"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 This beloved Bible verse has long been a source of inspiration and guidance in my life. As I reflect on my journey towards becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I am reminded that my path, while not without its challenges, is one that has been thoughtfully and purposefully laid out before me. Growing up with hip dysplasia, a congenital condition that caused my hip joints to develop abnormally, has shaped the very core of who I am. From an early age, I faced unique physical obstacles, but without the means to undergo corrective surgery, I relied heavily on physical therapy to manage my symptoms. Though my family could not afford the expensive procedures, the compassionate clinicians who guided me through my rehabilitation instilled in me a sense of hope and determination that would forever shape my future aspirations. Despite the limitations imposed by my disability, I refused to let it define me. In fact, I channeled my energy into becoming a nationally ranked tennis player, defying the odds and proving that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible. It was during this time that I developed a profound appreciation for the crucial role physical therapy played in my recovery and athletic success. Those clinicians did more than just tend to my physical needs - they empowered me to overcome the challenges of my condition and pursue my dreams with unwavering passion. Now, as I embark on the next chapter of my educational journey, attending college is about so much more than just earning a degree. It is an opportunity to transform my personal struggles into a powerful tool for serving others. By pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I aim to not only enhance my own clinical expertise, but to also cultivate a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with physical disabilities. My own experiences have given me an unparalleled perspective that I believe will make me a more empathetic and effective clinician, one who can truly connect with and uplift my patients. Beyond the classroom, I am eager to immerse myself in the vibrant campus community, seeking out opportunities to grow as a leader and advocate. Whether it's founding a student organization devoted to disability awareness or spearheading community outreach initiatives, I am committed to using my voice and platform to effect positive change. After all, it is my firm belief that the true measure of success lies not in personal accolades, but in the lasting impact we have on the lives of others. As I look ahead to the road that lies before me, I am filled with a profound sense of purpose and determination. Jeremiah's timeless words continue to resonate deeply, reminding me that the challenges I have faced are not obstacles to be overcome, but rather the very foundation upon which my destiny has been built. With unwavering faith and an unshakable commitment to service, I am confident that I will not only fulfill my own dreams, but also bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 This beloved Bible verse has long been a source of inspiration and guidance in my life. As I reflect on my journey towards becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I am reminded that my path, while not without its challenges, is one that has been thoughtfully and purposefully laid out before me. Growing up with hip dysplasia, a congenital condition that caused my hip joints to develop abnormally, has shaped the very core of who I am. From an early age, I faced unique physical obstacles, undergoing numerous surgical procedures and grueling rehabilitation regimes. Yet, through it all, I discovered an unshakable resilience and a deep well of empathy that would ultimately lead me to my true calling. Despite the limitations imposed by my disability, I refused to let it define me. In fact, I channeled my energy into becoming a nationally ranked tennis player, defying the odds and proving that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible. It was during this time that I developed a profound appreciation for the role physical therapy played in my recovery and athletic success. The compassionate clinicians who guided me back to health did more than just tend to my physical needs, they instilled in me a sense of hope and determination that would forever shape my future aspirations. Now, as I embark on the next chapter of my educational journey, attending college is about so much more than just earning a degree. It is an opportunity to transform my personal struggles into a powerful tool for serving others. By pursuing a degree in Kinesiology, I aim to not only enhance my knowledge, but to also cultivate a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with physical disabilities. My own experiences have given me an unparalleled perspective that I believe will make me a more empathetic and effective clinician, one who can truly connect with and uplift my patients. Beyond the classroom, I am eager to immerse myself in the vibrant campus community, seeking out opportunities to grow as a leader and advocate. Whether it's founding a student organization devoted to disability awareness or spearheading community outreach initiatives, I am committed to using my voice and platform to effect positive change. After all, it is my firm belief that the true measure of success lies not in personal accolades, but in the lasting impact we have on the lives of others. As I look ahead to the road that lies before me, I am filled with a profound sense of purpose and determination. Jeremiah's timeless words continue to resonate deeply, reminding me that the challenges I have faced are not obstacles to be overcome, but rather the very foundation upon which my destiny has been built. With unwavering faith and an unshakable commitment to service, I am confident that I will not only fulfill my own dreams, but also bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

As a concerned and active community member, I have been deeply involved in raising awareness for kidney disease and supporting the local dialysis center. This cause is extremely important to me, as kidney disease can have a devastating impact on individuals and families if not properly managed. One of my primary focuses has been educating the community about the major risk factors for kidney disease, such as uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. These chronic conditions, if left untreated, can severely damage the kidneys and lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) - the final stage of kidney failure that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival. By making the community aware of these connections, I hope to inspire people to take their health more seriously and proactively manage any underlying conditions. I have worked closely with the staff at the local dialysis center and The World Kidney Organization to develop educational resources and outreach programs. One initiative I'm particularly proud of is our series of workshops focused on coping techniques for dialysis patients. These sessions provide a supportive space for individuals and their families to learn about managing the physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes that come with dialysis treatment. Topics have included diet and nutrition, mental health strategies, access to community resources, and even fun activities to help reduce stress. Participants have expressed immense gratitude for these workshops, noting that the information and peer support have been invaluable in their dialysis journeys. Beyond the dialysis center, I have also organized community health fairs and public awareness campaigns. These events allow me to reach a broader audience and share critical information about kidney disease prevention, symptoms, and treatment options. I've collaborated with local medical professionals to conduct free blood pressure and glucose screenings, as well as distribute educational materials on maintaining kidney health. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees reporting that they've made important lifestyle changes as a result. Looking to the future, I believe that continued education and proactive healthcare will be the keys to creating a healthier, more resilient community. By empowering people to take charge of their wellbeing, we can reduce the burden of preventable chronic diseases like kidney failure. I envision a community where everyone has access to the resources and support they need to manage their health, ultimately avoiding the need for dialysis or transplantation. As the famous American author and activist Maya Angelou once said, "When you know better, you do better." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the driving force behind my kidney disease awareness efforts. Through knowledge and collective action, I believe we can build a brighter, healthier future for all. By working together as a community, we can make a lasting positive impact for generations to come.

From a young age, I have faced significant physical challenges that have shaped my outlook on life and my desire to help others. I was born with a condition called hip dysplasia, where the hip joint does not properly form in the socket. This has led to years of pain, difficulty with mobility, and even bullying from those who do not understand my condition. However, through the incredible support and care of my physical therapist, I have been able to manage my symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle - including playing competitive tennis. It is this personal experience that has inspired me to pursue a career in physical therapy. I know firsthand the transformative power that this field can have in improving one's quality of life. My own physical therapist has not only helped me to overcome pain and regain my strength, but has also been a source of encouragement, empathy, and guidance during my darkest moments. I aspire to emulate this same level of care and dedication in my future work with patients. As a doctor of physical therapy, I plan to make the world a better place by providing compassionate, tailored treatment to those facing mobility challenges. Whether it is guiding a patient through post-op rehabilitation, helping an athlete recover from an injury, or empowering a geriatric client to maintain their independence, I will approach each case with a deep understanding of the physical and emotional obstacles they are facing. Drawing from my personal experiences, I will be able to truly empathize with my patients and earn their trust, creating a partnership focused on achieving their unique goals. Beyond the clinic, I also hope to use my platform as a physical therapist to advocate for greater accessibility and inclusivity in our communities. Too often, individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations face unnecessary barriers that restrict their ability to fully participate in everyday activities. As a professional in the healthcare field, I will work to educate the public, collaborate with urban planners and local officials, and spearhead initiatives that break down these obstacles. Whether it is advocating for the installation of curb cuts, pushing for the incorporation of universal design principles, or simply changing societal perceptions, I am committed to making tangible, systemic changes that improve the lived experiences of people with disabilities. Ultimately, my journey has taught me the invaluable role that physical therapists can play in transforming lives. I have seen firsthand how access to quality care and a compassionate provider can mean the difference between a life of pain and limitation, and one of independence, fulfillment, and boundless potential. It is with this knowledge that I approach my future career, driven by a deep passion to empower others and leave the world a more accessible, inclusive place than I found it. Through my work as a physical therapist, I know that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients and in the broader community.

In the tapestry of human interactions, one thread that runs through the fabric of countless lives is the corrosive nature of societal judgment. Like a corrosive acid, it can eat away at the spirit, leaving scars that linger long after the words have been spoken. As a plus-size teenage tennis player, I have experienced firsthand the sting of such judgment. Despite my prowess on the court, my weight has become an unwelcome companion, a constant source of ridicule and mockery. If I could improve one aspect of the world, it would be the way people perceive and interact with others, particularly those who deviate from societal norms. By fostering a culture of acceptance and respect, we can create a world where every individual feels valued and empowered, regardless of their physical appearance or other characteristics. The impact of society's relentless focus on physical appearance is far-reaching and insidious. It seeps into every corner of our lives, from the media we consume to the conversations we have with friends and family. The constant bombardment of images of idealized bodies, which really don't portray happiness, coupled with the pervasive messaging that certain body types are superior to others, creates a breeding ground for insecurity and shame. The consequences of weight-based stigma are particularly severe for young people, who are more vulnerable to its effects. Studies have shown that overweight and obese children and adolescents are more likely to experience bullying, social isolation, and depression. They are also more likely to have low self-esteem and negative body image, which can have lasting implications for their mental and physical health. Trust me I know! In my own life, the relentless focus on my weight has taken a significant toll. Despite being one of the top tennis players on my high school team, I have been subjected to countless cruel comments and hurtful jokes about my body. Teammates, opponents, and even complete strangers have made me feel ashamed of my appearance, as if my worth as a person is somehow diminished by my size. The constant barrage of negativity has chipped away at my confidence, making it difficult to focus on my game and to fully embrace my passion for tennis. I refuse to let the narrow-mindedness of others define me. Tennis is my sanctuary, where I can challenge myself both physically and mentally. On the court, my size is irrelevant. My powerful serve, precise groundstrokes, and unwavering determination speak volumes about my abilities. Thanks to my parents unwavering support I am constantly reminded that I am a fierce competitor, who is beautifully made and I will not be silenced by those who seek to belittle me. My experience has taught me the importance of resilience and self-acceptance. I have learned to tune out the negative noise and to focus on my own strengths and goals. I am not perfect, and I may never achieve the idealized body that society seems to demand. But I am worthy of love, respect, and happiness, just like everyone else. Changing the way people view and interact with each other is a complex and multifaceted challenge. It requires a shift in both individual and societal attitudes. We must all make a conscious effort to be more inclusive and accepting of others, regardless of their physical appearance, race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. By creating a culture of acceptance and respect, we can empower individuals to live authentically and to pursue their dreams without fear of judgment or ridicule. This, in turn, will lead to a more just and equitable society for all.