What gives me an advantage is that I don’t take opportunity for granted, I fight for it. I come from a single-parent, rent-burdened household where my father works two jobs to keep us living. Despite financial strain, I’ve maintained a 3.7 college GPA while working part-time at CVS, contributing to groceries and saving for my education. I began Miami Dade College the summer after high school and will be transferring to Florida State University in Spring 2026 as a pre-med student majoring in Athletic Training. My strength lies in balancing personal responsibility with ambition. I volunteer with Be Strong International for monthly food drives and serve as an Assistant Coach at a kids’ fitness camp, which has shaped my passion for Sports Medicine. My dream is to become a Sports Medicine physician who works in underserved communities and schools, providing care to kids who grew up without consistent access to healthcare. While others may have resources, I have lived experience, grit, and a vision rooted in service. I don’t just want a career, I want impact. This scholarship wouldn’t just reduce financial strain, it would push forward a future doctor who knows what it means to rise from limited means and turn it into meaningful care for others.

In high school, I used to study at the dining table while my dad got ready for his night shift at his second full-time job. That quiet routine reminded me daily why I was pushing myself so hard, which is to break the cycle. However, the pressure eventually broke me first. Halfway through my senior year, the weight of academic stress, financial fear, and silence around mental health caught up to me. I burned out, and finally admitted I needed help. What changed my life was access to a school counselor, to coping tools like daily exercise, and to the space to speak up. Now in college, working at CVS part-time while studying pre-med and athletic training, I see how many others still don’t have that access. I want to change that. My goal is to develop community programs that make mental health support affordable and stigma-free, especially for low-income and athletic youth. Combining wellness coaching with peer discussions and bilingual outreach, I want to bring care into everyday spaces like gyms, schools, and clinics. Mental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, and through education, empathy, and action, I’m committed to making it something no one has to fight for alone.

To me, being a Purposeful, Responsible, and Productive community member means leading with intention, showing up for others, and consistently working toward the greater good. These three values, though simple on paper, are the foundation of who I strive to be every day as a college student, son, aspiring healthcare professional, and proud member of a minority community. Being purposeful means understanding that my journey is bigger than myself. As a first-generation Hispanic college student raised in a single-parent household, I’ve experienced financial hardships and setbacks that might have pushed others off course. My father currently makes $65,000 a year, but that is split between 2 jobs and 50% of his income is spent towards rent only, putting us in severe rent burdening. I’m fully dependent on my dad, which makes it even more difficult because he has to work long hours daily in order to afford to live in an apartment and groceries for both of us. Instead of letting those struggles define me, I’ve used them as fuel to not fall in that same path. Right now, I’m studying at Miami Dade College in Premedical Sciences and will be getting my Associate’s degree by the end of Fall 2025, then planning to transfer to Florida State University in Spring 2026. I’m pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training on a Sports Medicine track at FSU because I want to help others heal, especially student-athletes from underserved communities like mine. Too often, people from our neighborhoods don’t receive the physical or emotional care they need to stay healthy and confident. I want to change that situation. Being responsible means making sacrifices and staying committed even when things get challenging. I currently work part-time to support my father and help cover my education, all while maintaining a strong 3.7 GPA and pushing forward toward my goal of a healthcare career. I’ve learned how to balance work, school, and family obligations because I have no choice but to take ownership of my future. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I’m even more focused on how far I can go. Being productive isn’t just about staying busy, it’s about using time and energy with intention. From volunteering at monthly food drives with Be Strong International to serving as an Assistant Coach for a kids’ summer fitness camp, I make it a point to give back. I know that others in my community face the same barriers I’ve had to overcome, and I want to be someone who helps knock those barriers down. In the future, I hope to be more than just a healthcare provider, I want to be a mentor, a role model, and a leader who uses his education and experiences to make healthcare more inclusive and accessible. I plan to continue serving low-income youth, advocating for equitable access to medical care, and inspiring other students from minority backgrounds to chase their goals with confidence. Being purposeful, responsible, and productive has shaped me to who I am and it will continue to guide me as I work to make a lasting impact.

Pursuing a career in healthcare has never been about prestige or a huge paycheck, it’s always been about purpose. As a first-generation college student from a single-parent household, I’ve experienced the emotional and financial obstacles that can make higher education feel out of reach. Yet, every setback I’ve faced has only fueled my determination to become a healthcare professional who not only heals, but also understands and advocates for others in need. Throughout my high school and college journeys, it was just my father and me. He worked tirelessly, often juggling two jobs making $62,000 a year combined in order to pay $2,788 monthly in rent, pay $100s in bills and buy groceries, which cost near $200 a month. That is more than half of his entire income combined spent on these needs. His sacrifices gave me a deep appreciation for hard work and resilience, but they also exposed me to the reality of limited access to healthcare. Doctor’s visits were rare, and we often prioritized bills, rent, and food over well-being. These experiences planted the seed that would later grow into my passion for healthcare: I wanted to become the kind of provider we never had: approachable, reliable, and deeply compassionate. In high school, I struggled a bit with my academic confidence and just missed qualifying for Florida’s Bright Futures scholarship by three points on my ACT. At the time, it felt like a huge loss, but I didn’t let that stop me. I took it as a challenge to prove to myself and others that I was even more capable. Since starting college, I’ve maintained a 3.7 GPA while working part-time at CVS, contributing to my personal expenses and helping my father with groceries whenever I can. I’m currently majoring in Premedical Sciences at Miami Dade College and will be transferring to Florida State University in Spring 2026 to major in Athletic Training on a Sports Medicine track. My goal is to become a Sports Medicine physician, combining my love for science, movement, and injury prevention with a deep commitment to equitable healthcare. I want to work in underserved communities and schools, making sure that every young athlete, regardless of income, has access to the care, recovery, and guidance they deserve. Along the way, I’ve also stayed involved in my community. I’ve volunteered as an assistant coach at a kids’ summer fitness camp at CrossFit Kendall for 3 years and participated in monthly food drives with Be Strong International for 2 years. These experiences remind me that healing isn’t just clinical, it’s community-based. My desire to enter healthcare is rooted in both service and lived experience. This scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden I carry as I complete my last semester in Fall 2025 toward my associate degree and prepare for the demanding transition to FSU in January. More importantly, it would serve as encouragement that despite the odds, there are people out there who believe in students like me. Students who have the heart, drive, and resilience to make a lasting difference in the world.

As a Hispanic first-generation college student, I’ve grown up understanding the value of perseverance, family, and community. I’ve also seen how limited access to healthcare, fitness education, and mentorship affects people who look like me. My goal is to use my journey, combined with a degree in Athletic Training, to create real change, especially for youth and underserved populations. I want to be the kind of healthcare provider who not only treats injuries, but also inspires and educates people to take control of their physical well-being and their health. That’s why I’m working hard toward my dream of becoming a Sports Medicine physician. One of the experiences that shaped this goal was volunteering as an assistant coach for a kids’ summer camp at CrossFit Kendall in Miami, FL for 3 years. I helped kids train, stretch, and develop healthy habits through movement. I quickly realized that many of them lacked guidance on how to properly take care of their bodies. Seeing their excitement but also their vulnerability made me think: How many young athletes push themselves without knowing how to prevent injury or recover safely? That moment sparked my interest for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term performance care. My major in Athletic Training gives me a strong foundation in human anatomy, biomechanics, and movement science—all critical for understanding how to treat and prevent injuries. I plan to transfer to Florida State University in the Spring 2026 term to continue my education and strengthen my preparation for medical school. My long-term goal is to serve as a physician in sports medicine or regular primary care, where I can work hands-on with athletes, whether they’re professionals, high school students, or weekend warriors. I want to open a clinic that provides affordable care, free injury screenings, and bilingual resources for families who might otherwise go without. However, my vision goes beyond the clinic. I want to use my degree to create outreach programs for schools and community centers, teaching young athletes how to train smart, avoid burnout, and recover properly. My background gives me a unique perspective: I know what it’s like to juggle school, work, and ambition while lacking resources. That’s why I’m determined to be the person who makes someone else’s journey easier. This isn’t just about achieving a degree or getting into medical school. It’s about impact, about using everything I’ve lived through and worked for to lift up others. My degree is more than a credential, it’s a tool I will use to change lives, starting with the ones closest to my own story.

In the middle of my senior year of high school, I hit a breaking point. I was juggling intense academic pressure, family expectations, and the stress of figuring out how I would afford college as a first-generation Hispanic student since my family is not being able to afford it. My dad, for example, has two full-time jobs and it’s only enough to pay the rent in an apartment in Miami suburbs. My mental and emotional health took a major hit. I stopped sleeping properly, skipped some meals, and lost motivation. I kept telling myself to “push through it,” until one day, I couldn’t. I broke down, and for the first time, I admitted to myself that I needed help. That moment became a turning point. I began prioritizing my well-being by making small but intentional changes. I committed to taking daily walks or going to the gym for a workout to clear my mind, and setting limits on how much I worked or studied each day. I also opened up to a trusted adult about what I was going through and began attending counseling sessions offered by my school. These weren’t dramatic changes, but they helped me reset my mindset and gave me space to heal. Since then, taking care of myself mentally, emotionally, and physically has become nonnegotiable. I now attend college full-time while working at CVS as a part-time associate, where I’ve been for over a year. The work is fast-paced, and dealing with customers during stressful shifts can be draining. However, I’ve learned to recognize when I need a mental reset, whether that means stepping outside for a breath of fresh air or being honest with my manager about when I’m overwhelmed. I’ve also seen firsthand how critical healthcare access is, especially for people picking up prescriptions or asking about over-the-counter help. It’s shown me how much compassion and patience are needed in healthcare and how self-care is essential if I want to give my best to others. Balancing school and work hasn’t been easy, but it has made me stronger. It has taught me that resilience isn’t about pushing through pain, it’s about learning to rest, reflect, and keep going. As a future athletic training and pre-med student, I carry that lesson with me. I want to help others, especially underserved and athletic communities feel seen and supported in their health journeys. I’ve already started doing that through my coaching with kids at a CrossFit summer camp, where I emphasized the importance of both movement and mindset. Prioritizing my health changed my life. Now, it’s guiding the way I hope to help others change theirs.

Let me start by saying life has never been easy, but I’ve come to realize that challenges can either build you or break you. Growing up in a single-parent household with my father taught me that hardship doesn’t define your future, your response to it does. My father is currently working two jobs to keep us afloat in an expensive community in Miami, often putting his own needs aside so I could stay in school and work toward something greater. Watching his strength gave me the motivation to pursue higher education and use my own resilience to support others. In high school, I struggled with self-doubt. My GPA wasn’t where I wanted it to be, and I missed Florida Bright Futures eligibility by just three points on my ACT. It was a moment that could have derailed me, but instead, I did not give up. I committed to improving my academics in college, and now, I hold a 3.7 GPA as a Premedical Sciences student at Miami Dade College. I will be transferring to Florida State University in Spring 2026 to major in Athletic Training on a Sports Medicine track, where I hope to eventually become a Sports Medicine physician serving athletic communities. While I’ve worked hard to overcome academic and financial challenges, I’ve also made time to give back. I’ve volunteered as an assistant coach for a youth summer camp at CrossFit Kendall for 3 years, helping kids develop confidence, discipline, and a love for movement. I also served as a secretary in my high school’s Sports Medicine Honor Society, where I helped organize events and support student-athletes’ wellness. I even helped organize a trip to FIU’s Sports Medicine facility for the members and juniors in the medical academy. In addition, I’ve volunteered with Be Strong International, assisting in monthly food drives to distribute meals to families in need. These acts of service aren’t just resume fillers to me, they’re reflections of my belief that we rise by lifting others. Juggling work and school hasn’t been easy. I currently work part-time at CVS, where I’ve learned how to be a reliable team member, problem-solver, and resource for those in my community who rely on healthcare access and medication support. Even on long days balancing work and class, I never forget that I’m part of something bigger. I’m building a future not just for myself, but for others. For patients who need someone who understands their struggle, for youth who need mentors, and for families who need care that feels human. The Algers Memorial Scholarship represents the values I strive to uphold every day: resilience, service, and integrity. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been honest, determined, and grounded in the desire to help others rise above their own obstacles, just as I continue to rise above mine.

Growing up in a single-parent household with my father shaped every part of who I am. He worked tirelessly with two jobs to provide a place to live and food for us, but there were always sacrifices financially, emotionally, and academically. I witnessed firsthand the emotional toll of watching one parent carry a burden meant for two. We lived with uncertainty, and I learned early on what it meant to go without. Though, I also learned something more valuable: resilience. That resilience, born out of struggle, became the foundation for my dream to pursue a career in medicine. For a long time, I didn’t see my story as special, I saw it as survival. I didn’t have the highest GPA in high school or qualify for major scholarships at the time. I missed the mark for Florida Bright Futures by just 3 points on my ACT. At one point, I thought my dream of going to a good university and becoming a doctor was slipping away, but I refused to give up. Since then, I’ve worked hard to transform those setbacks into motivation. I’m currently a 2nd year college student majoring in Premedical Sciences at Miami Dade College, with plans to transfer to Florida State University in Spring 2026 majoring in Athletic Training on a Sports Medicine track. I balance a 3.7 college GPA while working at CVS part-time, contributing financially to my needs and helping my family where I can. It hasn’t been easy, but the challenges have deepened my commitment to medicine/healthcare. The reason I want to become a doctor, specifically a Sports Medicine physician, goes beyond science or athlete injury prevention. I want to serve those who, like my family, have often been overlooked; people in underserved communities who struggle to access care, who need someone to treat them with compassion, patience, and dignity. My lived experiences have taught me to empathize deeply. I understand what it feels like to carry financial pressure, to navigate obstacles alone, and to feel like the odds are stacked against you. These challenges have helped me see healthcare differently. I don’t just want to treat injuries or symptoms, I want to understand stories. I want to walk into a clinic or hospital one day and be a physician who sees the whole patient in their fears, their resilience, their humanity. I want to advocate for better access to care and become someone patients can trust, especially those who have felt unseen. The RELEVANCE Scholarship means more than just financial support to me, it represents recognition of the journey I’ve been on and the future I’m working to create. With this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to becoming the kind of physician who not only heals, but listens. The kind who turns their pain into purpose, and their struggle into strength for others.

As a first-generation Hispanic college student from a low-income household, my path to higher education has been anything but easy. While my peers may have had access to resources or guidance, I’ve relied heavily on faith, discipline, and most importantly God. What has kept me grounded through it all is my relationship with my lord and savior. He has not only carried me through the hardest seasons of my life but has shown me that I am here with a purpose: to serve others, pursue excellence with humility, and use my education to glorify him. I currently attend Miami Dade College, working toward an Associate in Arts in Premedical Sciences degree. Additionally, by believing God, having faith, praying to him, and putting my hardest effort into my academic work, God answered my prayers and gifted me the acceptance letter to transfer to Florida State University in Spring 2026 and I thanked him for listening to my prayers and continuing to give me the intelligence and knowledge to succeed in school and in life. FSU is the university I really want to go because of their amazing Athletic Training program and unfortunately I wasn’t accepted as a first-year student, however, I kept my faith and prayed to God nonstop and the life-changing moment happened on June 6th, 2025 My goal is to become a physician, specializing in sports medicine or primary care. This is more than a career path for me, it’s a calling. I want to work with underserved communities, helping people not only feel better physically but also reminding them that they matter. Health is personal, and I want to bring both skill and compassion to those who need it most. Throughout this journey, I’ve had to balance academics with work. I’ve been employed part-time at CVS for over a year to help support myself and my family while maintaining a 3.7 GPA. I’ve also served as an assistant coach at a CrossFit summer camp, where I mentored children and taught them about movement, motivation, and confidence; skills they’ll carry for life. These experiences have shaped me not only as a student but as a servant leader. Still, the financial burden of college is overwhelming. Tuition, housing, food, textbooks, and required technology add up quickly. Though I receive some federal aid, it does not cover everything and without scholarships, I may not be able to attend FSU. My dad has 2 full time jobs, and that only pays the rent (which cost $2,750 a month in Miami) and monthly groceries. He doesn’t have enough money to go out and have fun with me or go on a vacation together. That’s why this scholarship is more than a financial resource to me. It’s a lifeline, and an affirmation that I’m not walking this journey alone. This scholarship would ease the financial strain on my family especially my father, who has worked hard to support me despite our limited income. It would also allow me to focus more on my studies, serve in campus ministry, and give back through volunteer work without constantly worrying about how I’ll pay for school or survive financially. I love and worship Jesus, and I try to honor Him daily through hard work, humility, and a heart of service through prayer every day and night, including when I leave my apartment and come back. I’m not perfect, but I’m growing spiritually, academically, and personally. I believe in being a good steward of everything God entrusts me with, and I see my education as one of those gifts. I’m determined to use it well, not just for myself, but to uplift others and make a difference in the world. Thank you for considering me. This scholarship would not only help me stay on track with my education, but it would be a blessing that reinforces what I already believe. That is with faith, obedience, and action; all things are possible. God loves you! God wants you to succeed in life! We pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

One of the most important experiences in my life came not from a single moment, but from a chapter. The period after high school graduation when I realized I hadn’t received any scholarships. I had a 3.3 GPA before graduation (now 3.5 after graduation), missed qualifying for Florida Bright Futures by just three points on the ACT, and felt like I had let me and my family down. As a first-generation Hispanic student, I already carried the weight of navigating college on my own. But facing the financial reality of higher education without support made the challenge even heavier. At the time, my dad was frustrated, and to be honest, so was I. We both wanted the same thing: for me to succeed. But we had very little guidance and even fewer resources. What I learned from that experience wasn’t just about how difficult the system can be, I learned how often students from my background are left out simply because we didn’t know the rules early enough. That opened my eyes to a larger truth, which is access matters, and so does representation. Since that wake-up call, I’ve been determined to turn my experience into something meaningful. I worked hard to raise my GPA to a 3.7 in Miami Dade College, passed the CLEP Precalculus to accelerate my degree, and earned my acceptance to Florida State University for the Spring 2026. I’m also working part-time at CVS while helping out at home and volunteering as an assistant coach at a CrossFit kids’ summer camp. These experiences shaped how I see the world that hard work matters, but so does community, guidance, and visibility. Not everyone has someone showing them the way, so I’ve chosen to be someone who shows up. I now see myself not just as a college student, but as someone who will pave the way for others, especially Latino youth who need to know they belong in higher education and in leadership. I hope to become a Sports Medicine physician who can serve my community with empathy, and one day mentor young students just like I was, searching for direction, for support, and for a reason to believe they’re capable. This experience taught me that your path doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Mine isn’t, but it’s real, and it’s rooted in purpose. I understand now that while scholarships provide financial relief, they also send a message: We see you. We believe in you. You’re not alone. I hope to carry that message forward: for myself, and for those coming after me.

My name is Daniel Rojo-Salas, and I’m a first-generation Hispanic college student at Miami Dade College preparing to transfer to Florida State University in the Spring 2026 to complete my bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. My dream is to become a Sports Medicine physician, not just because I’m passionate about health and science, but because I want to serve others with compassion, especially those in underserved communities. My journey hasn’t been traditional or easy, but it’s been purposeful, and it’s one that continues to shape me into the person I hope to become. I began my college path at Miami Dade College with limited financial resources and big dreams. I work part-time at CVS Health to help support my education while maintaining a 3.7 GPA. Juggling work and college-level coursework has forced me to grow in time management, perseverance, and self-discipline. At times it’s exhausting, but the pressure has built a stronger version of myself. I’ve learned that consistency matters more than perfection, and showing up every day, even when it’s hard, is how real change happens. Outside of academics and work, I’ve made it a point to be involved in my community. Last summer, I served as an assistant coach at a CrossFit kids’ summer camp. There, I saw how movement and mindset can build confidence in young people. I guided kids not only in fitness, but also in believing in themselves — and I realized that I want to keep doing that in a deeper way throughout my career. My journey has also had its setbacks. I was denied admission to FSU twice before finally being accepted for Spring 2026. But rather than giving up, I used each denial as motivation to grow stronger. I raised my GPA, passed challenging CLEP exams, and kept pushing toward my goals, knowing that the obstacles in my path are opportunities to build character. That kind of persistence is what defines me — not talent alone, but the determination to work for a better future. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial support; it would be an investment in a student who’s ready to keep pushing, keep growing, and give back. My family has always emphasized faith, humility, and integrity, and these values guide every choice I make. But financially, we face real limitations. My dad works hard with 2 full time jobs, but college costs — especially as I move to a university — are a heavy burden. This scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my studies, take part in campus opportunities, and continue preparing for medical school without constantly worrying about how to make ends meet. Although I never knew Treye Knorr, I’m moved by the vision his family holds for his memory — a life lived with intention, strength, and love for others. That is exactly the kind of life I hope to build. With your support, I will continue pursuing my dream of becoming a physician who leads with character, uplifts his community, and leaves a meaningful impact on the world.

Growing up in a Hispanic, working-class household as a first-generation college student, I’ve learned that strength often comes from silence, watching my family push forward through struggles without complaint. But behind our resilience was an invisible burden that deeply shaped me: the impact of mental health challenges within my home. My dad has struggled with stress and anxiety for years. As a child, I didn’t fully understand what it meant, but I saw how it affected their ability to function day to day. Over time, I realized how mental health is often ignored or misunderstood—especially in minority communities like mine, where stigma and cultural expectations make it harder to seek help. That experience changed me. It taught me to listen more than I speak, to check in even when someone says they’re fine, and to advocate for others who may not have the words to express what they’re feeling. The exposure to mental health challenges in both my family and through my own academic journey has had a significant impact on my beliefs and goals. Like many students, I’ve felt the pressure of college: maintaining a strong GPA (currently 3.7 at a community college), working long, extensive shifts at CVS to support myself and my family, and juggling extracurricular roles like assistant coaching at a kids’ CrossFit summer camp. The stress has been real, but it’s also helped me understand the importance of balance, self-care, and mental resilience. I’ve learned that asking for help is not weakness—it’s a sign of growth. These experiences are the foundation for my career aspirations. I plan to pursue a degree in Athletic Training at Florida State University and eventually work in sports medicine or primary care. However, I don’t just want to treat physical injuries, I want to support the mental well-being of the athletes and patients I’ll work with. Too often, mental health is overlooked in physical recovery. My goal is to create a space where young people feel seen and supported, both physically and emotionally. Ultimately, mental health has shaped who I am: a more empathetic, observant, and driven individual. It’s affected the way I build relationships with friends, teammates, coworkers and the way I envision my future. I’m pursuing higher education not just to earn a degree, but to become the kind of leader and healthcare provider who brings compassion and understanding into every interaction. I believe that through service, empathy, and action, I can be a part of breaking the stigma and bringing real change to the communities that need it most.

One national health issue I feel deeply passionate about is youth obesity, a growing crisis that not only threatens physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. As someone pursuing a degree in Athletic Training with the goal of becoming a sports medicine physician, I am committed to using my education and lived experiences to help combat this issue through prevention, education, and early intervention. Childhood and adolescent obesity rates have reached alarming levels across the United States. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the United States are classified as obese—that’s about 14.7 million kids. Many young people are at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and joint damage before they even enter adulthood. But beyond the physical effects, the emotional toll is just as serious—low self-esteem, bullying, anxiety, and depression are commonly linked to obesity in youth. What troubles me most is that so many kids are growing up without the tools, knowledge, or opportunities to improve their health. This issue became very real to me while working as an assistant coach at a kids’ summer camp at CrossFit Kendall. I worked closely with children who had a genuine desire to be active but lacked basic guidance on nutrition, movement, and injury prevention. I saw 3 kids out of 12 struggle with balance, stamina, and confidence—not because they were lazy or unmotivated, but because no one had taken the time to properly teach them. That experience made me realize that movement education, mentorship, and access to healthy resources can make all the difference in a child’s life. As a future student athletic trainer and soon-to-be Sports Medicine physician, I want to work with young people, especially those in underserved communities, to develop better movement habits, reduce injury risk, and create positive experiences with physical activity. I plan to offer free injury screenings, training workshops, and bilingual education for families. I also hope to advocate for schools to invest more in quality physical education programs that focus on long-term health, not just fitness testing or temporary performance. I care about this issue because I’ve lived in the communities affected by it. I know what it’s like to see people suffer in silence with poor health due to lack of knowledge or access. I believe the answer isn’t just treatment, it’s prevention, starting from a young age. If we can help children feel confident in their bodies, understand their health, and enjoy movement, we can prevent a lifetime of health issues. This is more than a career goal to me, it’s a huge and challenging mission. And I intend to be part of the solution, one child and one community at a time.

As a student pursuing a career in athletic training, I believe artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasingly important role in how we prevent injuries, evaluate performance, and support recovery in athletes. AI is rapidly becoming part of the sports medicine landscape, offering new ways to enhance both clinical care and athletic performance. However, while the benefits of AI are promising, it’s important to consider the ethical and professional limitations of relying on this technology. One major advantage of AI in Athletic Training is its ability to collect and analyze performance data in real time. Wearable technology and motion analysis systems powered by AI can track muscle activity, joint angles, balance, and fatigue. With these tools, athletic trainers can detect early signs of overuse injuries before they become severe. For example, AI systems can monitor subtle changes in movement that may indicate an increased risk of ACL tears or stress fractures. This early detection can lead to proactive interventions that reduce downtime and improve long-term health outcomes for athletes. AI is also being used to personalize rehabilitation and recovery plans. Algorithms can adjust exercises, load levels, and recovery timelines based on individual progress, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. For athletic trainers, this means we can support athletes more effectively throughout their return-to-play journey, ensuring they are physically and mentally ready before returning to competition. However, despite the advantages, there are concerns about over-reliance on technology. Athletic training is a hands-on profession built on trust, observation, and direct communication with athletes. AI can’t replicate the empathy, motivation, or personal support that a trainer provides. While data is useful, the human connection remains irreplaceable—especially when working with athletes who are dealing with pain, anxiety, or the emotional impact of injury. Another concern is accessibility and bias. Not all schools or sports programs can afford advanced AI tools, which may widen the gap in care between well-funded and underserved athletic programs. Additionally, AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. If the data lacks diversity or context, the recommendations made by AI could be inaccurate or even harmful, especially for athletes from underrepresented groups. In summary, AI is a powerful tool that will transform the field of athletic training by enhancing injury prevention, recovery, and performance analysis. But it should be seen as a supplement, not a substitute for human skill, compassion, and professional judgment. As someone willing of helping others through athletic training and eventually further into medicine, I believe the future lies in using AI responsibly, blending innovation with human care to achieve the best outcomes for every athlete.