For as long as I can remember, I have always viewed my mother as my role model. Through raising my sister and I on her own while being a successful computer engineer, I have always strived to be as determined as her. As a child growing up in a single parent household, my mother had to be the breadwinner and the caregiver in one person. There were times when I saw my mother less due to her taking long hours at work and I would be the last person at day care sometimes. This was the most difficult part in living in a single parent household because I do remember that there would be times when I did miss seeing her more. However, as I got older I really understood how hard she worked to provide a comfortable life for my sister and I. My mother always made sure that we knew we were loved, cared for us and provided us with anything we ever needed. Her hard work has led her to become a principle engineer at a large semiconductor company in the bay area and I cannot be more proud to say that she is my mother. The work ethic I have seen from my mother has shaped my career goals in not being afraid in pursuing a doctorate level degree. I look to mirror her tenacity and know that through hard work anything is possible. I am currently an undergraduate student majoring in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy at San Diego State University and I plan to apply to Doctor of Physical Therapy programs at various institutions next semester. Currently I am working at a physical therapy clinic as an exercise specialist where I bring patients through their prescribed exercises and offer various modalities to the patients such as hot packs, ice packs, and electrical stimulation. I am also volunteering in an acute rehabilitation facility where I assist in therapeutic activities, transport patients via wheelchair , and observe patient treatment when they are with the physical therapists. These positions are important in not only making sure I get observation hours to be able to apply to Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs, but I also get to experience different settings in which physical therapists work. Additionally this summer I plan on taking a study abroad trip to Thailand which is directed towards physical therapy and occupational therapy where I will be working with local communities and universities in Thailand to provide care under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. After undergrad I plan to be enrolled in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, pass the licensure exam and eventually become a physical therapist where I can practice in California. Growing up in a single parent household has taught me that anything is possible with the right amount of hard work, time management, and passion. In the future I hope to be as successful and impactful as my mother in my own career.

From the moment I myself had gone to physical therapy for an overuse injury, I was hooked on the idea of becoming a physical therapist myself. For weeks I had my first looks at the work that physical therapists do. From prescribing exercises to manual manipulation, physical therapists are skilled in bringing injured patients back to their normal function. As a Kinesiology major working towards becoming a licensed physical therapist, I have always been drawn to wanting to serve my community through rehabilitation. To be able to improve someone else's life, reduce their pain, and help them become a healthier version of themselves is truly what makes me passionate about STEM. From sprained ankles to traumatic brain injuries to vertigo, there is endless possibilities amounts of care that physical therapists can provide to patients. Throughout this past year I have been an intern at an outpatient physical therapy clinic in National City. This clinic is located in a predominantly Filipino community and during my time as an intern, I have witnessed how secondary care can be unaccessible to minority groups because of insurance copays and other costs. This experience has invigorated me to use my degree to make physical therapy more accessible to low income communities through working in university clinics for low income families. Additionally, as a woman of color I recognize that African American's have historically faced , and continue to face discrimination and implicit bias from the health care system resulting in less visits to primary and secondary care givers. I aim to change this narrative by creating a space in which my future patients feel welcome and taken care of regardless of their orientation, race, etc. Furthermore, as I continue my education as an undergraduate student, I recognize that I am one of a few women of color in my major. It is glaringly obvious the importance of mentors and I hope to be the future that I want to see. Giving back to my community by becoming a mentor for future physical therapists like myself will hopefully continue the inclusion of African American women and men into the field of physical therapy in the future. Pursuing a career in STEM was never not an option and I cannot wait to use my degree to better serve my community. Through increasing accessibility to underserved communities and as a future mentor, I am confident that I will make an impact and uplift the community.