Like many aspiring physical therapists, and others pursuing careers in the medical field, I want to help people. More specifically, I want to help people reach their maximum potential physically and, in many cases, mentally. Whether it is a young athlete recovering from an ACL tear or an older individual just wanting to get up a step, I want to be the reason, or a part of, why they succeed. I did not always have this drive to pursue physical therapy. Growing up around sports, physical therapy was merely one of hundreds of medical careers I could pursue. After applying to colleges, I felt pressured to choose a major and a career to pursue. I was torn between becoming a nurse, doctor, or physical therapist. In the end, I chose to pursue a major in Kinesiology and a career in physical therapy because I did not want to be a nurse, as my sister was one, and being a doctor felt like too much "work." Almost two years ago, I began my first year at The University of Texas at San Antonio. With worries that I needed to urgently get out of my safe space, I joined the Pre-Physical Therapy Society. There, I got to learn so much information about the career I was pursuing, such as the application process, things I should and should not be doing, as well as the importance of networking. Moreover, that December I had the opportunity to observe in inpatient and pediatric settings, which solidified my decision to pursue physical therapy. Observing at University Hospital was a unique experience, which again solidified my career choice. I vividly remember awkwardly sitting in the corner, watching the physical therapist work with a young child who was in a neck cast. The objective for the young girl was to pick up fish toys with a toy fishing rod. However, the child quickly became frustrated, largely because of the pain and the difficulty of the task. Seeing her begin to cry made me, an 18-year-old, become emotional. I wished I could ease the pain or make it a bit easier for her, but I turned to see the physical therapist, and she wore a calm and encouraging expression. She did not make it easier for the child, but instead motivated her. Although a hard and emotional moment, I myself became inspired. I will pursue this amazing and overlooked career not only to help people physically, but mentally as well. Mental health is so challenging to overcome, so I will be the motivating, persistent, and empathetic physical therapist. Whether it is working with a young child with a disability, a strong and injured athlete, or an older individual trying to rebuild strength and gain independence, I will be that Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Monica Rodriguez, my mother, is the woman in my life who has inspired and supported me in everything. She has shown perseverance, dedication, and will to achieve what was best for her four children. Despite all the turmoils and difficulties she has experienced, my mom is the strongest person I know. To begin with, at the age of 16, my mom had to quit high school in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon to help with her parent's restaurant business. From cleaning to making food, my mom was there ready to help. Later at the age of 18, my mom and her younger brother moved to my hometown, Laredo, Texas, for a better future. There my mom worked full-time at McDonald's, got married, had my brother, got divorced, and then met my father 3 years later at her job. One year later, my parents got married and had my older sister. To continue, during the eight-year gap before I was born, my mom, dad, her brother, and his wife, bought a party place and called it Mely's Wonderland. They rented out parties, quinceaneras, get-togethers, and even weddings. My mom served food, did face-painting and hair, and at the end of the party, cleaned. Then her sister and mom came and took over. They set up their own business in the place without paying a single penny when the bills came in every month. Ten years later, my mom had enough. Not enough income was coming in to pay the bills, so the owners (mom, dad, uncle) decided to sell it. From there my mom got a job as a lunch lady at an elementary school. During that time I was about 13 years old, and had witnessed my mom persevere through those long nights at Mely's Wonderland. She continued to work at the elementary school for two years until she fell sick and had to quit. Luckily, she recovered and started a business with my father. This business has grown in the city of Laredo, and my mother has shown great dedication to this business. Many times, when business was slow, my father wanted to stop the business, but my mom refused, praying to God to give her the strength to continue. This business required physical and mental strength, as well as patience. The business is still running. At this moment, my mom decided to go for her GED and receive a phlebotomy tech certificate. Despite all the changes, challenges, and moments of uncertainty, my mom never gave up on her dreams. My mom has gone through many challenges, however, with the grace of what she believes in, she persevered and simply kept moving forward. My mom has inspired me to open my own business, KKR.Bakery. Although sometimes I experience moments where I ask myself "What am I doing?", I look at what my mom has gone through and thank God that I'm struggling with these things. I am incredibly grateful for what my mom has taught me. Finally, she is the strongest person I know.

Athletics has helped me become the person I am. As a young girl, being outside and playing was the best thing to occur. Whether it be running away from the person that was “it”, or trying to catch the football my cousins were throwing, I was having the best time of my life. As I grew older, those silly games turned into volleyball, basketball and track events in middle school. Eventually those would turn into varsity events in high school. Throughout the years dedicated to athletics, I have learned the importance of discipline, responsibility, consistency, and teamwork. More than half my life has been dedicated to sports, so why not study something I truly enjoy. By majoring in kinesiology, I get to study how the human body moves. How different parts of the body work together to create a single movement is amazing. Along with furthering my knowledge for my future career, I get to apply the information on myself. After my track season ended, I joined the gym to grow, mentally and physically. By learning the proper way the human body should move, I would be more efficient at the gym. Moreover, correcting form is extremely important to prevent short and long term injuries. Athletics has been one of the best things to happen in my life. I have learned so many valuable lessons, made many long-term friends, and have experienced great things. One of the best experiences was getting a personal record for triple jump and going to area. It was one of the best feelings I have experienced. My dream is to help people feel that way. To have that huge sense of accomplishment, whether it be winning district, to taking their first step in a long time. I am pursuing kinesiology to become a physical therapist. I would love to be the healthcare worker a patient gets excited to see. I want my patients to be excited to make progress, even if it’s the tiniest amount, it is something. I am able to become the best version of myself because of athletics. My life has been deeply influenced by sports, and it will continue to do so. By winning this scholarship, I would be able to alleviate some stress of paying for higher education. Education is extremely important to my family and I, so this scholarship would help pave the way for me to achieve my dreams.

After high school, I plan to further my education by going to University of Texas at San Antonio. I would love to receive my bachelor’s, get work experience, and later return to receive my masters. I hope to get into a job related to medicine. Whether it be to become a nurse, a doctor, a psychologist, or a physical therapist, they all have something in common: Great work-ethic. As a current student-athlete in high school who’s taking college classes, it is important for me to manage my time correctly. Life can get hectic, but having a good work ethic and sense of time has helped me become the best version of myself. In college, I will continue to have the work ethic I have built throughout my 4 years in high school because it is important for me to achieve my education and career goals. I’ve been able to achieve 3/4 of my goals for high school by having a great work ethic. Before freshmen year began, I wrote down 4 goals on a post-it: Make varsity, get a 4.0 GPA, get top 10%, and get a scholarship. I have made varsity for track & field, I have a 4.0 GPA, and I have been notified I am a part of the top 10% of students in my school. I was able to achieve my goals by focusing on the things that were important to me. Therefore as previously stated, I will achieve my goals in college by having a great work ethic. Although I am still undecided in what career I want to pursue, I know I want to help people become the best version of themselves. Whether it be for their physical health or mental health, I want to be a part of the reason they enjoy life.