How Caretaking For My Grandpa Influenced My Desire to Pursue a Career in Healthcare. One thing I have always prioritized in my life is my responsibility to my family. This was true when my mom was stuck in bed with Lime’s disease for 3 years, and it was going to be true in those last months with my grandpa. I distinctly remember sitting with my parents and preparing to make a game plan. The idea was to go over 4 hours a day Monday through Friday. In reality, my commitment to my grandpa would often have me waking up at one o’clock in the morning to empty his catheter or give him his meds to take away just enough of the pain to let him sleep. I was humbled, yet took pride in having the opportunity to serve my grandpa's physical and emotional needs. That whole process taught me a new type of discipline involving patience and gentleness; all of which were contrary to the manual labor and sports-type work I was accustomed to. Looking at this period in my life, I now see the effects it had on me. Though it may have taken 3 years to finally come to grips with it, realizing that what or who I am working for is more important than the job itself. This exact reason is why I want to give every ounce of myself to learn how to help those who can't help themselves. In its simplest form, helping others is what I want to do. Whether I carry this out as a physical therapist or some other form, all I want to do is serve my country or the people around me. However, dreaming without action yields no benefits. Being a physical therapist without 6 years of schooling or the means to is not feasible. Scholarships like these all become one piece of a very big puzzle, allowing me to pursue my goals through college. At the end of the day, all that matters is to attack each day with grit, choosing kindness over impatience, excellence over apathy, and perseverance over complacency.

Two years ago, caring for my grandpa during his battle with stage 3 prostate cancer deeply influenced my desire to pursue a healthcare career. I vividly remember the day he told us he needed either a nursing home or a full-time caretaker at home, but both options were impractical due to time and financial constraints. At 14, I had no interest in caretaking or medicine, but my sense of responsibility to family had already been tested when my mom was bedridden for three years with Lyme disease. Now, it was my turn to care for my grandpa in his final months. We set up a plan for him to receive four hours of care each weekday, but the reality often meant waking up at 1 a.m. to empty his catheter or give him pain medication so he could sleep. Though challenging, I took pride in meeting my grandpa’s physical and emotional needs. This experience taught me patience, gentleness, and the importance of listening and speaking concisely—traits that were unfamiliar to me from my background in sports and manual labor. The greatest reward, however, was the bond I developed with him. I remember proudly showing him my new mountain bike, the most expensive thing I’d ever purchased. Instead of asking about the price or brand, he prayed over the bike, blessing both it and the adventures it would bring. To others, this may seem insignificant, but to me, it symbolized his care for me, just as I had cared for him. Looking back, I now understand how much this period shaped my perspective. It took me three years to fully grasp it, but I came to realize that the cause I work for is far more important than the work itself. This period not only sparked my passion for helping others but also taught me the importance of doing hard things. When people ask me if I regret anything, my answer is always no. While his passing left me with a range of emotions, regret was not one of them. I learned that hard times are temporary, but regret can last forever. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s to do the little things when no one is watching, to strive for excellence, and to go beyond the minimum. Luke 10:16 states, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So often our society expects teenagers to coast through life barely meeting expectations. So, while the time spent caring for my grandpa was difficult, it was just one of many challenges I will face in life. Helping others has become my calling, and whether I pursue physical therapy or another healthcare field, my goal is to serve my community and country. However, achieving this goal requires more than just desire—it requires action. Becoming a physical therapist takes years of schooling and dedication, and scholarships like this one are crucial to making that possible. As Elizabeth Elliot once said, "This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God." I believe God has called me to serve others, just as Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Whether I pursue healthcare or another path, I will do it with excellence, offering it back to God who has given me the opportunity to serve.

Only two years after caretaking for my grandpa during his stage 3 prostate cancer battle I came to understand how deeply that chapter of my life influenced my drive to help those requiring healthcare. I can still remember the day my grandpa told me he would either have to go into a nursing home or have a full-time caretaker at home. Unfortunately, with the amount of time he was given, looking into either option for an extended amount of time would be too expensive or unrealistic. Little did I know how this predicament would affect my 14-year self. At the time, I never wanted anything to do with caretaking or medical services. However, one thing I have always prioritized in my life is my responsibility to my family. This was true when my mom was stuck in bed with Lime’s disease for 3 years, and it was going to be true in those last months with my grandpa. I distinctly remember sitting with my parents and preparing to make a game plan. The idea was to go over 4 hours a day Monday through Friday. In reality, my commitment to my grandpa would often have me waking up at one o’clock in the morning to empty his catheter or give him his meds to take away just enough of the pain to let him sleep. I was humbled, yet took pride in having the opportunity to serve the physical and emotional needs of my grandpa. That whole process taught me a new type of discipline involving patience and gentleness; all of which were contrary to the manual labor and sports-type work I was accustomed to. Looking at this period in my life, I now see the effects it had on me. Though it may have taken 3 years to finally come to grips with it, realizing that what or who I am working for is more important than the job itself. This exact reason is why I want to give every ounce of myself to learn how to help those who can't help themselves. In its simplest form, helping others is what I want to do. Whether I carry this out as a physical therapist or a Pararescue jumper in the Air Force, all I want to do is serve my country or the people around me. However, dreaming without action yields no benefits. Being a physical therapist without 6 years of schooling is not feasible, just as becoming PJ without the means to train is unrealistic. Scholarships like these all become one piece of a very big puzzle, allowing me to pursue my goals through college. At the end of the day, all that matters is to attack each day with grit, choosing kindness over impatience, excellence over apathy, and perseverance over complacency.

I am a fan of LeBron James and have been watching him play since I was a kid. He has carried the calves, lakers, and heat all to the championship, solidifying his spot in the hall. This being said, I do not believe Lebron James is the greatest player of all time. Jordan has won 6 NBA championships in 6 finals appearances with 6 Finals MVP's. Compare this to Lebron, with four championships in 10 Finals appearances. To add to this, Jordan was a 10-time scoring champion and averaged 30.1 points pregame. This being said, Lebron is a versatile scorer with the ability to play practically any position. However, this is more to basketball than just offense. While Lebron has 6 All-Defense Team selections, he has yet to have a defensive player of the year. Jordan was a 9-time All-Defensive First Team member and a Defensive Player of the Year (1988). It is no doubt that both of these players have changed the game of basketball. Lebron's experience and lengthy career are a testament to the capabilities of the human body and how it can perform to the highest level. So, while Michael Jordan is still the greatest of all time, LeBron's legacy will forever impact the game of basketball.

Only two years after caretaking for my grandpa during his stage 3 prostate cancer battle I came to understand how deeply that chapter of my life influenced my drive to help those requiring healthcare. I can still remember the day my grandpa told me he would either have to go into a nursing home or have a full-time caretaker at home. Unfortunately, with the amount of time he was given, looking into either option for an extended amount of time would be too expensive or unrealistic. Little did I know how this predicament would affect my 14-year self. At the time, I never wanted anything to do with caretaking or medical services. However, one thing I have always prioritized in my life is my responsibility to my family. This was true when my mom was stuck in bed with Lime’s disease for 3 years, and it was going to be true in those last months with my grandpa. I distinctly remember sitting with my parents and preparing to make a game plan. The idea was to go over 4 hours a day Monday through Friday. In reality, my commitment to my grandpa would often have me waking up at one o’clock in the morning to empty his catheter or give him his meds to take away just enough of the pain to let him sleep. I was humbled, yet took pride in having the opportunity to serve the physical and emotional needs of my grandpa. That whole process taught me a new type of discipline involving patience and gentleness, all of which were contrary to the manual labor and sports-type work I was accustomed to. Looking at this period in my life, I now see the effects it had on me. Though it may have taken 3 years to finally come to grips with it, realizing that what or who I am working for is more important than the job itself. This exact reason is why I want to give every ounce of myself to learn how to help those who can't help themselves In its simplest form, helping others is what I want to do. Whether I carry this out as a physical therapist or a Pararescue jumper in the Air Force, all I want to do is serve my country and the people around me. However, dreaming without action yields no benefits. Being a physical therapist without 6 years of schooling is not feasible, just as becoming a PJ without the means to train is unrealistic. Scholarships like these all become one piece of a very big puzzle, allowing me to pursue my goals at the highest capacity. At the end of the day, all that matters is to attack each day with grit, choosing kindness over impatience, excellence over apathy, and perseverance over complacency.

Only two years after caretaking for my grandpa during his stage 3 prostate cancer battle I came to understand how deeply that chapter of my life influenced my drive to help those requiring healthcare. I can still remember the day my grandpa told me he would either have to go into a nursing home or have a full-time caretaker at home. Unfortunately, with the amount of time he was given, looking into either option for an extended amount of time would be too expensive or unrealistic. Little did I know how this predicament would affect my 14-year self. At the time, I never wanted anything to do with caretaking or medical services. However, one thing I have always prioritized in my life is my responsibility to my family. This was true when my mom was stuck in bed with Lime’s disease for 3 years, and it was going to be true in those last months with my grandpa. I distinctly remember sitting with my parents and preparing to make a game plan. The idea was to go over 4 hours a day Monday through Friday. In reality, my commitment to my grandpa would often have me waking up at one o’clock in the morning to empty his catheter or give him his meds to take away just enough of the pain to let him sleep. I was humbled, yet took pride in having the opportunity to serve the physical and emotional needs of my grandpa. That whole process taught me a new type of discipline involving patience and gentleness; all of which were contrary to the manual labor and sports-type work I was accustomed to. Looking at this period in my life, I now see the effects it had on me. Though it may have taken 3 years to finally come to grips with it, realizing that what or who I am working for is more important than the job itself. This exact reason is why I want to give every ounce of myself to learn how to help those who can't help themselves. Once again I face a chapter in my life involving change and something that’s uncomfortable. However, this is where it matters most. Unfortunately for me, stepping into this new chapter requires money. Money that I aim gain through grit and hard work. It is little scholarships like these that once added up, have the ability to make my dreams one step closer to reality.

Only two years after caretaking for my grandpa during his stage 3 prostate cancer battle I came to understand how deeply that chapter of my life influenced my drive to help those requiring healthcare. I can still remember the day my grandpa told me he would either have to go into a nursing home or have a full-time caretaker at home. Unfortunately, with the amount of time he was given, looking into either option for an extended amount of time would be too expensive or unrealistic. Little did I know how this predicament would affect my 14-year self. At the time, I never wanted anything to do with caretaking or medical services. However, one thing I have always prioritized in my life is my responsibility to my family. This was true when my mom was stuck in bed with Lime’s disease for 3 years, and it was going to be true in those last months with my grandpa. I distinctly remember sitting with my parents and preparing to make a game plan. The idea was to go over 4 hours a day Monday through Friday. In reality, my commitment to my grandpa would often have me waking up at one o’clock in the morning to empty his catheter or give him his meds to take away just enough of the pain to let him sleep. I was humbled, yet took pride in having the opportunity to serve the physical and emotional needs of my grandpa. That whole process taught me a new type of discipline involving patience and gentleness; all of which were contrary to the manual labor and sports-type work I was accustomed to. Looking at this period in my life, I now see the effects it had on me. Though it may have taken 3 years to finally come to grips with it, realizing that what or who I am working for is more important than the job itself. This exact reason is why I want to give every ounce of myself to learn how to help those who can't help themselves

As a die heart North Idaho resident, I have been shaped by the outdoors. Breaking bones on the slopes has taught me the value of risk versus reward, while sunsets on the lake have made me realize just how blessed I am. However none of these experience shaped me like my experience with my grandpa. Though this may not be considered “outdoors,” it is the reason I want to go into a career field of serving others. Only two years after caretaking for my grandpa during his stage 3 prostate cancer battle I came to understand how deeply that chapter of my life influenced my drive to help those requiring healthcare. I can still remember the day my grandpa told me he would either have to go into a nursing home or have a full-time caretaker at home. Unfortunately, with the amount of time he was given, looking into either option for an extended amount of time would be too expensive or unrealistic. Little did I know how this predicament would affect my 14-year self. At the time, I never wanted anything to do with caretaking or medical services. However, one thing I have always prioritized in my life is my responsibility to my family. This was true when my mom was stuck in bed with Lime’s disease for 3 years, and it was going to be true in those last months with my grandpa. I distinctly remember sitting with my parents and preparing to make a game plan. The idea was to go over 4 hours a day Monday through Friday. In reality, my commitment to my grandpa would often have me waking up at one o’clock in the morning to empty his catheter or give him his meds to take away just enough of the pain to let him sleep. I was humbled, yet took pride in having the opportunity to serve the physical and emotional needs of my grandpa. That whole process taught me a new type of discipline involving patience and gentleness; all of which were contrary to the manual labor and sports-type work I was accustomed to. Looking at this period in my life, I now see the effects it had on me. Though it may have taken 3 years to finally come to grips with it, realizing that what or who I am working for is more important than the job itself. This exact reason is why I want to give every ounce of myself to learn how to help those who can't help themselves.

Hello, my name is Michael Marshall, and I am applying for the $5,000 physical therapy degree. I am currently set to graduate high school as a sophomore in college, and I plan to go straight into finishing my pre-phys than pursuing a master’s. I have held a 4.0 or higher throughout all of high school, and I have no intention of slowing down. As a student-athlete I'm obsessed with the human body and understanding how it can grow stronger, healthier, and more capable. Here is a short story about me and why a career in physical therapy is so important to me. Only two years after caretaking for my grandpa during his stage 3 prostate cancer battle I came to understand how deeply that chapter of my life influenced my drive to help those requiring healthcare. I can still remember the day my grandpa told me he would either have to go into a nursing home or have a full-time caretaker at home. Unfortunately, with the amount of time he was given, looking into either option for an extended amount of time would be too expensive or unrealistic. Little did I know how this predicament would affect my 14-year self. At the time, I never wanted anything to do with caretaking or medical services. However, one thing I have always prioritized in my life is my responsibility to my family. This was true when my mom was stuck in bed with Lime’s disease for 3 years, and it was going to be true in those last months with my grandpa. I distinctly remember sitting with my parents and preparing to make a game plan. The idea was to go over 4 hours a day Monday through Friday. In reality, my commitment to my grandpa would often have me waking up at one o’clock in the morning to empty his catheter or give him his meds to take away just enough of the pain to let him sleep. I was humbled, yet took pride in having the opportunity to serve the physical and emotional needs of my grandpa. That whole process taught me a new type of discipline involving patience and gentleness; all of which were contrary to the manual labor and sports-type work I was accustomed to. Looking at this period in my life, I now see the effects it had on me. Though it may have taken 3 years to finally come to grips with it, realizing that what or who I am working for is more important than the job itself. This exact reason is why I want to give every ounce of myself to learn how to help those who can't help themselves. If you made it to the end, thank you for giving your time. Email me if you have any questions, God bless!