Physical therapy is important to me because it represents more than treatment of injury. It is a profession rooted in empowerment, independence, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to move, participate, and thrive in their daily lives. I am drawn to physical therapy because it uniquely blends science, compassion, and problem-solving to help individuals regain function, confidence, and quality of life. For me, physical therapy is not only a career path but a way to advocate for accessibility, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and movement. My interest in physical therapy has been shaped by my academic and volunteer experiences as a Kinesiology student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Through my coursework, I have developed a strong foundation in human movement, biomechanics, and rehabilitation, which has helped me understand how critical physical therapy is in preventing injury, restoring function, and promoting long-term health. I have also learned that movement is deeply connected to mental and emotional well-being, reinforcing my belief that physical therapy plays a vital role in holistic care. My volunteer work at the DRES Wellness Gym has been especially influential in shaping my commitment to this profession. Working with students and community members with physical disabilities has shown me how powerful rehabilitation can be in fostering independence and confidence. I have seen firsthand how consistent, individualized training can help people achieve goals they once thought were impossible. These experiences have strengthened my desire to become a physical therapist who prioritizes dignity, collaboration, and patient-centered care. Additionally, my involvement in wheelchair track and field research has expanded my understanding of adaptive athletics and the systemic barriers that limit access to movement and sport. Through this work, I have learned that many individuals are not restricted by their abilities, but by lack of resources, trained professionals, or adaptive opportunities. This has motivated me to think entrepreneurially about how physical therapists can create innovative programs, partnerships, and community initiatives to expand access to rehabilitation services. As a future physical therapist, I hope to contribute to the profession by combining clinical excellence with leadership and innovation. I aspire to work in both clinical and community settings, serving individuals with disabilities, athletes, and underserved populations who may not have access to specialized care. I am particularly interested in developing inclusive, adaptive exercise programs that bridge the gap between rehabilitation and long-term physical activity. Beyond direct patient care, I hope to contribute to the sustainability and advancement of physical therapy by engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and advocacy. I want to work with coaches, educators, and community organizations to design programs that are not only effective but also accessible and culturally responsive. I also hope to mentor future physical therapy students, especially women and first-generation students, helping them navigate the profession and encouraging them to take on leadership roles. Ultimately, physical therapy is important to me because it has the power to transform lives through movement, healing, and empowerment. I hope to contribute to the profession by being a compassionate clinician, an innovative thinker, and a leader committed to expanding access to rehabilitation and inclusive care for all.

My experience as the child of immigrants has shaped who I am, how I view education, and the career I aspire to pursue. Although I was born in the United States, my parents immigrated from Poland in search of greater opportunities, stability, and a better future for our family. Growing up in an immigrant household meant witnessing both the strength and sacrifices that come with starting life in a new country. Their journey instilled in me resilience, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for education as a pathway to upward mobility. From a young age, I saw how hard my parents worked to provide for our family. As blue-collar workers navigating a new language, culture, and healthcare system, they often faced challenges that many native-born families do not experience. Because of language barriers, I frequently helped translate for them in important situations, including medical appointments, school meetings, and insurance conversations. These experiences made me more responsible, independent, and aware of how difficult it can be for immigrant families to access resources. They also sparked my interest in healthcare and advocacy, as I saw how confusing and intimidating systems can be for those who are unfamiliar with them. Financial limitations were also a reality in my upbringing, as my family relied on Medicaid and carefully budgeted to make ends meet. Seeing my parents prioritize my education despite these constraints taught me the value of perseverance and hard work. Their sacrifices motivate me to take my education seriously and use it to give back to others who face similar barriers. Academically, I am currently studying Kinesiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with the goal of becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy. My immigrant background has greatly influenced this career choice. Through my volunteer work at the DRES Wellness Gym and my involvement in adaptive sports and wheelchair track research, I have become passionate about helping individuals with disabilities improve their mobility, independence, and quality of life. I am especially interested in serving underserved communities, including immigrant families who may lack access to specialized rehabilitative care. In the future, I hope to work as a physical therapist in both clinical and community settings, providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care to diverse populations. I want to ensure that language barriers, financial constraints, or unfamiliarity with the healthcare system do not prevent individuals from receiving the support they need. I also aspire to mentor first-generation and immigrant students who are pursuing careers in healthcare, helping them navigate academic challenges and professional opportunities. Ultimately, my parents’ immigrant experience has inspired me to pursue a career rooted in service, equity, and accessibility. I hope to honor their sacrifices by using my education to improve the lives of others, particularly those from immigrant and underserved backgrounds.

I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare because I have seen firsthand how access to compassionate, skilled, and inclusive care can change lives. For me, healthcare is not just a career path, but a way to serve others, reduce inequities, and empower people to live healthier, more independent lives. As a woman entering this field, I am motivated to contribute my perspective, leadership, and dedication to shaping a more inclusive and patient-centered healthcare system. My decision to pursue healthcare stems largely from my academic interests and my experiences working with individuals with disabilities. As a Kinesiology student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I have developed a strong understanding of how movement, rehabilitation, and preventative care influence overall well-being. Through my coursework, I have learned that health is shaped not only by medical treatment, but also by access, environment, and social support. This has inspired me to pursue a career where I can directly support individuals in improving their quality of life. My volunteer work at the DRES Wellness Gym has been especially meaningful in shaping my commitment to healthcare. Working with students and community members with physical disabilities has shown me how essential compassionate and accessible care is to fostering independence and confidence. I have seen how small improvements in strength or mobility can have a profound impact on someone’s daily life, mental health, and sense of agency. These experiences have strengthened my desire to become a physical therapist who prioritizes dignity, respect, and individualized care for every patient. I have also been involved in wheelchair track and field research, where I have worked closely with adolescent athletes, their families, and coaches. Through this work, I have learned that many barriers to health and participation are not due to physical limitations, but rather to systemic inequities such as lack of resources, trained professionals, or adaptive opportunities. This has reinforced my commitment to reducing disparities in healthcare and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability or background, have access to quality rehabilitative services. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to make a positive impact by advocating for patients who are often overlooked or underserved. I want to contribute to a healthcare environment that values empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity. Women bring essential perspectives to patient care, particularly in listening, communication, and holistic approaches to health. I intend to use these strengths to build trusting relationships with my patients and to ensure they feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their care. In the future, I plan to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a focus on adaptive and inclusive rehabilitation. I hope to work with individuals with disabilities, athletes, and community members who may not otherwise have access to specialized care. Beyond clinical work, I aspire to mentor young women interested in healthcare, helping them navigate educational and professional challenges while encouraging them to pursue leadership roles. Ultimately, I want to help shape a healthcare system that is not only medically advanced, but also equitable, compassionate, and accessible to all. As a woman in this field, I am committed to using my education, experiences, and voice to advocate for patients, support my colleagues, and contribute to a more inclusive future in healthcare.

Sports have always been more than games to me. They are a powerful force that shapes identity, builds community, and creates opportunities for growth, resilience, and belonging. My inspiration to pursue a career in sports comes from witnessing how movement and athletic participation can transform lives, particularly for people who have historically been excluded from traditional athletic spaces. Rather than striving to become a professional athlete myself, I am motivated to work behind the scenes as a future physical therapist and advocate for inclusive, adaptive, and accessible sport. As a Kinesiology student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I have developed a deep appreciation for the science of human movement and its role in both performance and rehabilitation. Through my coursework and hands-on experiences, I have come to understand that sports are not just about competition. They are also about health, confidence, and empowerment. What inspires me most is seeing how participation in physical activity can restore independence, improve mental well-being, and create a sense of purpose for individuals facing physical challenges. Much of my passion stems from my volunteer work at the DRES Wellness Gym, where I support students with physical disabilities in developing strength, mobility, and confidence through exercise. Working closely with athletes like Finley and Owen has shown me that athletic potential looks different for everyone, yet the joy of movement is universal. I have seen firsthand how consistent training can lead not only to physical improvement but also to greater self-esteem and agency. These relationships have reinforced my desire to pursue a career that blends sports, rehabilitation, and disability advocacy. Additionally, my involvement in wheelchair track and field research with Dr. Jenna Ayers-Fesemyer has deepened my understanding of adaptive athletics. Through interviewing adolescent athletes, parents, and coaches, I have learned how access to inclusive sport programs can shape young people’s identities, confidence, and long-term engagement in physical activity. Many talented athletes are held back not by their abilities, but by lack of resources, trained professionals, or adaptive opportunities. This realization fuels my commitment to expanding access to sport for people with disabilities. In the future, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the sports field as a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in adaptive and inclusive athletics. I want to work with both recreational and competitive athletes, especially those with physical disabilities, to prevent injury, enhance performance, and promote lifelong participation in sport. I envision myself collaborating with coaches, athletic trainers, and community organizations to design programs that are physically effective, inclusive, and empowering. Beyond clinical work, I aspire to advocate for greater representation and accessibility in sports at the community level. I want to help develop adaptive programs in schools, recreation centers, and youth leagues so that every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to experience the benefits of athletics. I believe that true progress in sports comes from creating environments where all bodies are valued and supported. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy that extends beyond individual achievements and helps reshape what it means to be an athlete. I am driven by the belief that sports should be for everyone, and I am committed to using my education, passion, and experiences to make that vision a reality. Through rehabilitation, advocacy, and inclusive programming, I hope to ensure that sports continue to inspire, heal, and unite people for generations to come.