For a long time, my passion was fitness, but I have come to realize that functional ability and quality of life are so much more important. I achieved a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, attained a personal training certification, and spent about 6 years trying to advance in the fitness field. I even went to graduate school and obtained a Master's degree in Kinesiology, hoping that would open some doors. I eventually concluded that it was time for a change. It was at this time that I decided to make the switch to the physical therapy field. I think deep down I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy, even if that was not my initial plan. I’ve always been passionate about helping people reach their goals but in a way that is safe and efficient. With my minor in Sports Medicine, my focus has always been on injury prevention and adequate recovery. This is what made me realize that physical therapy would be a perfect occupation for me. I began working for a physical therapy clinic in 2018, and did so for five years before beginning the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Indianapolis. I worked for an outpatient orthopedic clinic, but through school, I have learned that there is so much more a physical therapist can do and is expected to do. Physical therapy is important to me because it is essential to change and even save the lives of individuals in need. I have witnessed the impressive road to recovery for many patients who endured a several different injuries and limitations. Many patients will begin their rehabilitation journey believing that they will never get back to the way things were before…to doing what they love and what is essential for living life. Having the opportunity to observe physical therapists treat these patients showed me how commendable it is that someone is able to guide an individual who has endured so much pain, limitations, and dysfunctions to get them back to their ideal quality of life. This is exactly what I aspire to do. I want to be that person who not only helps an individual in need, but gets them back to their best quality of life. I plan to do this in a way that is culturally competent, respects diversity, and holds no implicit biases. I feel these aspects are important in order to provide the utmost quality of care to every individual no matter their background, socioeconomic status, customs, or lifestyle. I will also take a biopsychosocial approach to treatment for every patient - I will treat the whole patient, and not just the injury. I believe that this is what is expected of me, and all clinicians for that matter, from anyone who puts their trust in me to provide them with quality care and adequate intervention. Physical therapy is also important because it has the potential to prevent problems that our country is currently facing. Physical therapy has a huge impact on combating the opioid crisis in our country. Physical therapists can also be advocates to underrepresented populations not receiving adequate care, such as elderly, lower socioeconomic, and disabled populations. As a physical therapist, I will be an advocate for these issues. I will treat all patients with the necessary and effective quality of care that is based on their individual needs. This scholarship will be a huge contribution in helping me to accomplish this, so I greatly appreciate the consideration.

I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science in 2011 and achieved a Master's in Kinesiology degree in 2020. I am now 30 years old and will begin the Doctorate in Physical Therapy program at the University of Indianapolis. As an adult learner going back to achieve a doctorate more than 10 years after graduating college, I am a non-traditional student. I have worked for a physical therapy clinic for the past five years. My experience includes working as a physical therapy technician, which involved observing physical therapists and working closely with patients. I currently work in administration, which involves the behind-the-scenes of a PT clinic. From my experience, I have witnessed the entire process of patient care from intake to discharge. Witnessing this care has allowed me to see the huge impact that physical therapy has on the lives of individuals in need. A physical therapist retains a person's quality of life and gives them the ability to go back to doing what they love. Seeing this has driven me to become that professional who has such an impact on individuals. From my prior education, I have learned a great deal about the human body and working with people. My future education will include more in-depth information on how the human body works, as well as preventing and rehabilitating injury. I will also have clinical experiences in various settings. This education and experience will allow me to become a knowledgeable, skilled, caring, and compassionate physical therapist. This is exactly what I strive to become so that I can touch the lives of several individuals in a meaningful way.

I enjoy playing golf because it is a fun, carefree, and low-competition sport. I am not a highly competitive person when it comes to sports and games, so I feel that I can enjoy golf without it being ruined by the competitiveness of others. I also generally love to be outdoors in nice weather. This is why golf is a perfect sport for me. Golf is a sport for all ages and activity levels, so it can be played throughout your entire life. It is also one that can be picked up by anyone no matter the level of skill. Therefore, it is a great activity for a group of friends to do together. This social aspect of golf greatly adds to the enjoyment. Not to mention, the cute outfits! I played golf in high school, and I went to a high school that was not particularly good at any sport. Our motto in golf was “We will make it to the green eventually.” Though we did our best and took every meet and practice seriously, we were all still beginners. However, we never failed to have fun playing together and making memories as a team. Another reason I love golf is because as long as I have been alive, golf has been a passion for my dad. I will never forget the pride and joy he had when I told him I wanted to start taking golf lessons. He put a lot of time, money, and passion into making me a golfer. From paying for the lessons to taking me to the driving range and out on the course, to buying me a beautiful purple bag and other equipment. This created a special bond and connection between my dad and me that I will forever cherish. A challenge I have faced as a female golfer is not being taken seriously. I work at a sports complex where there are predominantly male employees. We have a golf simulator available for use by rental or by employees during downtime. When playing golf or using the simulator is mentioned, and I jump into the conversation, the men tend to smirk or cackle as if I am joking. The same reaction occurs when I use the simulator or tell them I’m planning to play that weekend. It is as if they believe I have never actually played. The ironic part is that I am probably better than most of them. Getting a good swing and making adequate contact with the ball, causing it to go soaring straight down the freeway, is one of the best feelings. The men at my office can continue to believe what they want about my athletic skills in golf, but their thoughts and opinions do not matter to me. I will forever enjoy the sport for myself, remember the many reasons why I love it, get together with friends to play, and maintain the special bond with my dad; that is all that is important to me.

My dream version of my future self is to be the most knowledgeable, skilled, caring, and compassionate physical therapist I can be.