I have big dreams for my future, and becoming a physical therapist is at the center of them. Not only is it a career that aligns with my passion for helping others, but it represents the life I have worked hard to build—a life of purpose, stability, and strength. I believe I am worthy of the goals I aspire to achieve, because I have faced challenges that demanded resilience, and I continue to rise with dedication, compassion, and the drive to create a better life for myself and those I serve. One of the biggest motivators behind my dream of becoming a physical therapist is the desire for financial stability. Growing up, money was not something we had in abundance, and I felt that reality in both subtle and loud ways. It shaped the way I thought about opportunities, security, and what it means to succeed. I am not ashamed of where I come from. In fact, it has given me perspective and hunger. But I am determined not to live a life defined by financial struggle. I want a career where I can care for others, myself, and where I do not have to choose between purpose and stability. Physical therapy is a profession rooted in movement, healing, and connection. It is about walking beside people on some of their hardest days and guiding them forward. That speaks to me deeply. As someone who has pushed through personal and physical challenges, I know what it feels like to fight for progress, one small step at a time. Whether I end up in sports, pediatrics, or somewhere in between, I know I will show up for my patients with empathy, grit, and a full heart. Much of that grit was shaped during my time as a Division I athlete on Drexel’s rowing team. Being part of that team did not just make me stronger physically. It made me stronger emotionally, mentally, and as a woman. Rowing taught me about perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. It showed me that womanhood is not fragile. It is powerful, unified, and unstoppable when supported by other women. Competing, training, and representing my university gave me a sense of pride and ownership in my identity that I carry into every area of my life. That sense of empowerment drives me to lift others up, especially in a field like physical therapy where patients are often working to regain control of their bodies and lives. My time at Drexel also deepened my understanding of service. As a student-athlete, I participated in monthly service events that ranged from organizing canned food drives to cleaning up neighborhoods in West Philadelphia. One of the most impactful experiences was through the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Miracle Child program, where our team welcomed a young girl undergoing treatment as an honorary member. These experiences taught me that service is not just about giving. It is also about growing. Helping people from all walks of life broadened my perspective and instilled a sense of gratitude that continues to shape who I am today. I am worthy of my dreams because I have never stopped working toward them. My past has fueled my ambition, not limited it. My experiences have shaped a future that I am committed to reaching, one where I make a meaningful impact, provide stability for myself and those I love, and continue growing into the strongest, most compassionate version of myself. Becoming a physical therapist is more than a job for me. It is a calling, a privilege, and the life I know I am meant to build.

Working with children who have rare disorders, like Rebecca, requires a deep understanding of their unique personalities, needs, and communication styles. As a first-year physical therapy student with a strong interest in pediatrics, I am passionate about providing children with the tools they need to thrive, regardless of their challenges. My many years of babysitting have given me extensive exposure to babies and young children, reinforcing my admiration for their resilience and adaptability. This foundation has shaped my approach to pediatric therapy, where I strive to integrate both effective and engaging therapeutic techniques tailored to each child's strengths and interests. Rebecca's story highlights the importance of incorporating fun into therapy, ensuring that children remain motivated and excited. Therapeutic interventions should not feel like a chore, especially for a child who may already face significant daily challenges. If I had the opportunity to work with a child like Rebecca, I would take the time to learn what brings them joy and incorporate those activities into therapy. Whether it be music, movement, or interactive games, using enjoyable and meaningful modalities can make therapy sessions both effective and rewarding. For instance, if a child loves drumming, incorporating rhythmic movement exercises could improve coordination and motor control. If they love swimming, aquatic therapy could be an excellent approach to build strength while minimizing joint strain. By ensuring therapy is both productive and enjoyable, children are more likely to remain engaged and make progress. Additionally, communication is key when working with children who are non-verbal or have limited expressive language. Understanding their unique ways of expressing wants, needs, and emotions is crucial. As physical therapists are not the primary for the speech component, working alongside pediatric occupational therapists to utilize other methods, such as picture exchange communication systems, can help bridge the gap and foster a stronger relationship. Furthermore, taking cues from the child's body language, facial expressions, and sounds can provide valuable insights into their comfort levels and engagement during therapy sessions. Family involvement is essential in a child’s therapeutic progress. Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in reinforcing the skills learned in therapy and incorporating them into daily life. Providing families with the education, resources, and confidence to implement safe and effective exercises at home can significantly improve a child's overall development. It is vital that families feel empowered and supported throughout the process. As a future physical therapist, I will prioritize open communication with families, ensuring they understand their child’s goals, progress, and how they can best support them outside of therapy sessions. My experiences as a Division 1 rower at Drexel University in my undergraduate years have also shaped my understanding of the profound impact a supportive environment can have on a child facing medical challenges. Through the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), my rowing team was fortunate to be paired with a "Miracle Kid" who was battling her own fight. We made her an honorary member of our team, teaching her about rowing and providing her and her family with a sense of community that was visibly seen in the joy on her face each time we had an event planned together. The ability to bring joy into a child’s life, even in the face of adversity, is a principle that I hope to carry into my future career as a pediatric physical therapist. Rebecca's story is a testament to the power of love and perseverance. Her impact lives on through this scholarship, and I would be honored to continue her legacy by dedicating my career to helping children with special needs overcome challenges and reach their fullest potential.

Physical therapy is important to me because it represents the intersection of science, movement, and human resilience. As a Division 1 athlete on Drexel University's women's rowing team during my undergraduate years, I experienced firsthand the physical demands of high-level competition. Rowing requires immense strength, endurance, and precise technique, all of which place significant strain on the body. Throughout my athletic career, I have witnessed and experienced injuries that could have derailed progress, but thanks to dedicated physical therapists, recovery was possible. This exposure has fueled my passion for physical therapy, as I have seen the profound impact it can have on an individual’s well-being and ability to return to the activities they love. Beyond my personal experiences with physical therapy, my role on Drexel rowing's leadership council has deepened my appreciation for the value of service and community. Organizing volunteer events has allowed me to connect with others and contribute to causes larger than myself. In addition to aiding the Drexel community in West Philadelphia, I have also volunteered my time to coach athletes at the high school I attended. My hope is to pass on my knowledge to them, providing not only excellent coaching but also guidance and advice as they navigate their own athletic journeys. I believe this same sense of service is fundamental to being an effective physical therapist. The ability to listen to and support individuals during their recovery process requires empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to help others—qualities that I have developed through my experiences as both a leader and an athlete. As I pursue a career in physical therapy, I hope to contribute to the profession by combining my athletic background with my passion for rehabilitation. I am particularly interested in working with athletes to help them prevent injuries and recover efficiently. However, my ultimate goal is to make physical therapy more accessible to diverse populations, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to receive quality care. Through my time at Drexel, I have worked with diverse populations by volunteering in different parts of Philadelphia and giving back to the community—an experience I look forward to continuing in my career. Whether through direct patient care, advocacy for better rehabilitation resources, or mentorship of aspiring physical therapists, I want to make a meaningful impact in the field. Physical therapy is not just about treating injuries; it is about restoring confidence, function, and quality of life. My experiences as a Division 1 athlete and leader have taught me the value of perseverance, teamwork, and service, all of which I will carry into my career. Though I am only in my first year of graduate physical therapy school, the knowledge I am gaining is vital to the career I aspire to have. The enthusiasm I have each day to acquire more knowledge through class and labs confirms that I am in the correct field. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to a profession that empowers individuals to overcome physical challenges and achieve their full potential.