My inspiration to become a physical therapist comes from both my own story and my passion for helping others live healthier, fuller lives. When I was little, I was run over by a truck. This was an experience that could have defined my life by its pain and limitations, but instead showed me the power of physical therapy. I spent countless hours in PT recovering and witnessing firsthand what dedicated therapists can do for their patients. Even as a child, I felt grateful for the people who helped me walk again and regain my strength, which then planted a seed that would grow over the years. Growing up, my interest in health and wellness only deepened. My mom always talked to me about body image, which made me pay more attention to healthy eating and fitness. As I got older, these conversations sparked a genuine passion for nutrition, movement, and the science behind how our bodies work. In high school, I came across a video of someone thanking their physical therapists for helping them walk again after a car crash. Seeing that video brought back memories of my own recovery and made me realize that this was exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to be that person who makes such a life-changing difference for someone else. That inspiration led me to pursue my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a pre-physical therapy concentration. Every class deepened my love for learning about the human body, especially the musculoskeletal system. When I started taking exercise and fitness courses, I could not help but think that I chose the best degree for me. About a year ago, I started weightlifting, which has been one of the best things I’ve done for myself. Applying what I learn in class to the gym has made my passion for health and movement even stronger, and it’s given me a real-world understanding of strength, endurance, and injury prevention that I know will make me a better physical therapist in the future. Beyond academics and fitness, my shadowing experiences have confirmed that this is the right path for me. I’ve spent time observing in both outpatient and inpatient clinics, which helped me realize that I’m especially drawn to outpatient orthopedics. I love the one-on-one connection with patients and the sense of progress I see each week. That said, I’m still eager to explore other areas like sports rehab and pediatrics, so I can find where I fit best. Currently, I’m doing an internship at an outpatient clinic where I’ve been able to personally connect with patients and witness their progress up close. One of the most rewarding moments so far was sitting in on patient progress notes and feeling an indescribable joy as we celebrated how far they had come. Seeing patients gain strength, confidence, and hope reminds me every day why I want to do this work for the rest of my life. Recently, pursuing this goal has gotten even harder. As an undocumented student, the sudden loss of TASFA means I now face out-of-state tuition with no financial aid. This has been a huge and unexpected barrier. Even though the odds feel stacked against me, I refuse to let this stop me. I know what I want, and I’m determined to keep working, learning, and pushing forward until I become a physical therapist, no matter how many obstacles I have to overcome. I believe this career is where I’m meant to make a difference, and I’m ready to fight for it every step of the way.