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Gabriela Cooper

1,385

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Finalist

Bio

Outwardly, I may appear to be someone who has it all; however, I have seen firsthand the challenges that people face in the world. Through coping with my own traumas and experiencing the effects of others' maladies, life has taught me that change is often necessary to overcome obstacles it puts in our paths. I feel passionately about helping others, sometimes even when it means putting my needs last. The balance between a healthy love of self and impactful actions undertaken to help others is paramount. This passion to help inspires me to pursue the medical field. I believe that working in medicine will be truly meaningful; it will allow me to do something that matters and makes positive differences. Several people in my life inspire me. The actions that they model for me to follow have been the impetus for me to work towards becoming a positive influence on those around me . Throughout my life, I will continue to hold myself to these standards.

Education

University of Iowa

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Physical Sciences

Des Moines Area Community College

Associate's degree program
2022 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Johnston Senior High School

High School
2018 - 2022

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Human Biology
    • Medicine
    • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
    • Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medical Practice

    • Dream career goals:

      Physical Therapist

    • Receptionist

      Encompass Health
      2024 – Present1 year
    • Department Support Assistant

      MercyOne
      2022 – 20242 years

    Sports

    Bowling

    Varsity
    2019 – 20223 years

    Awards

    • Varsity Letter

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Knock and Drop Iowa — Volunteer
      2019 – 2020

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Dr. Monique Dupree Scholarship for BIPOC Students
    I have dedicated my entire life to the idea of helping others in need, although I wasn't always sure how I would do it. I spent time working in a hospital to explore different fields and discover which one suited me best. During my freshman year of college, I began experiencing excruciating pain in my lower back. I found it difficult to stand or sit without debilitating discomfort. After undergoing an X-ray, ultrasound, and multiple doctor visits, I still had no answers and no relief. Eventually, I was referred to a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction. There, I learned that I had zero strength in my pelvic floor, which was causing my pain and could lead to complications in the future when I wanted to have children. After spending that summer in physical therapy, my pain disappeared, and I gained a lot of clarity about my condition. I felt incredibly grateful and could see that many other patients around me shared the same sentiment of gratitude toward their physical therapists. From that moment on, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue. I want to rehabilitate people who need help and assist them in living their best lives. Since I decided to study human physiology to become a physical therapist, I have felt incredibly excited. There is a saying that you never work a day in your life if you enjoy what you are doing, and I cannot imagine being in any position other than that of a physical therapist. I look forward to helping people regain their strength, discover themselves, and find relief. I grew up in a Latino household where many remedies for sickness and pain were home remedies. My Abuela was always hesitant to go to the doctor, harboring a deep distrust of the medical field. This mindset was also passed down to my mother, who is reluctant to seek medical attention. I've noticed that many of my Latino family and friends feel nervous about reaching out for medical help. As a result, too many people I know and care about have endured unnecessary pain and suffering. I want to become a voice of knowledge for my community, helping them understand that asking for help is okay. It’s natural to feel scared about pain and illness, but it’s equally important to seek assistance. There is often a lot of miscommunication and, in some cases, a language barrier that makes medical intervention seem terrifying. I aim to change this narrative and make it easier for the people in my community to seek help. My life's calling is physical therapy, driven by my passion to help others. I strive to advocate for those in my community who are underrepresented, misunderstood, and in need of support. Though I may not be able to solve all the world's problems, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to creating a positive change for those around me.
    Gabriela Cooper Student Profile | Bold.org