Paying it forward...what does that mean? Honestly, I wasn't too sure. I thought maybe it means to pay off loans as fast as possible. After looking it up, I realized that I was completely wrong. Paying it forward is a wonderful expression that is very beneficial to every individual. When someone receives an act of kindness, it is important to not stop there and to "pay it forward" to another individual so they can also experience kindness. This reminds me of someone paying for your food in the drive thru at a fast food restaurant. When someone pays for your food, you have the option to pay for the person behind you. I think this is a great example of "paying it forward". When someone pays you kindness and makes your day, it is important to spread the kindness to try and make someone else's day. I also believe general kindness is very important. Even if you are having a bad day, it is important to not bring others down, but to lift them up. Even a small act of kindness can make a difference in someone's life. You never know what someone is going through. Maybe you walk past a stranger and you really like their outfit so you say, "Your outfit looks really good on you!" and then you continue on your way to class. Even though it is a quick compliment, it could have been just what they needed. What you may not know is that person you complimented struggles with insecurity and you helped boost their confidence. Anything as small as compliments up to donating to charity can make a difference. When I was in high school I participated in cheerleading. Unfortunately, during my sophomore year I got an injury likely due to improper technique during stunts and obtained two minor bulging discs as well as a possible small stress fracture in my spine. This of course led me to receive physical therapy. I never knew what I wanted to do in life, but I knew I wanted to help others in some way. Watching the physical therapists talk to people and help them get better truly sparked an interest in me. I decided to shadow at a hospital and I knew that it would be the career for me. Currently I am working as a PT Tech and have learned a tremendous amount of things that will help me prepare for my future. Ever since I chose this path, I have made it a point to always put my patients needs and goals first. I have always wanted to help people, and being able to help guide them to get better is my passion. I want to do everything I can to make a positive impact in my patients lives by not just getting them better from an injury/disability, but by developing professional personal relationships with them. I also want to make my patients feel comfortable around me as well as trust me. If they are having a bad day, I want to make my facility a safe space for them so they are able to open up about their true concerns. If one of my patients opens up about having an eating disorder I would love to talk with them and refer them to a psychologist for help. Of course I wouldn't operate outside of my scope of practice, but it is important to me to make sure my patients get what they need in order to live their life in happiness. In five years I plan to be graduated from PT school, and in a position as a physical therapist. I am not one hundred percent sure what I want to specialize in just yet, but I know whatever I choose I will be passionate for. After PT school and all of my certifications are complete, I plan to work hard to pay off any debt I owe as well as working as a physical therapist. Eventually I would love to buy a house and hopefully start a family. I also plan to be active in the community in the sense of volunteering. I am not sure where I will end up living, but I know I will figure it out! I am beyond excited for the future and I can't wait to see what it holds.