Not Here Out of Courtesy I have never wanted to be picked because someone felt they had to. Not in gym class, not on a team, and certainly not on a golf course. I do not want the “courtesy invite.” I want to be there because I’ve earned it. That mindset has shaped everything I do from athletics, academics, and now my career as a doctoral student in physical therapy. Growing up, I heard too many versions of “girls just aren’t as good at sports.” To me, that was never a reason to step aside; it was a reason to step up. I played volleyball, pickleball, spikeball, and more, not just to participate, but to compete. I wanted to prove to myself, and to everyone else, that being female did not mean being second-best. Golf came later. I was a novice when I started, playing in my free time with my significant other and his friends. At first, it was awkward. Golf is technical, slow to improve in, and filled with subtle unspoken judgments. But I knew I didn’t want to be the one sitting out because I couldn’t keep up. I wanted to be invited to outings because I could actually play, not because someone felt bad leaving me off the list. Learning the game has been its own challenge. It’s humbling to swing with all your focus and watch the ball hook into the trees anyway or dribble a few yards in front of you. Progress is slow, but I’m proud of the work I’ve put in. I don’t have to be the best golfer in the group, but I will never be content being the one who “just can’t.” That’s the difference. Golf also holds value beyond the game itself. In the professional world, it’s a powerful connector: business relationships, networking, and opportunities often start on the course. I didn’t want to be shut out of those conversations or environments simply because I lacked the skill. By learning to golf, I’ve given myself one more way to be in the room, to be part of the discussion, to be taken seriously. What I’ve learned from golf applies everywhere. You don’t earn respect by showing up, you earn it by showing you can contribute. I don’t want a seat at the table just to check a box. I want it because my presence matters. That’s why I keep pushing to improve, whether it’s refining my swing, studying for my next PT exam, or stepping into spaces where women are still the minority. Every round I play reminds me: it’s not about perfect scores or flawless technique. It’s about refusing to be overlooked. It’s about proving, on the course, in the clinic, and in life, that I am not here out of courtesy. I’m here because I belong.

As I reflect on my personal life journey, it's clear to me that every step has brought me closer to my aspiration of becoming a successful Doctor of Physical Therapy. Growing up, I was enveloped in a family deeply rooted in the medical field. My grandfather and aunt have been a large part of my inspiration. Our family tree displays branches of nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician's assistants, igniting my interest in the realm of healthcare. During family gatherings, I witnessed my grandfather and aunt as they seamlessly crafted impromptu treatment plans for our extensive clan, alleviating pain and discomfort with ease. These moments unveiled the transformative power of physical therapy and has sparked my interest. However, it was a personal encounter that sculpted my commitment to this profession. A dirt bike accident when I was younger left me unconscious, disoriented, and in immense pain. As I regained consciousness with a mouthful of dirt and as my father stood above me, I realized something was seriously wrong with my arm. When I tried moving, there was an excruciating pain in my left shoulder. My father and I contemplated the possibility of contacting Life Flight, as we were in the mountains and twenty miles away from our truck, but I managed to ride back slowly with one arm, despite what I would later learn was a subluxation in my shoulder. It was my aunt who provided the expertise, care, and support I needed to recover and return to the sport I loved. I was intrigued by the methods she implemented to allow my body to repair itself. This life-altering experience ignited a profound desire within me to gain more hands-on experience in the field of physical therapy. I embarked on a journey as a physical therapist aide at Therapeutic Associates, a role I've passionately embraced for more than three years. My time at this outpatient clinic, along with shadowing experiences at inpatient clinics, has been nothing short of enlightening. From working with 4-year-olds to 95-year-olds, I've witnessed the spectrum of patient care and recovery. Being witness to the dedicated efforts of physical therapists, coupled with my assistance with patience during exercise regimes, has been immensely rewarding. The joy in hearing patients express their journey and return to the activities they love is what keeps me motivated. Knowing what physical therapy has done for me and also for the hundreds of patients I’ve worked with makes me more passionate to become a physical therapist and help many more. As I continue in my education, I aim to combine my passion for sports physical therapy with a specialization in pelvic floor therapy. I believe these areas are deeply connected, yet often not fully addressed in the field. My goal is to not only become a Doctor of Physical Therapy but also to earn certification as an athletic trainer, with a focus on pelvic floor health. By integrating these specialties, I hope to offer more comprehensive care to athletes and patients, addressing issues that are frequently overlooked in both sports’ rehabilitation and general physical therapy In essence, I believe that my journey is a testament to my dedication to becoming a successful physical therapist. With a family legacy in healthcare, a personal encounter that deepened my passion, and extensive hands-on experience, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful impact in the field of physical therapy. My journey has shaped me into a compassionate, driven, and empathetic individual, qualities I believe are essential to providing exceptional care to future patients.