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have been dreaming of the day that I was old enough to go to college to study to become a physical therapist for the vast majority of my life. Becoming a physical therapist is not just an educational goal or a life goal for me; I believe it is a part of my destiny. Throughout high school, I chose healthcare as the academic curriculum that I wanted to follow. As an added bonus, I have been able to shadow a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant, at a local rehabilitation clinic near my school to gain real life experience in the field that I am excited to join one day. Majoring in physical therapy and earning my degree(s) is something that I have wanted for a very long time. I have maintained good grades throughout my entire educational career from elementary school through my high school years. I have also played several sports. Playing multiple sports allowed me to see multiple injuries happen and how the physical therapist would run out to help the athletes. The sports I participated in the most were Track and Field, Baseball, Cheer and Football. Although I have managed to remain free of any major injuries, it is my belief that all of these things along with the memories of seeing my mother in physical therapy for the first time have played a role in shaping my future goals. One of my dreams is to be a traveling physical therapist with a professional sports team. I have thoroughly researched exactly the path that I need to follow to become a physical therapist. Once I earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a (DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I will take and pass the (NPTE) National Physical Therapy Examination. I would like to earn both a PhD and MD licensure. When I become a physical therapist, I hope to gain experience working with post-op patients and outpatients. I love working with people and meeting new people. I am also interested in working with patients that have been involved in an accident and patients that need rehabilitation due to a medical condition. I am willing to put in all of the time and effort it takes to make my dreams a reality. I believe that I have what it takes to succeed. The passion, dedication and excitement that I feel when I think about all of the possibilities that await me in the future is what drives me to meet and exceed my goals. Simply knowing that I will one day be the person that puts a smile on my patients’ faces on their roads to recovery is almost as fascinating as knowing that I will also be inspiring another generation of future physical therapists as I once was inspired. I am also a male cheerleader that has faced racial and homophobic slurs. I take all of it as motivation to greatness.

Christopher Parker Most of my life, I watched my mother suffer in silence after she was misdiagnosed for many years by many different medical professionals. The one time I was truly able to see my mother smile is when she would go to physical therapy. It was at that moment when I realized what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have been dreaming of the day that I was old enough to go to college to study to become a physical therapist for the vast majority of my life. Becoming a physical therapist is not just an educational goal or a life goal for me; I believe it is a part of my destiny. Throughout high school, I chose healthcare as the academic curriculum that I wanted to follow. As an added bonus, I have been able to shadow a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant, at a local rehabilitation clinic near my school to gain real life experience in the field that I am excited to join one day. Majoring in physical therapy and earning my degree(s) is something that I have wanted for a very long time. I have maintained good grades throughout my entire educational career from elementary school through my high school years. I have also played several sports. Playing multiple sports allowed me to see multiple injuries happen and how the physical therapist would run out to help the athletes. The sports I participated in the most were Track and Field, Baseball, Cheer and Football. Although I have managed to remain free of any major injuries, it is my belief that all of these things along with the memories of seeing my mother in physical therapy for the first time have played a role in shaping my future goals. One of my dreams is to be a traveling physical therapist with a professional sports team. I have thoroughly researched exactly the path that I need to follow to become a physical therapist. Once I earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a (DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I will take and pass the (NPTE) National Physical Therapy Examination. I would like to earn both a PhD and MD licensure. When I become a physical therapist, I hope to gain experience working with post-op patients and outpatients. I love working with people and meeting new people. I am also interested in working with patients that have been involved in an accident and patients that need rehabilitation due to a medical condition. I am willing to put in all of the time and effort it takes to make my dreams a reality. I believe that I have what it takes to succeed. The passion, dedication and excitement that I feel when I think about all of the possibilities that await me in the future is what drives me to meet and exceed my goals. Simply knowing that I will one day be the person that puts a smile on my patients’ faces on their roads to recovery is almost as fascinating as knowing that I will also be inspiring another generation of future physical therapists as I once was inspired. I am also a male cheerleader that has faced racial and homophobic slurs. I take all of it as motivation to greatness.

Christopher Parker Most of my life, I watched my mother suffer in silence after she was misdiagnosed for many years by many different medical professionals. The one time I was truly able to see my mother smile is when she would go to physical therapy. It was at that moment when I realized what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have been dreaming of the day that I was old enough to go to college to study to become a physical therapist for the vast majority of my life. Becoming a physical therapist is not just an educational goal or a life goal for me; I believe it is a part of my destiny. Throughout high school, I chose healthcare as the academic curriculum that I wanted to follow. As an added bonus, I have been able to shadow a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant, at a local rehabilitation clinic near my school to gain real life experience in the field that I am excited to join one day. Majoring in physical therapy and earning my degree(s) is something that I have wanted for a very long time. I have maintained good grades throughout my entire educational career from elementary school through my high school years. I have also played several sports. Playing multiple sports allowed me to see multiple injuries happen and how the physical therapist would run out to help the athletes. The sports I participated in the most were Track and Field, Baseball, Cheer and Football. Although I have managed to remain free of any major injuries, it is my belief that all of these things along with the memories of seeing my mother in physical therapy for the first time have played a role in shaping my future goals. One of my dreams is to be a traveling physical therapist with a professional sports team. I have thoroughly researched exactly the path that I need to follow to become a physical therapist. Once I earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a (DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I will take and pass the (NPTE) National Physical Therapy Examination. I would like to earn both a PhD and MD licensure. When I become a physical therapist, I hope to gain experience working with post-op patients and outpatients. I love working with people and meeting new people. I am also interested in working with patients that have been involved in an accident and patients that need rehabilitation due to a medical condition. I am willing to put in all of the time and effort it takes to make my dreams a reality. I believe that I have what it takes to succeed. The passion, dedication and excitement that I feel when I think about all of the possibilities that await me in the future is what drives me to meet and exceed my goals. Simply knowing that I will one day be the person that puts a smile on my patients’ faces on their roads to recovery is almost as fascinating as knowing that I will also be inspiring another generation of future physical therapists as I once was inspired. I am also a male cheerleader that has faced racial and homophobic slurs. I take all of it as motivation to greatness.

Christopher Parker Most of my life, I watched my mother suffer in silence after she was misdiagnosed for many years by many different medical professionals. The one time I was truly able to see my mother smile is when she would go to physical therapy. It was at that moment when I realized what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have been dreaming of the day that I was old enough to go to college to study to become a physical therapist for the vast majority of my life. Becoming a physical therapist is not just an educational goal or a life goal for me; I believe it is a part of my destiny. Throughout high school, I chose healthcare as the academic curriculum that I wanted to follow. As an added bonus, I have been able to shadow a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant, at a local rehabilitation clinic near my school to gain real life experience in the field that I am excited to join one day. Majoring in physical therapy and earning my degree(s) is something that I have wanted for a very long time. I have maintained good grades throughout my entire educational career from elementary school through my high school years. I have also played several sports. Playing multiple sports allowed me to see multiple injuries happen and how the physical therapist would run out to help the athletes. The sports I participated in the most were Track and Field, Baseball, Cheer and Football. Although I have managed to remain free of any major injuries, it is my belief that all of these things along with the memories of seeing my mother in physical therapy for the first time have played a role in shaping my future goals. One of my dreams is to be a traveling physical therapist with a professional sports team. I have thoroughly researched exactly the path that I need to follow to become a physical therapist. Once I earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a (DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I will take and pass the (NPTE) National Physical Therapy Examination. I would like to earn both a PhD and MD licensure. When I become a physical therapist, I hope to gain experience working with post-op patients and outpatients. I love working with people and meeting new people. I am also interested in working with patients that have been involved in an accident and patients that need rehabilitation due to a medical condition. I am willing to put in all of the time and effort it takes to make my dreams a reality. I believe that I have what it takes to succeed. The passion, dedication and excitement that I feel when I think about all of the possibilities that await me in the future is what drives me to meet and exceed my goals. Simply knowing that I will one day be the person that puts a smile on my patients’ faces on their roads to recovery is almost as fascinating as knowing that I will also be inspiring another generation of future physical therapists as I once was inspired.

Christopher Parker Most of my life, I watched my mother suffer in silence after she was misdiagnosed for many years by many different medical professionals. The one time I was truly able to see my mother smile is when she would go to physical therapy. It was at that moment when I realized what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have been dreaming of the day that I was old enough to go to college to study to become a physical therapist for the vast majority of my life. Becoming a physical therapist is not just an educational goal or a life goal for me; I believe it is a part of my destiny. Throughout high school, I chose healthcare as the academic curriculum that I wanted to follow. As an added bonus, I have been able to shadow a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant, at a local rehabilitation clinic near my school to gain real life experience in the field that I am excited to join one day. Majoring in physical therapy and earning my degree(s) is something that I have wanted for a very long time. I have maintained good grades throughout my entire educational career from elementary school through my high school years. I have also played several sports. Playing multiple sports allowed me to see multiple injuries happen and how the physical therapist would run out to help the athletes. The sports I participated in the most were Track and Field, Baseball, Cheer and Football. Although I have managed to remain free of any major injuries, it is my belief that all of these things along with the memories of seeing my mother in physical therapy for the first time have played a role in shaping my future goals. One of my dreams is to be a traveling physical therapist with a professional sports team. I have thoroughly researched exactly the path that I need to follow to become a physical therapist. Once I earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a (DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I will take and pass the (NPTE) National Physical Therapy Examination. I would like to earn both a PhD and MD licensure. When I become a physical therapist, I hope to gain experience working with post-op patients and outpatients. I love working with people and meeting new people. I am also interested in working with patients that have been involved in an accident and patients that need rehabilitation due to a medical condition. I am willing to put in all of the time and effort it takes to make my dreams a reality. I believe that I have what it takes to succeed. The passion, dedication and excitement that I feel when I think about all of the possibilities that await me in the future is what drives me to meet and exceed my goals. Simply knowing that I will one day be the person that puts a smile on my patients’ faces on their roads to recovery is almost as fascinating as knowing that I will also be inspiring another generation of future physical therapists as I once was inspired.

Christopher Parker Most of my life, I watched my mother suffer in silence after she was misdiagnosed for many years by many different medical professionals. The one time I was truly able to see my mother smile is when she would go to physical therapy. It was at that moment when I realized what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have been dreaming of the day that I was old enough to go to college to study to become a physical therapist for the vast majority of my life. Becoming a physical therapist is not just an educational goal or a life goal for me; I believe it is a part of my destiny. Throughout high school, I chose healthcare as the academic curriculum that I wanted to follow. As an added bonus, I have been able to shadow a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant, at a local rehabilitation clinic near my school to gain real life experience in the field that I am excited to join one day. Majoring in physical therapy and earning my degree(s) is something that I have wanted for a very long time. I have maintained good grades throughout my entire educational career from elementary school through my high school years. I have also played several sports. Playing multiple sports allowed me to see multiple injuries happen and how the physical therapist would run out to help the athletes. The sports I participated in the most were Track and Field, Baseball, Cheer and Football. Although I have managed to remain free of any major injuries, it is my belief that all of these things along with the memories of seeing my mother in physical therapy for the first time have played a role in shaping my future goals. One of my dreams is to be a traveling physical therapist with a professional sports team. I have thoroughly researched exactly the path that I need to follow to become a physical therapist. Once I earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a (DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I will take and pass the (NPTE) National Physical Therapy Examination. I would like to earn both a PhD and MD licensure. When I become a physical therapist, I hope to gain experience working with post-op patients and outpatients. I love working with people and meeting new people. I am also interested in working with patients that have been involved in an accident and patients that need rehabilitation due to a medical condition. I am willing to put in all of the time and effort it takes to make my dreams a reality. I believe that I have what it takes to succeed. The passion, dedication and excitement that I feel when I think about all of the possibilities that await me in the future is what drives me to meet and exceed my goals. Simply knowing that I will one day be the person that puts a smile on my patients’ faces on their roads to recovery is almost as fascinating as knowing that I will also be inspiring another generation of future physical therapists as I once was inspired.

Christopher Parker Most of my life, I watched my mother suffer in silence after she was misdiagnosed for many years by many different medical professionals. The one time I was truly able to see my mother smile is when she would go to physical therapy. It was at that moment when I realized what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have been dreaming of the day that I was old enough to go to college to study to become a physical therapist for the vast majority of my life. Becoming a physical therapist is not just an educational goal or a life goal for me; I believe it is a part of my destiny. Throughout high school, I chose healthcare as the academic curriculum that I wanted to follow. As an added bonus, I have been able to shadow a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant, at a local rehabilitation clinic near my school to gain real life experience in the field that I am excited to join one day. Majoring in physical therapy and earning my degree(s) is something that I have wanted for a very long time. I have maintained good grades throughout my entire educational career from elementary school through my high school years. I have also played several sports. Playing multiple sports allowed me to see multiple injuries happen and how the physical therapist would run out to help the athletes. The sports I participated in the most were Track and Field, Baseball, Cheer and Football. Although I have managed to remain free of any major injuries, it is my belief that all of these things along with the memories of seeing my mother in physical therapy for the first time have played a role in shaping my future goals. One of my dreams is to be a traveling physical therapist with a professional sports team. I have thoroughly researched exactly the path that I need to follow to become a physical therapist. Once I earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a (DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I will take and pass the (NPTE) National Physical Therapy Examination. I would like to earn both a PhD and MD licensure. When I become a physical therapist, I hope to gain experience working with post-op patients and outpatients. I love working with people and meeting new people. I am also interested in working with patients that have been involved in an accident and patients that need rehabilitation due to a medical condition. I am willing to put in all of the time and effort it takes to make my dreams a reality. I believe that I have what it takes to succeed. The passion, dedication and excitement that I feel when I think about all of the possibilities that await me in the future is what drives me to meet and exceed my goals. Simply knowing that I will one day be the person that puts a smile on my patients’ faces on their roads to recovery is almost as fascinating as knowing that I will also be inspiring another generation of future physical therapists as I once was inspired.

I am currently a male cheerleader and varsity captain of the team. This year was my first year cheering but I have always enjoyed dancing and entertaining. Cheer came very naturally to me. I have been called several homophobic and racial slurs while only doing what I equated to as a sport and an additional patch for my letterman jacket while having fun. I am the first generation of potential bachelor's degree graduates in my family. I work hard and enjoy life as it comes. I have perfect attendance and no tardies and I make good grades. I was recently named homecoming king at my school. I have been shadowing physical therapist for about a year gaining experience in healthcare. I am confident that I will be successful in healthcare and any ventures in the future that I choose because as a kid that was born in the Mississippi and lived in the poorest county in America, I use those stigmas and adversities as room for advancement. I strive for greatness and I will accept nothing less. I also have two younger siblings that I aim to set an example for. I will not and shall not fail. I was raised with God as the head of my household and I also give thanks. I also know that every one praises the same religion but that is neither her or there on my journey to greatness. I have for years watched my own mother have less than appropriate care from healthcare professionals. I aim to narrow the gap between women of color receiving appropriate healthcare while also providing the same level of care to all individuals. I know that I can and will succeed along my journey because for me there is not a single bit of doubt in my mind about what I am able to achieve. Financially my family is not prepared for my journey but that is not a hindrance that is an obstacle that I along with my family are willing to cross. This scholarship means a lot to me. I want it as much as I need it. For me, failure is not and option that I am willing to accept. I know that with the right assistance I will be able to actually achieve all that I set out to do. I am so grateful and thankful for all of the opportunity afforded to me.

Christopher Parker Most of my life, I watched my mother suffer in silence after she was misdiagnosed for many years by many different medical professionals. The one time I was truly able to see my mother smile is when she would go to physical therapy. It was at that moment when I realized what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have been dreaming of the day that I was old enough to go to college to study to become a physical therapist for the vast majority of my life. Becoming a physical therapist is not just an educational goal or a life goal for me; I believe it is a part of my destiny. Throughout high school, I chose healthcare as the academic curriculum that I wanted to follow. As an added bonus, I have been able to shadow a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant, at a local rehabilitation clinic near my school to gain real life experience in the field that I am excited to join one day. Majoring in physical therapy and earning my degree(s) is something that I have wanted for a very long time. I have maintained good grades throughout my entire educational career from elementary school through my high school years. I have also played several sports. Playing multiple sports allowed me to see multiple injuries happen and how the physical therapist would run out to help the athletes. The sports I participated in the most were Track and Field, Baseball, Cheer and Football. Although I have managed to remain free of any major injuries, it is my belief that all of these things along with the memories of seeing my mother in physical therapy for the first time have played a role in shaping my future goals. One of my dreams is to be a traveling physical therapist with a professional sports team. I have thoroughly researched exactly the path that I need to follow to become a physical therapist. Once I earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a (DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I will take and pass the (NPTE) National Physical Therapy Examination. I would like to earn both a PhD and MD licensure. When I become a physical therapist, I hope to gain experience working with post-op patients and outpatients. I love working with people and meeting new people. I am also interested in working with patients that have been involved in an accident and patients that need rehabilitation due to a medical condition. I am willing to put in all of the time and effort it takes to make my dreams a reality. I believe that I have what it takes to succeed. The passion, dedication and excitement that I feel when I think about all of the possibilities that await me in the future is what drives me to meet and exceed my goals. Simply knowing that I will one day be the person that puts a smile on my patients’ faces on their roads to recovery is almost as fascinating as knowing that I will also be inspiring another generation of future physical therapists as I once was inspired.

Christopher Parker Most of my life, I watched my mother suffer in silence after she was misdiagnosed for many years by many different medical professionals. The one time I was truly able to see my mother smile is when she would go to physical therapy. It was at that moment when I realized what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have been dreaming of the day that I was old enough to go to college to study to become a physical therapist for the vast majority of my life. Becoming a physical therapist is not just an educational goal or a life goal for me; I believe it is a part of my destiny. Throughout high school, I chose healthcare as the academic curriculum that I wanted to follow. As an added bonus, I have been able to shadow a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant, at a local rehabilitation clinic near my school to gain real life experience in the field that I am excited to join one day. Majoring in physical therapy and earning my degree(s) is something that I have wanted for a very long time. I have maintained good grades throughout my entire educational career from elementary school through my high school years. I have also played several sports. Playing multiple sports allowed me to see multiple injuries happen and how the physical therapist would run out to help the athletes. The sports I participated in the most were Track and Field, Baseball, Cheer and Football. Although I have managed to remain free of any major injuries, it is my belief that all of these things along with the memories of seeing my mother in physical therapy for the first time have played a role in shaping my future goals. One of my dreams is to be a traveling physical therapist with a professional sports team. I have thoroughly researched exactly the path that I need to follow to become a physical therapist. Once I earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a (DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I will take and pass the (NPTE) National Physical Therapy Examination. I would like to earn both a PhD and MD licensure. When I become a physical therapist, I hope to gain experience working with post-op patients and outpatients. I love working with people and meeting new people. I am also interested in working with patients that have been involved in an accident and patients that need rehabilitation due to a medical condition. I am willing to put in all of the time and effort it takes to make my dreams a reality. I believe that I have what it takes to succeed. The passion, dedication and excitement that I feel when I think about all of the possibilities that await me in the future is what drives me to meet and exceed my goals. Simply knowing that I will one day be the person that puts a smile on my patients’ faces on their roads to recovery is almost as fascinating as knowing that I will also be inspiring another generation of future physical therapists as I once was inspired.

Christopher Parker Most of my life, I watched my mother suffer in silence after she was misdiagnosed for many years by many different medical professionals. The one time I was truly able to see my mother smile is when she would go to physical therapy. It was at that moment when I realized what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have been dreaming of the day that I was old enough to go to college to study to become a physical therapist for the vast majority of my life. Becoming a physical therapist is not just an educational goal or a life goal for me; I believe it is a part of my destiny. Throughout high school, I chose healthcare as the academic curriculum that I wanted to follow. As an added bonus, I have been able to shadow a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant, at a local rehabilitation clinic near my school to gain real life experience in the field that I am excited to join one day. Majoring in physical therapy and earning my degree(s) is something that I have wanted for a very long time. I have maintained good grades throughout my entire educational career from elementary school through my high school years. I have also played several sports. Playing multiple sports allowed me to see multiple injuries happen and how the physical therapist would run out to help the athletes. The sports I participated in the most were Track and Field, Baseball, Cheer and Football. Although I have managed to remain free of any major injuries, it is my belief that all of these things along with the memories of seeing my mother in physical therapy for the first time have played a role in shaping my future goals. One of my dreams is to be a traveling physical therapist with a professional sports team. I have thoroughly researched exactly the path that I need to follow to become a physical therapist. Once I earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a (DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I will take and pass the (NPTE) National Physical Therapy Examination. I would like to earn both a PhD and MD licensure. When I become a physical therapist, I hope to gain experience working with post-op patients and outpatients. I love working with people and meeting new people. I am also interested in working with patients that have been involved in an accident and patients that need rehabilitation due to a medical condition. I am willing to put in all of the time and effort it takes to make my dreams a reality. I believe that I have what it takes to succeed. The passion, dedication and excitement that I feel when I think about all of the possibilities that await me in the future is what drives me to meet and exceed my goals. Simply knowing that I will one day be the person that puts a smile on my patients’ faces on their roads to recovery is almost as fascinating as knowing that I will also be inspiring another generation of future physical therapists as I once was inspired.

I am currently a peer leader and I'm Varsity Captain on three sports teams.

I plan to purse a college defenseman because my ultimate goal is to become a physical therapist. I also plan to open my own practice in the future.

I love learning something new everyday. Learning is important to me it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I will definitely make continuing to learn throughout life one of my goals.

Time management and persistence is the key. Funding is available but you have to be consistent with applying.

I have maintained my job at Wendy's for the past two years so I am familiar with the importance of diversity in the workplace. I chose to pursue my degree choice because I want to make it a better place for minorities in healthcare.

I plan to use work/study as an option. My parents will also be helping to pay a little at a time to assist with my financial future.

I am a male cheerleader. I would like to change the negative views of men in female dominated sports.