I used to believe at a young age that going to church every Sunday was how you put God first. Throughout the week, I just focused on playing video games and reserved Sunday for God. I was a hardcore gamer. The more games I played, the more I procrastinated on daily tasks, and the more frustrated I became. I would get angry at video games, which led to fights with my younger brother. I didn’t realize that video games were an addiction that distracted me from God’s calling. I was consistently putting my needs and wants above anything else. Through my involvement in my church’s Teen Bible Study, I learned the importance of putting God first. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) states, “ But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Sometimes we can go days without thinking about the Lord first. But when we do think of him, we find our purpose again. One morning, I decided to commit to God by starting the morning with a devotional and prayer. I began to journal and write things that from studying the Bible.. I began to think of how I could serve God. I became involved in my church’s food Pantry, volunteered with the Audio/Visual team to record service, and stepped up as a teen leader for Teen’s Bible Study. Disciplining myself to put God first has helped me step into my calling and gives me joy each day. Putting God first delivers us from some of the storms we face, and we remember our purpose. I am pursuing a doctorate in Physical Therapy with a long-term goal of opening up a practice in underserved communities. Injuries or poor health conditions can affect a person’s life physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. A person can begin to lose hope during their recovery. People need someone who can help them overcome their obstacles and struggles. Serving others is what God has called all of us to do. I hope to be someone who makes a difference in others' lives. And this hope of mine is all thanks to God, who graciously gave me this passion to serve others.. J.O.Y teaches us that life is bigger than ourselves. Jesus paid the price to prove that. I will live a J.O.Y-filled life by reflecting God’s love to others through my actions, words, and thoughts. Giving up things that satisfy my wants, loving others who are difficult to be patient with, and serving others as a cheerful giver. These things are counterculture to the world we live in. Our culture would say that putting yourself first is the way to success. The Bible says otherwise: Jesus, Others, and then yourself is the order. The “added things” like success and fulfillment are results of living a life that is J.O.Y. driven.

No, I was not apart of the foster care system. However, I am hoping to make an impact on the community around me upon graduation. When the official says, “Runners to your marks!” I know it’s time to be dialed in. My heart begins to race, and I think about the fastest way to attack the hurdle and how to get over each hurdle without injury. Potential injuries are always a concern for athletes. I understand that the human body is not always reliable and like a machine, it can break down and need repair. My experience as a track athlete has fueled my desire to learn more about the science of movement and how the body can repair itself when given proper instructions. I want to study kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy. My goal is to open up a physical therapy business in underrepresented communities. I remember when my dad tore his Achilles tendon, and he had a hard time getting around. He was frustrated that he wasn’t able to do his daily activities without pain. Fortunately, he could afford rehabilitation services but there are some people where the cost of a physical therapist deters them from seeking help. I had the pleasure of shadowing a local physical therapist who gave me valuable insight into the profession. I was impressed by how he personalized each patient’s recovery plan based on injury, pain level, and other factors. I also held an internship this past summer at a local hospital where I mainly handled common front desk responsibilities like checking people in for appointments, greeting people, cleaning, and wheelchair transportation. I especially enjoyed transporting patients in wheelchairs because of the pleasant and interesting conversations. While working in guest services at the hospital, I learned the importance of listening to patients. These experiences helped me to see the type of physical therapist I want to be and strengthened my belief in affordable health care. As an African American, I know there will be challenges ahead, specifically in the field that I am pursuing. Less than 5% of physical therapists in the U.S. are African-American. I want to change this startling statistic. Although the town that I am from is predominantly African American, there are very few African American physical therapists. Representation is important and more professionals of color are needed because of African Americans’ long history of mistrust in the medical field. Diversity will help create more trust in healthcare and as a result, have more positive outcomes. A great example of the power of representation is my town’s mayor. The mayor, who is black, used to be a physical therapist in our town. Because of his history of relationship-building within the community, he has developed a strong rapport with the people he now serves. Likewise, I would help to change the narrative and inspire others. One of the reasons that some people don’t see a therapist after a traumatic injury is because of the cost of services. I want to provide lower costs for those who can’t afford the necessary services for rehabilitation. I am also committed to offering mentoring and shadowing opportunities to young people much like the one I received. College is more than just gaining knowledge ; it’s also about developing relationships and making effective change. This scholarship will help me reach my goal of becoming a physical therapist by helping reduce college expenses and opening up opportunities. I am ready to take this next step to help others take theirs - both figuratively and literally.

When the official says, “Runners to your marks!” I know it’s time to be dialed in. My heart begins to race, and I think about the fastest way to attack the hurdle and how to get over each hurdle without injury. Potential injuries are always a concern for athletes. I understand that the human body is not always reliable and like a machine, it can break down and need repair. My experience as a track athlete has fueled my desire to learn more about the science of movement and how the body can repair itself when given proper instructions. I want to study kinesiology and pursue a career in healthcare through physical therapy. My goal is to open up a physical therapy business in underrepresented communities. I remember when my dad tore his Achilles tendon, and he had a hard time getting around. He was frustrated that he wasn’t able to do his daily activities without pain. Fortunately, he could afford rehabilitation services but there are some people where the cost of a physical therapist deters them from seeking help. I want to help others like my dad recover well from injuries regardless of financial barriers. Physical therapists work alongside doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals to help patients recover. I had the pleasure of shadowing a local physical therapist who gave me valuable insight into the profession. I was impressed by how he personalized each patient’s recovery plan based on injury, pain level, and other factors. This experience strengthened my belief that affordable healthcare should be available to everyone. I also held an internship this past summer at a local hospital where I mainly handled common front desk responsibilities like checking people in for appointments, greeting people, cleaning, and wheelchair transportation. While working in guest services at the hospital, I learned the importance of listening to patients. People tend to recover better when they’re relaxed and feel connected to the individual aiding them in their recovery process. These experiences helped me to see the type of physical therapist I want to be. Less than 5% of physical therapists in the U.S. are African-American. I want to change this startling statistic. Although the town that I am from is predominantly African American, there are very few African American physical therapists. Representation is important and more professionals of color are needed because of African Americans’ long history of mistrust in the medical field. Diversity will help create more trust in healthcare and as a result, have more positive outcomes. Minoring in business will help give me the skills to open up my physical therapy practice in neighborhoods like my own where the household average income is 20,000 dollars lower than the national average. One of the reasons some people don’t see a therapist after a traumatic injury is because of the cost of services. I want to provide lower costs for those who can’t afford the necessary services for rehabilitation. I am also committed to offering mentoring and shadowing opportunities to young people much like the one I received. Building partnerships in the communities that need it the most is important to me. This scholarship will help me reach my goal of becoming a physical therapist by helping reduce college expenses and opening up opportunities. I am ready to take this next step to help others take theirs - both figuratively and literally.

When the official says, “Runners to your marks!” I know it’s time to be dialed in. My heart begins to race, and I think about the fastest way to attack the hurdle and how to get over each hurdle without injury. Potential injuries are always a concern for athletes. I understand that the human body is not always reliable and like a machine, it can break down and need repair. My experience as a track athlete has fueled my desire to learn more about the science of movement and how the body can repair itself when given proper instructions. I want to study kinesiology and pursue a doctorate in physical therapy with a minor in business. My goal is to open up a physical therapy business in underrepresented communities. I remember when my dad tore his Achilles tendon, and he had a hard time getting around. Fortunately, he could afford rehabilitation services but there are some people where the cost of a physical therapist deters them from seeking help. I want to help others like my dad recover well from injuries regardless of financial barriers. I had the pleasure of shadowing a local physical therapist who gave me valuable insight into the profession. I was impressed by how he personalized each patient’s recovery plan based on injury, pain level, and other factors. I also held an internship this past summer at a local hospital where I mainly handled common front desk responsibilities like checking people in for appointments, greeting people, cleaning, and wheelchair transportation. I especially enjoyed transporting patients in wheelchairs because of the pleasant and interesting conversations. I also volunteered at a few local food pantries organizing and distributing groceries to local families which allowed me to see firsthand the critical services needed in underserved communities. These experiences strengthened my belief that affordable healthcare should be available to everyone. Less than 5% of physical therapists in the U.S. are African-American. I want to change this startling statistic. Although the town that I am from is predominantly African American, there are very few African American physical therapists. Representation is important and more professionals of color are needed because of African Americans’ long history of mistrust in the medical field. A great example of the power of representation is my town’s mayor. The mayor, who is black, used to be a physical therapist in our town. Because of his history of relationship-building within the community, he has developed a strong rapport with the people he now serves. Likewise, I would help to change the narrative and inspire others. Minoring in business will help give me the skills to open up my physical therapy practice in neighborhoods like my own where the household average income is 20,000 dollars lower than the national average. I want to provide affordable healthcare, build partnerships in underserved communities, and mentoring opportunities, just like the one I had. I am ready to take this next step to help others take theirs - both figuratively and literally.

When the official says, “Runners to your marks!” I know it’s time to be dialed in. My heart begins to race, and I think about the fastest way to attack the hurdle and how to get over each hurdle without injury. Potential injuries are always a concern for athletes. I understand that the human body is not always reliable and like a machine, it can break down and need repair. My experience as a track athlete has fueled my desire to learn more about the science of movement and how the body can repair itself when given proper instructions. I want to study kinesiology and pursue a career in healthcare through physical therapy. My goal is to open up a physical therapy business in underrepresented communities. I remember when my dad tore his Achilles tendon, and he had a hard time getting around. He was frustrated that he wasn’t able to do his daily activities without pain. Fortunately, he could afford rehabilitation services but there are some people where the cost of a physical therapist deters them from seeking help. I want to help others like my dad recover well from injuries regardless of financial barriers. Physical therapists work alongside doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals to help patients recover. I had the pleasure of shadowing a local physical therapist who gave me valuable insight into the profession. I was impressed by how he personalized each patient’s recovery plan based on injury, pain level, and other factors. This experience strengthened my belief that affordable healthcare should be available to everyone. I also held an internship this past summer at a local hospital where I mainly handled common front desk responsibilities like checking people in for appointments, greeting people, cleaning, and wheelchair transportation. While working in guest services at the hospital, I learned the importance of listening to patients. People tend to recover better when they’re relaxed and feel connected to the individual aiding them in their recovery process. These experiences helped me to see the type of physical therapist I want to be. Less than 5% of physical therapists in the U.S. are African-American. I want to change this startling statistic. Although the town that I am from is predominantly African American, there are very few African American physical therapists. Representation is important and more professionals of color are needed because of African Americans’ long history of mistrust in the medical field. Diversity will help create more trust in healthcare and as a result, have more positive outcomes. Minoring in business will help give me the skills to open up my physical therapy practice in neighborhoods like my own where the household average income is 20,000 dollars lower than the national average. One of the reasons some people don’t see a therapist after a traumatic injury is because of the cost of services. I want to provide lower costs for those who can’t afford the necessary services for rehabilitation. I am also committed to offering mentoring and shadowing opportunities to young people much like the one I received. Building partnerships in the communities that need it the most is important to me. This scholarship will help me reach my goal of becoming a physical therapist by helping reduce college expenses and opening up opportunities. I am ready to take this next step to help others take theirs - both figuratively and literally.

When the official says, “Runners to your marks!” I know it’s time to be dialed in. My heart begins to race, and I think about the fastest way to attack the hurdle and how to get over each hurdle without injury. Potential injuries are always a concern for athletes. I understand that the human body is not always reliable and like a machine, it can break down and need repair. My experience as a track athlete has fueled my desire to learn more about the science of movement and how the body can repair itself when given proper instructions. I want to study kinesiology and pursue a career in healthcare through physical therapy. My goal is to open up a physical therapy business in underrepresented communities. I remember when my dad tore his Achilles tendon, and he had a hard time getting around. He was frustrated that he wasn’t able to do his daily activities without pain. Fortunately, he could afford rehabilitation services but there are some people where the cost of a physical therapist deters them from seeking help. I want to help others like my dad recover well from injuries regardless of financial barriers. Physical therapists work alongside doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals to help patients recover. I had the pleasure of shadowing a local physical therapist who gave me valuable insight into the profession. I was impressed by how he personalized each patient’s recovery plan based on injury, pain level, and other factors. This experience strengthened my belief that affordable healthcare should be available to everyone. I also held an internship this past summer at a local hospital where I mainly handled common front desk responsibilities like checking people in for appointments, greeting people, cleaning, and wheelchair transportation. While working in guest services at the hospital, I learned the importance of listening to patients. People tend to recover better when they’re relaxed and feel connected to the individual aiding them in their recovery process. These experiences helped me to see the type of physical therapist I want to be. Less than 5% of physical therapists in the U.S. are African-American. I want to change this startling statistic. Although the town that I am from is predominantly African American, there are very few African American physical therapists. Representation is important and more professionals of color are needed because of African Americans’ long history of mistrust in the medical field. Diversity will help create more trust in healthcare and as a result, have more positive outcomes. Minoring in business will help give me the skills to open up my physical therapy practice in neighborhoods like my own where the household average income is 20,000 dollars lower than the national average. One of the reasons some people don’t see a therapist after a traumatic injury is because of the cost of services. I want to provide lower costs for those who can’t afford the necessary services for rehabilitation. I am also committed to offering mentoring and shadowing opportunities to young people much like the one I received. Building partnerships in the communities that need it the most is important to me. This scholarship will help me reach my goal of becoming a physical therapist by helping reduce college expenses and opening up opportunities. I am ready to take this next step to help others take theirs - both figuratively and literally.

We formed into a huddle, about 100 of us listening to the head basketball coach. He informed us that 13 people will receive an email confirming they made the team and will return tomorrow at 6 am for practice. Throughout the day, I constantly checked for a message and couldn’t concentrate on anything else. As a kid all I ever wanted to be was a basketball player.I always imagined myself dribbling up and down the court, hearing the crowd shout from the stands in excitement. I wanted to be like Golden State Warriors NBA star Steph Curry. Anxiously, I waited to see if an email would welcome me to the team, but as the day ended, I realized that my basketball dreams were over. Disappointment and regret flooded my mind. I thought about what I could have done differently. Maybe I should have trained harder or reached out to the coaches. Seeing the kids who made the team over me the next day at school stung me because I wanted to be in their position badly. My parents suggested trying another sport, but just the thought of pursuing anything besides basketball made me uncomfortable. I overheard some kids talking about joining Track & Field in the winter. I felt I had nothing to lose so I showed up on the first day and registered. I knew very little about the sport. All I knew was when you hear the gun, you run as fast as you can. Running being the main element of the sport seemed a little boring. My first year of Track wasn’t great because I had no idea what I was doing. In the opening meet of the season, I clipped the first hurdle in my race. Despite my inexperience, I was eager to learn. Discovering running techniques and disciplined workouts was challenging. I took the challenge and the next year returned the following season with improved performances and a new determination. Surprisingly I discovered that I enjoyed the sport and had a talent for it. Playing basketball was something I knew everything about but track & field required me to be vulnerable and take more risks. I lived and breathed basketball and it was something that I was sure I would pursue. But failing to make my basketball team has been a setback which I’m grateful for. It was the springboard I needed to break out of my comfort zone and try new things. I have discovered talents and leadership skills I didn’t know I had because I was too afraid to explore the unfamiliar. Now as a result of branching out, I have been selected by the coach to be a part of the Track leadership team and I became a section leader for my school’s marching band. I also auditioned for ILMEA, an honors band for the top high school musicians of Illinois– something I don’t think I ever would have the nerve to do. Being on the track team has also led me to consider physical therapy as a career option. I may not become the next track running star like Noah Lyles, but I have learned my identity is not tied to a single passion or goal. One of the things that I'm looking forward to in college is embracing new experiences. I'm no longer afraid to step out of my comfort zone. I now realize setbacks and challenges are opportunities to grow in self-discovery. So, I welcome what the future holds, even if I clip a few hurdles along the way.

When the official says, “Runners to your marks!” I know it’s time to be dialed in. My heart begins to race, and I think about the fastest way to attack the hurdle and how to get over each hurdle without injury. Potential injuries are always a concern for athletes. I understand that the human body is not always reliable and like a machine, it can break down and need repair. My experience as a track athlete has fueled my desire to learn more about the science of movement and how the body can repair itself when given proper instructions. I want to study kinesiology and pursue a doctorate in physical therapy with a minor in business. My goal is to open up a physical therapy business in underrepresented communities. I remember when my dad tore his Achilles tendon, and he had a hard time getting around. Fortunately, he could afford rehabilitation services but there are some people where the cost of a physical therapist deters them from seeking help. I want to help others like my dad recover well from injuries regardless of financial barriers. I had the pleasure of shadowing a local physical therapist who gave me valuable insight into the profession. I was impressed by how he personalized each patient’s recovery plan based on injury, pain level, and other factors. I also held an internship this past summer at a local hospital where I mainly handled common front desk responsibilities like checking people in for appointments, greeting people, cleaning, and wheelchair transportation. I especially enjoyed transporting patients in wheelchairs because of the pleasant and interesting conversations. I also volunteered at a few local food pantries organizing and distributing groceries to local families which allowed me to see firsthand the critical services needed in underserved communities. These experiences strengthened my belief that affordable healthcare should be available to everyone. Less than 5% of physical therapists in the U.S. are African-American. I want to change this startling statistic. Although the town that I am from is predominantly African American, there are very few African American physical therapists. Representation is important and more professionals of color are needed because of African Americans’ long history of mistrust in the medical field. A great example of the power of representation is my town’s mayor. The mayor, who is black, used to be a physical therapist in our town. Because of his history of relationship-building within the community, he has developed a strong rapport with the people he now serves. Likewise, I would help to change the narrative and inspire others. Minoring in business will help give me the skills to open up my physical therapy practice in neighborhoods like my own where the household average income is 20,000 dollars lower than the national average. I want to provide affordable healthcare, build partnerships in underserved communities, and mentoring opportunities, just like the one I had. I am ready to take this next step to help others take theirs - both figuratively and literally.

We formed into a huddle, about 100 of us listening to the head basketball coach. He informed us that 13 people will receive an email confirming they made the team and will return tomorrow at 6 am for practice. Throughout the day, I constantly checked for a message and couldn’t concentrate on anything else. I always imagined myself dribbling up and down the court, hearing the crowd shout from the stands in excitement. I wanted to be like Golden State Warriors NBA star Steph Curry. Anxiously, I waited to see if an email would welcome me to the team, but as the day ended, I realized that my basketball dreams were over. Disappointment and regret flooded my mind. I thought about what I could have done differently. Maybe I should have trained harder or reached out to the coaches. Seeing the kids who made the team over me the next day at school stung me because I wanted to be in their position badly. My parents suggested trying another sport, but just the thought of pursuing anything besides basketball made me uncomfortable. I overheard some kids talking about joining Track & Field in the winter. I felt I had nothing to lose so I showed up on the first day and registered. I knew very little about the sport. All I knew was when you hear the gun, you run as fast as you can. Running being the main element of the sport seemed a little boring. My first year of Track wasn’t great because I had no idea what I was doing. In the opening meet of the season, I clipped the first hurdle in my race. Despite my inexperience, I was eager to learn. Discovering running techniques and disciplined workouts was challenging. I took the challenge and the next year returned the following season with improved performances and a new determination. Surprisingly I discovered that I enjoyed the sport and had a talent for it. Playing basketball was something I knew everything about but track & field required me to be vulnerable and take more risks. I lived and breathed basketball and it was something that I was sure I would pursue. But failing to make my basketball team has been a setback which I’m grateful for. It was the springboard I needed to break out of my comfort zone and try new things. I have discovered talents and leadership skills I didn’t know I had because I was too afraid to explore the unfamiliar. Now as a result of branching out, I have been selected by the coach to be a part of the Track leadership team and I became a section leader for my school’s marching band. I also auditioned for ILMEA, an honors band for the top high school musicians of Illinois– something I don’t think I ever would have the nerve to do. Being on the track team has also led me to consider physical therapy as a career option. I may not become the next track running star like Noah Lyles, but I have learned my identity is not tied to a single passion or goal. One of the things that I'm looking forward to in college is embracing new experiences. I'm no longer afraid to step out of my comfort zone. I now realize setbacks and challenges are opportunities to grow in self-discovery. So, I welcome what the future holds, even if I clip a few hurdles along the way.

We formed into a huddle, about 100 of us listening to the head basketball coach. He informed us that 13 people will receive an email confirming they made the team and will return tomorrow at 6 am for practice. Throughout the day, I constantly checked for a message and couldn’t concentrate on anything else. I always imagined myself dribbling up and down the court, hearing the crowd shout from the stands in excitement. I wanted to be like Golden State Warriors NBA star Steph Curry. Anxiously, I waited to see if an email would welcome me to the team, but as the day ended, I realized that my basketball dreams were over. Disappointment and regret flooded my mind. I thought about what I could have done differently. Maybe I should have trained harder or reached out to the coaches. Seeing the kids who made the team over me the next day at school stung me because I wanted to be in their position badly. My parents suggested trying another sport, but just the thought of pursuing anything besides basketball made me uncomfortable. I overheard some kids talking about joining Track & Field in the winter. I felt I had nothing to lose so I showed up on the first day and registered. I knew very little about the sport. All I knew was when you hear the gun, you run as fast as you can. Running being the main element of the sport seemed a little boring. My first year of Track wasn’t great because I had no idea what I was doing. In the opening meet of the season, I clipped the first hurdle in my race. Despite my inexperience, I was eager to learn. Discovering running techniques and disciplined workouts was challenging. I took the challenge and the next year returned the following season with improved performances and a new determination. Surprisingly I discovered that I enjoyed the sport and had a talent for it. Playing basketball was something I knew everything about but track & field required me to be vulnerable and take more risks. I lived and breathed basketball and it was something that I was sure I would pursue. But failing to make my basketball team has been a setback which I’m grateful for. It was the springboard I needed to break out of my comfort zone and try new things. I have discovered talents and leadership skills I didn’t know I had because I was too afraid to explore the unfamiliar. Now as a result of branching out, I have been selected by the coach to be a part of the Track leadership team and I became a section leader for my school’s marching band. I also auditioned for ILMEA, an honors band for the top high school musicians of Illinois– something I don’t think I ever would have the nerve to do. Being on the track team has also led me to consider physical therapy as a career option. I may not become the next track running star like Noah Lyles, but I have learned my identity is not tied to a single passion or goal. One of the things that I'm looking forward to in college is embracing new experiences. I'm no longer afraid to step out of my comfort zone. I now realize setbacks and challenges are opportunities to grow in self-discovery. So, I welcome what the future holds, even if I clip a few hurdles along the way.

Galatians 1:10 reads, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”(NIV) Paul wrote this to the Galatian Church to let them know he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks about his preaching. Paul is a servant of God and lives his life only for God to be well pleased with him. The start of my senior year was very challenging for me. I was overwhelmed with the number of college options and worried about other people’s opinions about my decision. I had a multitude of college brochures to read, and I was nervous about making the right choice. “Was it about which decision is best for me, the people around me, or for God?” I kept thinking about how I hoped my choices would make everyone around me proud. While I wrestled with these questions, I remembered the powerful and encouraging words spoken in Galatians. There is only one purpose for my future. I need to live my life for God. I needed to live not for the approval of others, or even for myself, but for God. Choosing a college wasn’t as stressful as I began to meditate on this verse. I realized my choice would be about God’s will for my life. God has taken my anxiety and reminded me to plan my future according to His will. I have four schools that I am considering, and I am confident I will have all I need to decide by May 1st. Philippians 4:6-7 is another verse that I have anchored and rested in during this period. “ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” I repeat this to myself whenever things start to feel overwhelming. I learned to continue to talk to God about my problems, and He will strengthen and lead me in the right direction. I don’t have to worry about picking the “right” school. I only need to trust in Him. God’s peace enabled me to let go of my anxiety and the need to please others. It will be the same sustaining peace that will guide me to graduation and beyond.

We formed into a huddle, about 100 of us listening to the head basketball coach. He informed us that 13 people will receive an email confirming they made the team and will return tomorrow at 6 am for practice. Throughout the day, I constantly checked for a message and couldn’t concentrate on anything else. I always imagined myself dribbling up and down the court, hearing the crowd shout from the stands in excitement. Anxiously, I waited to see if an email would welcome me to the team, but as the day ended, I realized that my basketball dreams were over. I thought about what I could have done differently. Maybe I should have trained harder or reached out to the coaches. Seeing the kids who made the team the next day at school stung because I wanted to be in their position. My parents suggested trying another sport, but just the thought of pursuing anything besides basketball made me uncomfortable. I overheard some kids talking about joining Track & Field in the winter. I felt I had nothing to lose so I showed up on the first day and registered. I knew very little about the sport. All I knew was when you hear the gun, you run as fast as you can. My first year of Track wasn’t great because I had no idea what I was doing. In the opening meet of the season, I clipped the first hurdle in my race. Despite my inexperience, I was eager to learn. Discovering running techniques and disciplined workouts was challenging. I took the challenge and the next year returned the following season with improved performances and a new determination. Surprisingly I discovered that I enjoyed the sport and had a talent for it. Playing basketball was something I knew everything about but track & field required me to be vulnerable and take more risks. I lived and breathed basketball and it was something that I was sure I would pursue. But failing to make my basketball team has been a setback which I’m grateful for. It was the springboard I needed to break out of my comfort zone and try new things in other areas. Branching out , I became a leader in both track and band, where I encourage younger students to take risks. Being on the track team has also led me to consider physical therapy as a career option. Less than 5% of physical therapists in the U.S. are African-American. As an African American , I hope to be a difference maker in this startling percentage . One of the reasons that some African Americans don’t see a physical therapist after a traumatic injury is because of the cost of services. I want to be able to provide cost effective rehabilitation services for those who can’t afford it. My goal is to open my physical therapy practice in underrepresented neighborhoods like my own where the household average income is 20,000 dollars lower than the national average. I may not become the next track running star like Noah Lyles, but I have learned my identity is not tied to a single passion or goal. One of the things that I'm looking forward to in college is embracing new experiences. I'm no longer afraid to step out of my comfort zone. I welcome what the future holds, even if I clip a few hurdles along the way.

When the official says, “Runners to your marks!” I know it’s time to be dialed in. My heart begins to race, and I think about the fastest way to attack the hurdle and how to get over each hurdle without injury. But like machines, the human body can break down and need repair. My experience as an athlete has fueled my aspiration to become a physical therapist and learn how the body can repair itself when given proper instructions. This interest became more intriguing when my dad tore his Achilles tendon, and he had a hard time getting around. Watching my dad struggle with his injury made me want to help others, like my dad, to recover well. As an African American, I know there will be challenges ahead, specifically in the field that I am pursuing. Less than 5% of physical therapists in the U.S. are African-American. I hope to be a difference maker in this startling percentage by becoming a physical therapist and opening a business in underrepresented communities. Although the town that I am from is predominantly African American, there are very few black physical therapists. Recently, I was able to shadow a white local physical therapist, and although he was very informative and encouraging, I wondered what additional insight I could have received from someone who looked like me and understood important cultural challenges. Representation is important, and more medical professionals of color are needed. African Americans have a long history of mistrust in the medical community. With more medical professionals of color, Black patients will have more confidence in their treatment and healthcare. This can create trust in minority communities like the town I live in. The mayor of my town used to serve as a physical therapist, and because of his long history of relationship-building within the community, he has built a rapport with the people he now serves. Serving the community in which I live is important to who I am. By becoming a physical therapist, I would help to change the narrative and hopefully inspire others. I hope to make a difference by opening my physical therapy practice in neighborhoods like my own, where the household average income is 20,000 dollars lower than the national average. One of the reasons that some African Americans don’t see a therapist after a traumatic injury is because of the cost of services. I want to be able to provide lower costs for those who can’t afford the necessary services for rehabilitation. Finding ways to support the community around me is what is most important. This scholarship will help me in my goal of becoming a physical therapist by helping reduce financial barriers and opening up opportunities. I am ready to take this next step to help others take theirs - both figuratively and literally.

When the official says, “Runners to your marks!” I know it’s time to be dialed in. My heart begins to race, and I think about the fastest way to attack the hurdle and how to get over each hurdle without injury. But like machines, the human body can break down and need repair. My experience as an athlete has fueled my aspiration to become a physical therapist and learn how the body can repair itself when given proper instructions. This interest became more intriguing when my dad tore his Achilles tendon, and he had a hard time getting around. Watching my dad struggle with his injury made me want to help others, like my dad, to recover well. I had the pleasure of shadowing a local physical therapist who gave me valuable insight into the profession and some of his methods for injury rehab. I was impressed by his ability to personalize each patient’s recovery plan based on injury, pain level, and other factors. His laid-back personality and calming presence created a caring, nurturing environment that aided in patient recovery. People tend to recover better when they are relaxed and feel connected to the individual aiding them in their recovery process. This past summer, I held an internship at a local hospital where I mainly handled common front desk responsibilities like checking people in for appointments, greeting people, and cleaning. But occasionally, I would transport patients in wheelchairs and enjoy talking with them. As I worked in guest services at the hospital, I learned the importance of listening to patients. Physical therapy is a field that requires more than just helping others recover physically. As a future physical therapy student, I am inspired to apply these values to the classroom, internships, and clinical settings. Both of these experiences have helped me to understand the type of physical therapist I aspire to and hope to be. Now, whenever I see injuries, whether on the track or at home watching football, I am more aware of the recovery process for the injured athlete. This scholarship will help me in my goal of becoming a physical therapist by helping reduce financial barriers and opening up opportunities. It will allow me to explore internships and research studies. I am ready to take this next step to help others take theirs - figuratively and literally.