From the outside looking in, athletes are often admired for their strength, speed, and endurance. But what many don’t see is the team behind the athlete—the trainers, therapists, and health professionals who help them recover from injuries, improve performance, and stay mentally and physically strong. These professionals are the heartbeat of every game, the support system behind every comeback, and the reason many athletes can continue to do what they love. It’s in this world of sports medicine and physical therapy where I’ve found my calling. Growing up in Houston, Texas, my childhood was shaped by resilience. My parents divorced when I was young, and I split my time between two households. But everything changed when my father had a stroke while at work. In a moment, the man I knew—strong, hardworking, full of life—lost his ability to walk, speak, and function independently. Our lives were turned upside down. I watched my mother become the rock of our family, carrying responsibilities far beyond her own. She worked tirelessly to make sure we were stable and loved, all while helping my father adjust to a new reality. Her strength left a permanent impression on me. And then there were the therapists—physical and speech—who came into our lives with compassion and determination. They worked with my dad daily, helping him regain the ability to move his fingers and form words. I saw the spark come back in his eyes. The small wins were monumental, and those professionals became heroes in my eyes. That journey ignited something in me. I realized that I want to be part of someone’s comeback story. I want to work in sports training and physical therapy not just to help athletes recover, but to support people of all backgrounds and abilities in reaching their full physical potential. I know what it’s like to see someone fight for every step, and I know the kind of strength that takes. Being able to encourage, guide, and rebuild someone's confidence is a role I take to heart. Over the past four years, I’ve also been involved with a nonprofit organization called Gathering Kids. I started as a volunteer and eventually became an employee, mentoring youth from low-income families through after-school programs and summer camps. Many of these kids face challenges at home and in school, but what they need most is someone who believes in them. I’ve made it my mission to be that person showing up, listening, and reminding them that they matter. That experience has only deepened my understanding of service, motivation, and human potential. I believe these experiences have prepared me to succeed in a career that combines sports, health, and service. This scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing that path offering me the resources to grow, learn, and ultimately give back in a meaningful way. My dream is to become a sports physical therapist who helps athletes return stronger, who lifts others up during setbacks, and who uses their knowledge to make a real difference. Life has taught me that healing isn’t just physical, it’s mental, emotional, and deeply personal. I want to bring all of that to my work in sports training and therapy. I’m committed to being the kind of professional who understands the athlete as a whole person, who fosters strength through adversity, and who helps people move forward both on and off the field.

From the outside looking in, athletes are often admired for their strength, speed, and endurance. But what many don’t see is the team behind the athlete—the trainers, therapists, and health professionals who help them recover from injuries, improve performance, and stay mentally and physically strong. These professionals are the heartbeat of every game, the support system behind every comeback, and the reason many athletes can continue to do what they love. It’s in this world of sports medicine and physical therapy where I’ve found my calling. Growing up in Houston, Texas, my childhood was shaped by resilience. My parents divorced when I was young, and I split my time between two households. But everything changed when my father had a stroke while at work. In a moment, the man I knew—strong, hardworking, full of life—lost his ability to walk, speak, and function independently. Our lives were turned upside down. I watched my mother become the rock of our family, carrying responsibilities far beyond her own. She worked tirelessly to make sure we were stable and loved, all while helping my father adjust to a new reality. Her strength left a permanent impression on me. And then there were the therapists—physical and speech—who came into our lives with compassion and determination. They worked with my dad daily, helping him regain the ability to move his fingers and form words. I saw the spark come back in his eyes. The small wins were monumental, and those professionals became heroes in my eyes. That journey ignited something in me. I realized that I want to be part of someone’s comeback story. I want to work in sports training and physical therapy not just to help athletes recover, but to support people of all backgrounds and abilities in reaching their full physical potential. I know what it’s like to see someone fight for every step, and I know the kind of strength that takes. Being able to encourage, guide, and rebuild someone's confidence is a role I take to heart. Over the past four years, I’ve also been involved with a nonprofit organization called Gathering Kids. I started as a volunteer and eventually became an employee, mentoring youth from low-income families through after-school programs and summer camps. Many of these kids face challenges at home and in school, but what they need most is someone who believes in them. I’ve made it my mission to be that person showing up, listening, and reminding them that they matter. That experience has only deepened my understanding of service, motivation, and human potential. I believe these experiences have prepared me to succeed in a career that combines sports, health, and service. This scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing that path offering me the resources to grow, learn, and ultimately give back in a meaningful way. My dream is to become a sports physical therapist who helps athletes return stronger, who lifts others up during setbacks, and who uses their knowledge to make a real difference. Life has taught me that healing isn’t just physical, it’s mental, emotional, and deeply personal. I want to bring all of that to my work in sports training and therapy. Public service is important because healthcare should be accessible and compassionate for everyone. I’m inspired by working in communities, providing care to those who might not have access to rehabilitation. I want to be someone who uplifts the spirit. I’m committed to being the professional who understands the athlete as a whole person, who fosters strength through adversity, and who helps people move forward both on and off the field.

From the outside looking in, athletes are often admired for their strength, speed, and endurance. But what many don’t see is the team behind the athlete—the trainers, therapists, and health professionals who help them recover from injuries, improve performance, and stay mentally and physically strong. These professionals are the heartbeat of every game, the support system behind every comeback, and the reason many athletes can continue to do what they love. STEM provides tools to tackle some of humanity’s biggest challenges. It’s in this world of sports medicine and physical therapy where I’ve found my calling. You apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to understand how the body moves and heals. It’s science directly impacting someone’s quality of life. Physical therapy is rooted in research. Therapists constantly evaluate studies and clinical data to find the most effective treatments, so you're always learning and evolving your methods. Growing up in Houston, Texas, my childhood was shaped by resilience. My parents divorced when I was young, and I split my time between two households. But everything changed when my father had a stroke while at work. In a moment, the man I knew—strong, hardworking, full of life—lost his ability to walk, speak, and function independently. Our lives were turned upside down. I watched my mother become the rock of our family, carrying responsibilities far beyond her own. She worked tirelessly to make sure we were stable and loved, all while helping my father adjust to a new reality. Her strength left a permanent impression on me. And then there were the therapists—physical and speech—who came into our lives with compassion and determination. They worked with my dad daily, helping him regain the ability to move his fingers and form words. I saw the spark come back in his eyes. The small wins were monumental, and those professionals became heroes in my eyes. Helping someone walk again, relieve chronic pain, or return to their sport after injury is both scientifically challenging and emotionally rewarding. That journey ignited something in me. I realized that I want to be part of someone’s comeback story. I want to work in sports training and physical therapy not just to help athletes recover, but to support people of all backgrounds and abilities in reaching their full physical potential. I know what it’s like to see someone fight for every step, and I know the kind of strength that takes. Being able to encourage, guide, and rebuild someone's confidence is a role I take to heart. Technology is also transforming the field. Devices like robotic exoskeletons, electrical stimulation tools, and motion capture systems are helping patients achieve better outcomes, faster. Wearable tech and data analysis allow therapists to track progress and adjust therapy based on real-time feedback. Even neuroscience plays a role in helping people rewire their brains through motor learning and repetition. What excites me most is the direct impact. STEM isn't just theoretical in physical therapy. It's practical and personal. You see the science work in real time as patients walk again, regain independence, or live pain-free. Being part of a field that combines innovation with compassion is not only exciting, but incredibly meaningful. Over the past four years, I’ve also been involved with a nonprofit organization called Gathering Kids. I started as a volunteer and eventually became an employee, mentoring youth from low-income families through after-school programs and summer camps. Many of these kids face challenges at home and in school, but what they need most is someone who believes in them. I’ve made it my mission to be that person showing up, listening, and reminding them that they matter. That experience has only deepened my understanding of service, motivation, and human potential. I believe these experiences have prepared me to succeed in a career that combines sports, health, and service. This scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing that path offering me the resources to grow, learn, and ultimately give back in a meaningful way. My dream is to become a sports physical therapist who helps athletes return stronger, who lifts others up during setbacks, and who uses their knowledge to make a real difference. Life has taught me that healing isn’t just physical, it’s mental, emotional, and deeply personal. I want to bring all of that to my work in sports training and therapy. I’m committed to being the kind of professional who understands the athlete as a whole person, who fosters strength through adversity, and who helps people move forward both on and off the field.