J. McGee once wrote, “When God puts you on the wheel of circumstance, he means to accomplish something.” God is in the details and has a perfect, designated plan for everybody’s life. I truly believe the trials we go through today only shape us for our perfect tomorrow. Our challenges mold us into the people we were destined to become. Not only that, but I truly believe our weakest and most vulnerable moments help us to grow stronger and gain mental fortitude. Shortly after I was born, my great-grandpa, Quentin Morse, suffered a stroke and was paralyzed on one side of his body leaving him wheelchair-bound for the remainder of his life. He was arguably my greatest inspiration. His love for his country, family, friends, and Christ was unquestionable and unwavering. He served in the Navy during the Korean War, and his influence has motivated me to continue his legacy of selfless service by loving God and serving others. In fact, this life-altering event for him, made me realize that I wanted to help people with conditions just like his through the power of physical therapy. Thus, my desire to help others stems from the influence of my great-grandpa’s daily struggles; however, it also stems from my development of seven stress fractures and a chronic disease. At fifteen, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, a term that was extremely frightening to someone who had never heard it before. Initially, the pain gave me the impression that my body and all of its constituents were not my own. I had agonizing abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and stabbing cysts, which made me very sick week to week. Suddenly, even the simplest tasks were excruciatingly painful. My weight significantly dropped and I began to pass out. My body reached a breaking point, and I became desperate, so my family and I traveled to get tests performed at several hospitals, while hearing opinions from multiple physicians. Frustratingly, many tests came back with no conclusive results. My symptoms were dismissed and discredited and I felt like there was no end in sight. However, finally, I was granted temporary relief after being referred to a gynecologist. He provided a diagnosis along with surgery and medication. Still, it is an everyday battle living with a chronic disease, but I have chosen to believe that God works all things for the good. The transformative experiences of attending my own appointments and shadowing professionals at Bluffs Physical Therapy solidified my desire to pursue this profession and make a difference in the lives of others. They fueled my determination to positively impact my patients by advocating for their well-being and offering validating experiences. Through my practice, I want to provide non-invasive therapeutic techniques to help better manage uncomfortable conditions like my own. While providing these medical opportunities locally, I also hope to travel on Medical Mission Trips and provide medical access to those suffering without it in developing nations. Thus, I aspire to be the first in my family to attend college and obtain a Bachelor's degree, as well as, a doctoral degree. My parents taught me that education could be an agent for both individual development and community-wide effect. Therefore, I am highly motivated to use my degree to become a strong spiritual and servant leader. In essence, The Deena Collins Memorial Scholarship represents a chance for me to devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism and kindness. This award will help me to cover the costs of outstanding expenses attributed to pursuing a physical therapy program. It will also enable me to achieve all my ambitious goals.

J. McGee once wrote “When God puts you on the wheel of circumstance, he means to accomplish something.” God is in the details and has a perfect, designated plan for everybody’s life. The trials we go through today only shape us for our perfect tomorrow. Shortly after I was born, my great-grandpa suffered a stroke and was paralyzed on one side of his body leaving him wheel-chair bound for the remainder of his life. He was arguably my greatest inspiration. His love for his country, family, friends, and Christ was unmistakable and unforgettable. Serving in the Navy during the Korean War, his influence has motivated me to continue his legacy of selfless service by loving God and serving others. In fact, this life altering event for him, made me realize that I wanted to help people with conditions just like his through the power of physical therapy. During middle school, I had a unique encounter with God during an altar call at Camp Lexington which brought me to tears. A youth pastor approached me, claiming they felt called to pray for me and felt a strong calling over my life. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit rush over me as we prayed together. And just a few weeks later, I had a supernatural dream. In it, I traveled to another country with a team of other physicians. We provided medical support to families who were struggling without it in developing nations. My team and I distributed food, clothing, and other supplies to bless the small community. Since then, I have had a deep desire to pursue a career in physical therapy and travel on Medical Missions Trips. My desire to help others through physical therapy stems from this encounter and my great-grandpa’s daily struggles; however, it also stems from my development of seven stress fractures and a chronic disease. At fifteen, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, a term that was frightening to someone who had never heard it before. Initially, the pain gave me the impression that my body and all of its constituents were not my own. I had agonizing abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and stabbing cysts, which made me very sick week to week. Suddenly, even the simplest tasks were excruciatingly painful. My weight significantly dropped and I began to pass out. My body reached a breaking point, and I became desperate, so we traveled to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from multiple physicians. Frustratingly, many tests came back with no conclusive results. My symptoms were dismissed and discredited and I felt like there was no end in sight. Eventually, I was granted temporary relief after being referred to a gynecologist. He provided a diagnosis along with surgery and medication. Although it may be an everyday battle living with a chronic disease, I have a solid belief that God works all things for the good. Thus, I aspire to be the first in my family to attend college and obtain a Bachelor's degree and a DPT degree. My parents taught me that education could be an agent for both individual development and community-wide effect. Thus, I am highly motivated to use my degree to become a strong spiritual and servant leader just as they have taught me. In essence, The Rev. Ethel K. Grinkley Memorial Scholarship represents a chance for me to devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism and kindness. This award will be greatly cherished; it will help me to cover the costs of tuition, books, meal plans, housing, and other outstanding expenses attributed to a physical therapy program.

Mark Twain once wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Throughout my life, I have developed a passion for helping others through the healing and recovery process, especially after developing seven stress fractures attributed to high impact sports. My physical therapists were pillars of empathy, guidance, and support in my journey to recovery, but perhaps the biggest motivating factor for me in pursuing the health profession field is a yearning to help those with chronic diseases similar to my own. At fifteen, I became one of 190 million women globally to suffer from endometriosis: a chronic disease with no cure and limited research and funding. As it typically takes seven to eight years to diagnose, the disease can be very isolating and painful, affecting one’s day-to-day life and functioning ability. When the pain came, I had the impression that my body and all of its constituents were not really my own. I had agonizing chronic abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and stabbing cysts, which made me very sick week to week. Suddenly, even the simplest tasks were excruciatingly painful. My weight significantly dropped and I began to pass out. I was terrified and I didn’t know what was happening to me. I had recently transferred to a new school, so I felt very alone when my classmates mocked me for my distant and private behavior. I could no longer continue the sports and clubs I had been participating in as I would faint when over-exerting myself in any physical activity. Still, I tried my best to be perceived as completely normal and healthy. It came to a point where my body was at its breaking point and I was desperate. I traveled to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from multiple physicians. Frustratingly, many tests came back with no conclusive results, so my symptoms were dismissed and discredited. It felt like there was no end in sight– as if I couldn’t freely talk about my symptoms. When my diagnosis finally came after being referred to a specialist, it only provided minor relief. It is an everyday battle living with a chronic disease and it truly takes a toll on your mental and physical health. Nevertheless, I feel that these pivotal experiences have enabled me to find my passion for helping others and helped me to find my inner strength and fortitude. This past year, I had the privilege of performing over 50 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy. The PTs mentored me and extended the opportunity to use many of their newest technologies; therefore, I witnessed their greater impact in the clinic. The transformative experience solidified my desire to pursue this career path to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others’. I want to foster a relationship with my clients, advocate for their well-being, and provide a validating experience for them. I also hope to provide non-invasive therapeutic techniques to help better manage chronic and debilitating pain. Additionally, I aspire to travel on Medical Mission Trips to grant medical access to those suffering without it in other nations. The Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship represents a chance for me to fulfill my mission and devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism, tenacity, and a dedication to providing life-altering care in physical therapy. I aspire to be the first in my family to attend college and obtain a Bachelor's degree and DPT degree. This scholarship award will enable me to provide more health opportunities in my community and abroad.

Mark Twain once wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Throughout my life, I have developed a passion for helping others through the healing and recovery process, especially after developing seven stress fractures attributed to high impact sports. My physical therapists were pillars of empathy, guidance, and support in my journey to recovery, but the biggest motivating factor for me in pursuing the health profession field is a yearning to help those with chronic diseases similar to my own. At fifteen, I became one of 190 million women globally to suffer from endometriosis: a chronic disease with no cure and limited research and funding. Taking 7-8 years to diagnose, the disease can be very isolating and painful, affecting one’s day-to-day life and functioning ability. When the pain came, I had the impression that my body and all of its constituents were not my own. As I laid on the cold bathroom tile, I would bleed and clot in agonizing pain. I would double over and scream as cysts would rupture inside of me causing a sharp, stabbing sensation. I was terrified and I didn’t know what was happening to me. The gastrointestinal symptoms and accompanying abdominal pain made even the simplest tasks excruciatingly painful. My new classmates were unaware of the changes in my behavior and mood. I could no longer continue the sports and clubs I had been participating in. My weight had significantly dropped, and I would faint when over-exerting myself in any physical activity. Still, I tried my best to be perceived as completely normal and healthy, but I felt so alone. I was desperate, traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from multiple physicians. Frustratingly, many tests came back with no conclusive results. My symptoms were dismissed and discredited. It felt like there was no end in sight and as if I couldn’t freely talk about my symptoms, but I still willed myself to balance my responsibilities. Eventually, I was referred to a gynecologist who was able to provide some relief with hormonal therapy and surgery. Unfortunately, it is an everyday battle living with a chronic disease, and it takes a toll on your mental and physical health. This past year, I had the privilege of performing over 50 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy. They gave me the opportunity to use many of the newest technologies on myself, while witnessing their greater impact in the clinic. The transformative experience solidified my desire to pursue this career path and make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients by providing a validating and hopeful experience. I want to foster a relationship with my clients and advocate for their well-being, while providing non-invasive therapeutic techniques to help better manage uncomfortable conditions like my own. In addition to providing these medical opportunities locally, I also aspire to travel on Medical Mission Trips and provide medical access to those suffering without it. In essence, these challenges were pivotal events that enabled me to discover my inner fortitude. They have opened new doors that I could have never thought possible. The PD Instore Scholarship represents a chance for me to fulfill my mission and devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism, tenacity, and a dedication to providing life-altering care in physical therapy. My parents taught me as a young child that education could be a catalyst for individual development and community-wide effect. Thus, I aspire to be the first in my family to attend college and obtain a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a DPT degree. With this degree I hope to make lasting, measurable differences in others’ lives. Investing in me will mean investing in a passionate person who is committed to transforming my community for the better. This award will help me to cover the costs of tuition, books, housing, and other outstanding expenses associated with pursuing such a rigorous program. It will enable me to provide more health opportunities in my rural community and allow me to reach out my heart and my hands to people suffering in other nations without access to medical care. I'm committed to advancing my expertise and abilities with the help of this scholarship, and I truly appreciate your consideration in helping me achieve my goal of graduating debt free.

Mark Twain once wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Throughout my life, I have developed a passion for helping others through the healing and recovery process, especially after developing seven stress fractures attributed to high impact sports. My physical therapists were pillars of empathy, guidance, and support in my journey to recovery, but the biggest motivating factor for me in pursuing the health profession field is a yearning to help those with chronic diseases similar to my own. At fifteen, I became one of 190 million women globally to suffer from endometriosis: a chronic disease with no cure and limited research and funding. Taking 7-8 years to diagnose, the disease can be very isolating and painful, affecting one’s day-to-day life and functioning ability. When the pain came, I had the impression that my body and all of its constituents were not my own. As I laid on the cold bathroom tile, I would bleed and clot in agonizing pain. I would double over and scream as cysts would rupture inside of me causing a sharp, stabbing sensation. I was terrified and I didn’t know what was happening to me. The gastrointestinal symptoms and accompanying abdominal pain made even the simplest tasks excruciatingly painful. My new classmates were unaware of the changes in my behavior and mood. I could no longer continue the sports and clubs I had been participating in. My weight had significantly dropped and I would faint when over-exerting myself in any physical activity. I tried my best to be perceived as completely normal and healthy, but I felt so alone. I was desperate, traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from multiple physicians. Frustratingly, many tests came back with no conclusive results. My symptoms were dismissed and discredited. It felt like there was no end in sight and as if I couldn’t freely talk about my symptoms, but I still willed myself to balance my responsibilities. Eventually, I was referred to a gynecologist who was able to provide some relief with hormonal therapy and surgery. Unfortunately, it is an everyday battle living with a chronic disease, and it takes a toll on your mental and physical health. This past year, I had the privilege of performing over 50 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy. The therapists gave me the opportunity to use many of the newest technologies on myself, while witnessing their greater impact in the clinic. The transformative experience solidified my desire to pursue this career path and make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients by providing a validating and hopeful experience. I want to foster a relationship with my clients and advocate for their well-being, while providing non-invasive therapeutic techniques to help better manage uncomfortable conditions like my own. While providing these medical opportunities locally, I also aspire to travel on Medical Mission Trips and provide medical access to those suffering without it. In essence, these challenges were pivotal events that enabled me to discover my inner fortitude. They have opened new doors that I could have never thought possible. The Chronic Boss Scholarship represents a chance for me to fulfill my mission and devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism, tenacity, and a dedication to providing life-altering care in physical therapy. I'm committed to advancing my expertise and abilities with the help of this scholarship, and I truly appreciate your consideration in helping me achieve my goal of graduating debt free while pursuing a DPT degree.

Mark Twain once wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Throughout my life, I have developed a passion for helping others through the healing and recovery process, especially after developing seven stress fractures attributed to high impact sports. My physical therapists were pillars of empathy, guidance, and support in my journey to recovery, but the biggest motivating factor for me in pursuing the health profession field is a yearning to help those with chronic diseases similar to my own. At fifteen, I became one of 190 million women globally to suffer from endometriosis: a chronic disease with no cure and limited research and funding. Taking 7-8 years to diagnose, the disease can be very isolating and painful, affecting one’s day-to-day life and functioning ability. When the pain came, I had the impression that my body and all of its constituents were not my own. As I laid on the cold bathroom tile, I would bleed and clot in agonizing pain. I would double over and scream as cysts would rupture inside of me causing a sharp, stabbing sensation. I was terrified and I didn’t know what was happening to me. The gastrointestinal symptoms and accompanying abdominal pain made even the simplest tasks excruciatingly painful. My new classmates were unaware of the changes in my behavior and mood. I could no longer continue the sports and clubs I had been participating in. My weight had significantly dropped and I would faint when over-exerting myself in any physical activity. I tried my best to be perceived as completely normal and healthy, but I felt so alone. I was desperate, traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from multiple physicians. Frustratingly, many tests came back with no conclusive results. My symptoms were dismissed and discredited. It felt like there was no end in sight and as if I couldn’t freely talk about my symptoms, but I still willed myself to balance my responsibilities. Eventually, I was referred to a gynecologist who was able to provide some relief with hormonal therapy and surgery. Unfortunately, it is an everyday battle living with a chronic disease, and it takes a toll on your mental and physical health. This past year, I had the privilege of performing over 50 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy. They gave me the opportunity to use many of the newest technologies on myself, while witnessing their greater impact in the clinic. The transformative experience solidified my desire to pursue this career path and make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients by providing a validating and hopeful experience. I want to foster a relationship with my clients and advocate for their well-being, while providing non-invasive therapeutic techniques to help better manage uncomfortable conditions like my own. While providing these medical opportunities locally, I also aspire to travel on Medical Mission Trips and provide medical access to those suffering without it. In essence, these challenges were pivotal events that enabled me to discover my inner fortitude. They have opened new doors that I could have never thought possible. The Sloane Stephens Doc and Glo Scholarship represents a chance for me to fulfill my mission and devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism, tenacity, and a dedication to providing life-altering care in physical therapy. I'm committed to advancing my expertise and abilities with the help of this scholarship, and I truly appreciate your consideration in helping me achieve my goal of graduating debt free in a physical therapy program.

John 15:12-13 states “My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus Christ’s selfless sacrifice is undoubtedly the greatest example of love for His children and shows that we should pursue sacrificial love– the kind where we give up our own desires and look to bless others by devoting our time to their needs. He selflessly paid the ultimate sacrifice and was resurrected from the dead three days later, defeating both sin and the grave. He showed how love sees and believes the best in others no matter the cost. God’s love is unconditional and flawless; it is never altered, changed, or lessened due to any cause. It is a love beyond human comprehension and measure. God wants people to love just as He loves. Thus, “love is kind” means making sacrifices for the happiness and well being of others. It means being patient and attentive, listening with one’s whole heart, and putting another’s needs above one’s own. You never know the difficult journey or path that someone else is on, so it is of the utmost importance to outstretch your heart and hands in love to all your brothers and sisters in Christ. By doing this we can make others feel loved, valued, and appreciated. I have learned that love does not take but freely gives. Deeds of selfless service, generosity, and kindness can have a profound impact on other’s lives. Love grows through sharing, and we gain more by freely giving love away to others. We should prioritize other peoples' needs, run after the hurting, help the broken, and assist those in need. In fact, one of the biggest motivating factors in my life is a purpose and drive to give back to my community. I value the time I spend volunteering in community outreaches organized by my church. One of my favorite outreaches that we have been able to bless the local community with is the Back to School Bash. In the past, we have been able to distribute 400 backpacks with school supplies, as well as bags of groceries to families who need it most. With each consecutive bag and backpack, I filled it up with love and care knowing the impact that it would have on the family it was going to. As the event grew over the years, we were able to bless families with free food, hair cuts, game booths, bouncy houses, live entertainment, and more. With hundreds of people congregating on campus, it was an occasion that brought people together to express love and fellowship. Two years ago, I awoke from a vivid dream and was filled with an inexplicable peace and satisfaction. The dream depicted young, happy children who were singing and dancing in a circle. It turns out, I had traveled to another country with a team of other physicians. Our goal was to provide medical support to families without medical access. My team and I were distributing food, clothing, and other supplies to bless the small community. Since then, I have had a deep desire to pursue a career in physical therapy and travel on Medical Missions Trips. The Love is Kind scholarship represents a chance for me to fulfill my mission and devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism, tenacity, and a dedication to providing life-altering care in physical therapy. Investing in me will mean investing in a passionate person who is committed to transforming my community and the world for the better, with love and kindness.

General George S. Patton Jr. once said “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” Joining the service is an act of selfless sacrifice that takes courage and strength. In 1950, my great-grandpa, Quentin Morse, graduated high school and joined the Navy. He was just 17, so he went down to the recruiting office with a letter from his mother that granted him permission. He was sent to San Diego for Boot Camp a month later, bravely joining as an IC-man. Three days after his acceptance, the Korean War broke out as there was a lot of political tension between communist countries and the Western World. He was immediately placed aboard a Landing Ship Tank, the LST 772, and sent to fight. It was a ship for transporting prisoners, mostly teenage men between the ages of twelve to fifteen, from the North Korean shore to Kwajalein Atoll. The ship’s deck was covered in animal cages set aside for the POWs. It was only supposed to cross the Atlantic one time and then be scuttled and sunk; however, the 327 foot long ship had crossed the North Atlantic seven times, and it had visible signs of decline. With a flat bottom, it did not handle rough seas well. During a bad storm off the coast of North Korea, their ship developed a large crack and a weld broke in the bottom of the hull, leaving them stranded in enemy territory. They were forced to beach the ship in attempts to repair the damages. A woman, working for the other side, was giving political propaganda about their current condition. She said they would be ambushed and taken as prisoners. Fearful and afraid, they were able to make a miraculous escape. On that beach he met a North Korean who offered to trade him a gun for the camera he had around his neck. He disassembled the gun and hid it, bringing it back with him after the war ended. My great grandpa enjoyed being outdoors collecting rocks, hunting, or fishing. One of my fondest memories of him was when he went on an adventure to unearth his “treasures,” with his lovely wife, my great-grandma. She was tired and stayed in the car as he took off over the hill. When she woke up at early dawn, she quickly bolted upright in a panic, realizing he was still gone. Soon, she began to see an irregularly shaped figure walking over the hill. She relaxed, realizing it was him… without his pants on. He simply chuckled and shrugged, saying that he needed to get crafty. His bag had not been big enough for all the rocks. My great-grandpa was proud to have served his country, but most importantly he was proud to serve his Heavenly Father. He was the cornerstone of our family and was the definition of love, serving those around him. He suffered from a stroke the year I was born, leaving him wheelchair bound. He still felt nothing was impossible, appointing an engineer to help him get baptized. I recall him singing gospel songs until his last breath. As his family surrounded his bed, he told us to celebrate– not to cry. He asked if we could see the angels in the room. The feeling of God’s presence and glory filled the house. He had lived a full life and we would unite again someday– a hope I continue to hold onto. I only wish I had more time to sit on his lap and listen to his stories.

Mark Twain once wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Throughout my life, I have developed a passion for helping others through the healing and recovery process, especially after suffering from seven stress fractures attributed to high impact sports. My physical therapists were pillars of empathy, guidance, and support in the recovery process. However, the biggest motivating factor for me in pursuing the health profession field is a yearning to help those with chronic diseases similar to my own. At fifteen, I became one of the 190 million women around the world to suffer from endometriosis: a very common chronic disease with no cure and little research, or funding. Unfortunately, it can take about 7-8 years to diagnose; therefore, the disease can be very isolating and painful, affecting one’s day-to-day life and functioning ability. I experienced chronic abdominal pain, intense gastrointestinal symptoms, troublesome ovarian cysts, as well as fatigue and fainting without any relief. It was an unimaginable situation full of fear and uncertainty. My mother suggested birth control pills, but my symptoms only seemed to worsen. I was restless during the night and eating became almost impossible, so my weight rapidly dropped. The simplest tasks were excruciatingly painful, and I was continually nauseous, while experiencing painful urination and bowel movements. I was desperate, traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from many specialists and physicians. Frustratingly, multiple tests and blood work came back with no conclusive results so my symptoms were dismissed. It felt like there was no end in sight, but I still willed myself to balance my responsibilities and commitments, until I was finally referred to a gynecologist who was able to provide some relief. Still, it is an everyday battle living with a chronic disease, and it takes a toll on your mental and physical health. This year, I have performed over fifty hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy. The physical therapists allowed me to try out many of their newest technologies and witness their greater impact. The transformative experience solidified my desire to pursue this career path and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I want to give clients an encouraging experience that is validating and hopeful, while fostering relationships and being their biggest advocate. Through my practice, I hope to provide non-invasive techniques, exercises, and nutrition advice to assist in managing uncomfortable pain and improving one’s overall quality of life. In essence, these challenges were all pivotal events that granted me the ability to find my inner strength and resilience, while opening new doors and opportunities for me. One of the biggest motivating factors in my life is a purpose and drive to give back to my community through faith and service. This scholarship represents a chance for me to fulfill my mission and devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism, tenacity, and a dedication to providing life-altering care in physical therapy. My parents taught me as a child that education could be an agent for individual development and community-wide effect. They both came from humble backgrounds and taught me the value of hard work and sacrifice. Thus, I aspire to be the first in my family to attend college and obtain a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a DPT degree. I'm committed to advance my expertise and abilities with the help of this scholarship, recognizing the difficulties and opportunities that lie ahead. I would really appreciate your consideration in helping me achieve my goal of graduating debt free.

When I transferred to a new school my sophomore year, I had a million thoughts and questions running through my head. Would I make new friends? Would I fit in? Would I find my place? In fact, that summer I started participating in summer weights and sports programs to better integrate myself into the school. However, I never anticipated the unknown pain that would suddenly take over my body and make it much harder to be myself. When the pain came, it felt like my body and all of its constituents were not really my own– as if the old me was slipping away. I would lie on the cold bathroom tile in excruciating pain. I clotted and bled heavily through thick pads and ultra tampons. I found myself doubled-over, screaming as I felt a sharp stabbing pain like a cyst rupturing inside of me. I was terrified and I didn’t know what was happening to me. The simplest tasks became excruciatingly painful. As school started, I became more quiet and distant, but my new classmates did not notice any difference in my mood, anxiety, or behavior. I could no longer continue the sports and clubs I had been participating in. My weight had significantly dropped and I was very weak. I tried my best to be perceived as completely normal and fake being healthy, but I felt so alone. It was a constant battle between my mind and my body. I felt as if nobody could truly see me. I also felt as if I couldn’t talk to anyone about my symptoms due to the stigmas surrounding mental health and menstruation in our society. Eating became almost impossible. I was always nauseous, constantly vomiting, and experiencing painful urination and bowel movements. I was so weak and fatigued that I would flicker in and out of consciousness. My mother tried getting me on birth control pills, but my symptoms only seemed to worsen. I’d curl up with a heating pad at night only to find temporary relief. I became desperate, so we began traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from many specialists and physicians. Frustratingly, multiple tests and blood work came back with no conclusive results. My symptoms were dismissed and discredited. It began to feel like there was no end in sight, but I still willed myself to balance my responsibilities and commitments. I was finally referred to a gynecologist who was able to provide some relief with medications, hormonal therapy, and surgery. There, I was diagnosed with endometriosis: a very common chronic disease affecting 190 million women around the world. Unfortunately, it has no cure and little research, or funding. Additionally, it can take about 7-8 years to diagnose the disease; therefore, it can be very isolating and painful, affecting one’s day-to-day life and functioning ability. This summer, I was able to perform 30 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy. The transformative experience solidified my desire to pursue this career path and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I have a strong desire to be able to work with patients who have similar chronic illnesses, and improve their overall quality of life. I want to give clients an encouraging experience that is validating and hopeful, while fostering a relationship with each client and being their biggest advocate. I have found that rehabilitation and recovery is most successful when you are able to overcome both physical and mental hurdles. Through my practice, I hope to provide non-invasive techniques, helpful exercises, and nutrition advice to assist in managing uncomfortable pain and symptoms. In essence, these challenges were all pivotal events that granted me the ability to find my inner strength and resilience, while opening new doors and opportunities in my life that I could have never thought possible. The Chronic Boss Scholarship represents a chance for me to fulfill my mission and devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism, tenacity, and a dedication to providing life-altering care in physical therapy. It also gives me the chance to truly connect with patients and help them with the utilization of my own experiences. I'm committed to advance my expertise and abilities with the help of this scholarship, recognizing the difficulties and opportunities that lie ahead. I would really appreciate your consideration in helping me achieve my goal of graduating debt free. Furthermore, I am propelled by an eager desire to connect with people and have a positive impact through the power of physical therapy.

Mark Twain once wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Throughout my life, I have developed a deep passion for helping others through the healing and recovery process, especially after suffering from seven stress fractures attributed to high impact sports. Repeated injuries introduced me to the wide ranging impact physical therapy has. My physical therapists were pillars of empathy, guidance, and support in the recovery process, truly caring about my personal care, but perhaps the most important event that motivates me to pursue physical therapy is being diagnosed with a chronic disease and learning how PTs enhance overall quality of life. When I was just fifteen, I became one of the 190 million women around the world to suffer from endometriosis: a very common chronic disease with no cure and little research or funding. Due to the complexity of the symptoms, it takes about 7-8 years to diagnose, making for a very lonely and isolating process. I experienced chronic abdominal pain, intense gastrointestinal symptoms, troublesome ovarian cysts, as well as fatigue and fainting without any relief. It was an unimaginable situation and I did not know what was wrong with me. I was desperate, traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from many specialists and physicians. Frustratingly, multiple tests and bloodwork came back with no conclusive results so my symptoms were dismissed and discredited. It felt like there was no end in sight, but I still willed myself to balance my responsibilities and commitments, until I was finally referred to a gynecologist who was able to manage some of my pain. Through personal experience with injuries, a chronic disease, and job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy, I found a special interest in Sports Medicine and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. This summer, I was able to perform 30 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy where I gained the opportunity to work alongside many PTs and clients. The transformative experience solidified my desire to pursue this career path and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In fact, I have developed a passion for being able to work with women who have similar chronic illnesses, or uncomfortable conditions, as well as, athletes recovering from sports injuries. As a physical therapist, I want to give women an encouraging experience that is validating and hopeful. I want to be able to foster a relationship with each client and advocate for them knowing the experience that I went through, while giving them options that involve non-invasive techniques to manage pain. I personally know the toll a chronic illness takes on your mental and physical health. For this reason, I am looking to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a DPT degree. In essence, these challenges were pivotal events that granted me the ability to find my inner strength and resilience, while opening new doors and opportunities in my life that I could have never thought possible. I plan to come back and practice rurally in my hometown– a town that has taught me the strength of community, as well as, the values of generosity, hard work, compassion, and persistence. The Women in STEM Scholarship represents a chance for me to fulfill my mission and devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism, tenacity, and a dedication to providing life-altering care through the power of physical therapy. I'm committed to advance my expertise and abilities with the help of this scholarship, recognizing the difficulties and opportunities that lie ahead.

Mark Twain once wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Throughout my life, I have developed a deep passion for helping others through the healing and recovery process, especially after suffering from seven stress fractures attributed to high-impact sports. Repeated injuries introduced me to the wide-ranging impact physical therapy has. My physical therapists were pillars of empathy, guidance, and support in the recovery process, truly caring about my progress, but perhaps the most important event that motivates me to pursue physical therapy is being diagnosed with a chronic disease and learning how PTs enhance overall quality of life. When I was just fifteen, I became one of the 190 million women around the world to suffer from endometriosis: a very common chronic disease with no cure and little research or funding. Due to the complexity of the symptoms, it takes about 7-8 years to diagnose, making for a very lonely and isolating process. I experienced chronic abdominal pain, intense gastrointestinal symptoms, troublesome ovarian cysts, as well as fatigue and fainting without any relief. It was an unimaginable situation and I did not know what was wrong with me. I was desperate, traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from many specialists and physicians. Frustratingly, multiple tests and bloodwork came back with no conclusive results so my symptoms were dismissed and discredited. It felt like there was no end in sight, but I still willed myself to balance my responsibilities and commitments, until I was finally referred to a gynecologist who was able to manage some of my pain. Through personal experience with injuries, a chronic disease, and job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy, I found a special interest in Sports Medicine and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. This summer, I was able to perform 30 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy where I gained the opportunity to work alongside many PTs and clients. The transformative experience solidified my desire to pursue this career path and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I have developed a passion for being able to work with women who have similar chronic illnesses, or uncomfortable conditions, as well as, athletes recovering from sports injuries. As a physical therapist, I want to give women an encouraging experience that is validating and hopeful. I want to be able to foster a relationship with each client and advocate for them knowing the experience that I went through while giving them options that involve non-invasive techniques to manage pain. I know the toll a chronic illness takes on your mental and physical health. For this reason, I am looking to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a DPT degree. In essence, these challenges were pivotal events that granted me the ability to find my inner strength and resilience, while opening new doors and opportunities in my life that I could have never thought possible. I plan to come back and practice rurally in my hometown– a town that has taught me the strength of community, as well as, the values of generosity, hard work, compassion, and persistence. The Women in Healthcare Scholarship represents a chance for me to fulfill my mission and devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism, tenacity, and a dedication to providing life-altering care through the power of physical therapy. I'm committed to advancing my expertise and abilities with the help of this scholarship, recognizing the difficulties and opportunities that lie ahead.

Mark Twain once wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Throughout my life, I have developed a deep passion for helping others through the healing and recovery process, especially after suffering from seven stress fractures attributed to high impact sports. Repeated injuries introduced me to the wide ranging impact physical therapy has. My physical therapists were pillars of empathy, guidance, and support in the recovery process, truly caring about my personal care, but perhaps the most important event that motivates me to pursue physical therapy is being diagnosed with a chronic disease and learning how PTs enhance overall quality of life. When I was just fifteen, I became one of the 190 million women around the world to suffer from endometriosis: a very common chronic disease with no cure and little research or funding. I experienced chronic abdominal pain, intense gastrointestinal symptoms, troublesome ovarian cysts, as well as fatigue and fainting without any relief. It was an unimaginable situation and I did not know what was wrong with me. I was desperate, traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from many specialists and physicians. Frustratingly, multiple tests and bloodwork came back with no conclusive results so my symptoms were dismissed and discredited. Seemingly, it felt like there was no end in sight, but I still willed myself to balance my responsibilities and commitments, until I was finally referred to a gynecologist who was able to manage some of my pain. Through personal experience with injuries, a chronic disease, and job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy, I found a special interest in Sports Medicine and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. This summer, I was able to perform 30 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy where I gained the opportunity to work alongside many PTs and clients. The transformative experience solidified my desire to pursue this career path and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In fact, I have developed a passion for being able to work with women who have similar chronic illnesses, or uncomfortable conditions, as well as, athletes recovering from sports injuries. As a physical therapist, I want to give women an encouraging experience that is validating and hopeful. I want to be able to foster a relationship with each client and advocate for them knowing the experience that I went through, while giving them options that involve non-invasive techniques to manage pain. I personally know the toll a chronic illness takes on your mental and physical health. For this reason, I am looking to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a DPT degree. In essence, these challenges were all pivotal events that granted me the ability to find my inner strength and resilience, while opening new doors and opportunities in my life that I could have never thought possible. I plan to come back and practice rurally in my hometown– a town that has taught me the strength of community, as well as, the values of generosity, hard work, compassion, and persistence. The Jorian Kuran Harris (Shugg) Helping Heart Foundation Scholarship represents a chance for me to fulfill my mission and devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism, tenacity, and a dedication to providing life-altering care in physical therapy. I'm committed to advance my expertise and abilities with the help of this scholarship, recognizing the difficulties and opportunities that lie ahead. I am propelled by a strong desire to connect with people and have a positive impact through the power of physical therapy.

Did you know that endometriosis is the most common disease that no one has ever heard about? When I was fifteen, I became one of the 190 million women around the world to suffer from endometriosis: a very common chronic disease with no cure. Unfortunately, it takes about seven years to diagnose due to the complexity of the symptoms; therefore, the disease can be very isolating and painful, affecting one’s day-to-day life and functioning ability. During my sophomore year, I was recovering from three stress fractures in my feet when I started experiencing chronic abdominal pain, intense gastrointestinal symptoms, troublesome ovarian cysts, as well as fatigue and fainting. It was an unimaginable situation and I did not know what was wrong with me. I was desperate, traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from many specialists and physicians. Many of the tests and bloodwork came back with no conclusive results, so several physicians dismissed and discredited my symptoms. I dealt with debilitating symptoms day in and day out without relief, but I still willed myself to balance my responsibilities and commitments. Seemingly, it felt like there was no end in sight until I was referred to a gynecologist by my primary healthcare provider who was finally able to manage some of my pain. Due to these pivotal events, I found a special interest in Sports Medicine and Women’s Health Physical Therapy. For this reason, I am looking to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a DPT degree. This summer I was able to perform 30 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy where I gained the opportunity to work alongside many PTs and clients. The transformative experience solidified my desire to pursue this career path and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In fact, I have developed a passion for working with women who have similar conditions, as well as athletes recovering from sports injuries. As a physical therapist, I want to give women an encouraging experience that is validating and hopeful. Furthermore, I want to provide quality care, education, and support. Knowing the experience that I went through and how it affected my own mental and physical health, I want to be an active advocate; thus, I also want to give women options that involve non-invasive techniques to manage pain. These challenges have granted me the ability to find my inner strength and resilience, while steering me toward a profession I love and shaping me into a person with strong mental fortitude and empathy. Adversity presented itself and opened new doors in my life that I could have never thought possible. I plan to come back and practice rurally in my hometown– a town that has taught me the values of generosity, hard work, compassion, and persistence. One of the biggest motivating factors is my purpose to give back to my community. As a physical therapist, I want to impact another person’s life every day through faith and small acts of public service whether that be through helping athletes get back after an injury, a patient recover after surgery, or people better manage their pain when they have a chronic illness. I feel that the field of health and human services is where my passion truly lies. This scholarship represents a chance for me to fulfill my mission and devote my life to a profession that exemplifies altruism, tenacity, and a dedication to providing life-altering care in physical therapy. I am propelled by a burning desire to connect with people and have a positive impact through the power of physical therapy.

Did you know that endometriosis is the most common disease that no one has ever heard about? When I was fifteen, I became one of the 190 million women around the world to suffer from endometriosis: a very common chronic disease with no cure. Unfortunately, it takes about seven years to diagnose due to the complexity of the symptoms; therefore, the disease can be very isolating and painful, affecting one’s day-to-day life and functioning ability. During my sophomore year, I was recovering from three stress fractures in my feet and was participating in summer weight training when I started experiencing chronic abdominal pain, intense gastrointestinal symptoms, troublesome ovarian cysts, as well as fatigue and fainting. It was an unimaginable situation and I did not know what was wrong with me. I was desperate, traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from many specialists and physicians. It seemed like nobody could give me the answers I was looking for. Many of the tests and bloodwork came back with no conclusive results, so my pain was dismissed by several doctors. Doctors did not believe me and discredited my symptoms. I dealt with excruciating pain and symptoms day in and day out without any relief, but I still willed myself to balance my responsibilities and commitments. Seemingly, it felt like there was no end in sight until I was referred to a gynecologist by my primary healthcare provider. He was able to perform surgery and prescribe medication that assisted in managing some of my symptoms. Due to my experiences with repeated stress fractures in sports and with a chronic disease, I found a special interest in Sports Medicine and Women’s Health Physical Therapy. For this reason, I am looking to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a DPT degree. This summer I was able to perform 30 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy where I gained the opportunity to work with many clients and PTs. Thus, I have developed a passion for being able to work with women who have similar chronic illnesses or uncomfortable conditions. As a physical therapist, I want to give women an encouraging experience that is validating and hopeful. I want to be able to advocate for them knowing the experience that I went through and how it affected my own mental and physical health; thus, I also want to give women options that involve non-invasive techniques to manage pain. In essence, these challenges have granted me the ability to find my inner strength and resilience. They have shaped me into a person with strong mental fortitude and steered me toward a profession I love. Adversity has presented itself and opened new doors and opportunities in my life that I could have never thought possible. I plan to come back and practice rurally in my hometown– a town that has taught me the values of generosity, hard work, compassion, and persistence. I also want to travel on Medical Missions trips to touch others' lives around the world. One of the biggest motivating factors in my life is my purpose and drive to give back to my community. As a physical therapist, I want to impact another person’s life every day through faith and small acts of public service whether that be through helping athletes get back after an injury, helping a patient recover after surgery, or helping people better manage their pain when they have a chronic illness. I feel that the field of health and human services is where my passion truly lies.

Did you know that endometriosis is the most common disease that no one has ever heard about? When I was fifteen, I became one of the 190 million women around the world to suffer from endometriosis: a very common chronic disease with no cure. Unfortunately, it takes about seven years to diagnose due to the complexity of the symptoms; therefore, the disease can be very isolating and painful, affecting one’s day-to-day life and functioning ability. During my sophomore year, I was recovering from three stress fractures in my feet and was participating in summer weight training when I started experiencing chronic abdominal pain, intense gastrointestinal symptoms, troublesome ovarian cysts, as well as fatigue and fainting. It was an unimaginable situation and I did not know what was wrong with me. I was desperate, traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from many specialists and physicians. It seemed like nobody could give me the answers I was looking for. Many of the tests and bloodwork came back with no conclusive results, so my pain was dismissed by several doctors. Doctors did not believe me and discredited my symptoms. I dealt with excruciating pain and symptoms day in and day out without any relief, but I still willed myself to balance my responsibilities and commitments. Seemingly, it felt like there was no end in sight until I was referred to a gynecologist by my primary healthcare provider. He was able to perform surgery and prescribe medication that assisted in managing some of my symptoms. Due to my experiences with repeated stress fractures in sports and with a chronic disease, I found a special interest in Sports Medicine and Women’s Health Physical Therapy. Moreover, this summer I was able to perform 30 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy where I gained the opportunity to work with many clients and PTs. Thus, I have developed a passion for being able to work with women who have similar chronic illnesses or uncomfortable conditions. As a physical therapist, I want to give women an encouraging experience that is validating and hopeful. I want to be able to advocate for them knowing the experience that I went through and how it affected my own mental and physical health; thus, I also want to give women options that involve non-invasive techniques to manage pain. In essence, these challenges have granted me the ability to find my inner strength and resilience. They have shaped me into a person with strong mental fortitude and steered me toward a profession I love. Adversity has presented itself and opened new doors and opportunities in my life that I could have never thought possible. I plan to come back and practice rurally in my hometown– a town that has taught me the values of generosity, hard work, compassion, and persistence. I also want to travel on Medical Missions trips to touch others' lives around the world. One of the biggest motivating factors in my life is my purpose and drive to give back to my community. As a physical therapist, I want to impact another person’s life every day through faith and small acts of public service whether that be through helping athletes get back after an injury, helping a patient recover after surgery, or helping people better manage their pain when they have a chronic illness. I feel that the field of health and human services is where my passion truly lies.

Adversity in life has granted me the ability to find my inner strength and resilience; it has shaped me into a person with strong mental fortitude and steered me toward a profession I love. Challenges have presented themselves and opened new doors and opportunities in my life that I could have never thought possible. During my sophomore year, I became one of the 190 million women around the world to suffer from endometriosis: a very common chronic disease with no cure. Unfortunately, it takes about seven years to diagnose due to the complexity of the symptoms; therefore, one’s day-to-day life and functioning ability is hindered. The disease can be a very lonely and painful process. I was recovering from three stress fractures in my feet and had set aside the summer for weight training when I started experiencing chronic abdominal pain, intense gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as fatigue and fainting. Cysts began to form and rupture in my side. It was an unimaginable situation and I did not know what was wrong with me. I was desperate, traveling to get tests performed at hospitals and hear opinions from many specialists and physicians. It seemed like nobody could give me the answers I was looking for. Many of the tests and bloodwork came back with no conclusive results, so my pain was dismissed by many doctors. I dealt with the excruciating pain and symptoms day in and day out without any relief. Seemingly, it felt like there was no end in sight until I was referred to a gastrointestinal specialist and gynecologist by my primary healthcare provider. My gynecologist was able to perform surgery and prescribe medication that assisted in managing some of my symptoms. Due to my experiences with repeated stress fractures in sports and with a chronic disease, I found a deep passion for sports medicine and women’s health physical therapy. This summer I was able to perform 30 hours of job shadowing at Bluffs Physical Therapy where I also gained the opportunity to work with some of the clients and physical therapists. I found a special interest in being able to work with women who have similar chronic illnesses or uncomfortable conditions. As a physical therapist, I want to give women an encouraging experience that is validating and grants hope. I want to be able to advocate for them knowing the experience that I went through and how it affected my own mental and physical health; thus, I also want to give women options that involve non-invasive techniques to manage pain. I plan to come back and practice rurally in my hometown– the same town that has taught me the values of generosity, hard work, compassion, and persistence. One of the biggest motivating factors in my life is a purpose and drive to give back to my community through faith and service. I feel that the field of health and human services is where my passion truly lies. I think that physical therapists can directly impact an individual's life every day from young children to the older adult population. Still, I think the most rewarding aspect is performing small acts of service, whether that be through helping athletes get back after an injury, helping a patient recover after surgery, or helping people better manage their pain when they have a chronic illness. Thus, seeing patients improve week to week is a very rewarding aspect of the job. No patient condition or injury is quite the same and I find that to be something that I value in a job.

@k_jstauffer

In her early adolescence, Taylor Swift knew she wanted to be a singer and songwriter, so she put everything she had towards that dream. The gifted artist understood this discovery and revelation was rare at such a young age. I know I was captivated by her singing, songwriting, and acoustic guitar skills. In fact, I fondly remember belting out her songs on my karaoke machine with my sister and friends, while also dancing to her songs in pageants that I later participated in. Taylor was an ambitious and progressive singer/songwriter. She was stylish, edgy, and talented— the epitome of an up-and-coming artist. In her 1989 album, Taylor showcases more of a shift in her sound and style. It is upbeat, poppy, and classy. I believe “Blank Space” showcases Taylor Swift’s skills as an artist by displaying her ability to evolve and venture out into new territories. The song is incredibly witty, catchy, and memorable. It is by far the best song on that album. However, “Blank Space” did not come without its challenges. After receiving criticism from the media for being a ‘serial dater,’ Taylor was engulfed in the negativity of social media. All of the hateful comments made her feel offended and hurt, especially since all of her creative content eventually ended up being tied to a long list of men. While contemplating the words people said about her, she actually began to find humor in them and the character they made her out to be. She learned that she can’t let the comments get her down or belittle her ambitions, but instead she used them as fuel and as a large motivating factor. She learned to focus her energies on the things she loves and on those she has in her corner instead. Admirably, she was able to creatively experiment with new sounds and ideas to prove all who doubted her true character wrong. Taylor Swift alluded to herself in the song's lyrics and in the music video as a humorous reference to her reputation: a flirtatious young woman who had a string of relationships that damaged her once distinguished reputation of ‘the neighbor girl.’ She described co-writing the song “Blank Space” as a ‘journey.’ This song is truly remarkable and iconic, because its foundation and overall structure was built over many years. Taylor would find inspiration while going about her normal day and excitedly jot down a line in a notebook. She wasn’t sure where it would take her but I think the destination was beautiful. All the parts were eventually pieced together to create one giant masterpiece. The build in the storyline is so cleverly crafted and ingenious. Even the glamorous music video plays up to all of Taylor’s unique talents and strengths. There are additional elements and features in the video which only add attractive appeal and enhance the song. Taylor plays an intriguing fictional character who is seemingly sweet, romantic, and innocent. However, she turns out to be an insane and envious lover. After all this hard work, Taylor Swift became the first woman ever in Billboard Hot 100 history to derail her own song (“Shake it Off”) in the number one spot. It remained at the number one spot for seven weeks. Meanwhile, the “Blank Space" music video has now received over 3.1 billion views on YouTube and the song remains Taylor’s 2nd most popular song by Spotify streams. This song teaches you that behind every success story is a path of hardship, criticism, and rejection. However, as long as you believe in your potential, you can truly shine.