Physical therapy is more than just a profession to me; it is a culmination of personal experiences, passions, and a deep-seated desire to positively impact lives. From childhood to gaining clinical experience, each step has reinforced my conviction that physical therapy is where I belong. My journey into physical therapy began as a young girl. My experience with movement, particularly Indian classical dance and field hockey ignited my appreciation for the relationship between exercise and physical well-being. Through dance, I learned how repetitive movement can improve flexibility and range of motion. Similarly, an injury sustained while playing field hockey during high school emphasized the role of physical therapy in restoring mobility and vitality. My early exposure to volunteering and community involvement has also greatly helped shape my passion for physical therapy. For as long as I can remember, I have been volunteering with my parents for Sankara Eye Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to eradicating curable blindness in India. Memories of my childhood included attending charity galas and concerts, handing out fliers, and organizing events with the broader volunteer team. This early exposure to service played a critical part in my life for years to come. This has inspired me to pursue physical therapy as a career because I believe that I can effectively interact with diverse clients and cater to their individual needs as a future physical therapist. More recently, my clinical experiences provided evidence of the benefits that physical therapy can have on its patients. Observing patients overcoming challenges, regaining strength, and reclaiming joy in everyday activities solidified my determination to pursue this path. Physical therapy is not merely about treating injuries; it is about empowering individuals to increase their strength and improve their vitality for life. What sets physical therapy apart for me is the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with patients and actively participate in their rehabilitation journey. As I embark on this career, I envision myself as not just a healthcare provider but also an advocate to improve the quality of life of my patients. Growing up in the South Asian community, I noticed that people in my community had a lack of attention to personal health and maintaining an active lifestyle. Instead, they focused on settling down and becoming financially stable. As a result, people in my community have aged faster than previous generations. My South Asian heritage uniquely positions me to address the care needs of this aging generation. I see myself as a bridge between cultures, utilizing my understanding of both to deliver culturally sensitive care and support. My long-term goal as a physical therapist is to start a clinic that combines wellness, yoga, fitness, and ergonomics to form a holistic care plan. Whether it involves applying my expertise in dancing and sports to enhance patient care or customizing treatment plans to meet individual needs, I am dedicated to serving my patients with precision and unwavering commitment. With each step forward, I am driven by the belief that through compassion and dedication, I can help people effectively and leave a lasting impact on the profession I hold dear.

My name is Vaishna Prabhuvenkatesh. I am a rising college junior transfer attending the University of California, Irvine, and I hope to graduate in 2023. I will be obtaining a bachelor of science in human biology. My goal is to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy in hopes of becoming a physical therapist soon. I aspire to work in either the outpatient or clinical sector and wish to have a physical therapy clinic someday. I plan to experience hands-on physical internships, work directly with athletics, and learn as much as I can about my career through a PT aide job. I am also the president and founder of a nonprofit organization called Mango Foundation, which focused on restoring ancient landmarks, providing water for the less fortunate, bringing sanitation to communities in need, and support those with color deficiency. I also hope to expand the scope of my nonprofit in the coming years. My biggest influence would be my mother. I have learned so many qualities from her, like relentless kindness, perseverance, empathy, leadership, creativity, and a strong work ethic. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have found my passion to serve others. My passion for healthcare started at a young age through my mother’s influence. I would inquisitively observe her while she studied for her Master’s degree in healthcare management. Before moving to the US, my mother was a private practicing physical therapist back in India and had her clinic at home. Daily, she would meet people from a variety of backgrounds and ages. For her, the idea of bringing people back to their normal lifestyles gives her life purpose. These early memories and stories eventually inspired me to pursue a career in physical therapy, allowing me to share my compassion for others and positively impact the wellbeing of my community. These stories and my perpetual curiosity eventually spurred my passion for science and medicine. Early memories of my childhood included attending charity galas and concerts, observing my mother as she handing out fliers, participating in organizing events with the volunteer team. This early exposure made service a critical part of my life. My mother’s selflessness and dedication to serving the community drove me to start my nonprofit, and pursue my dreams of establishing a positive influence in the world. In short, my mother was a crucial part of my upbringing, and her constant support and inspiration have made me the woman I am today.