1. There was a time when I couldn’t walk across a room without help, let alone imagine a future in healthcare. After suffering two strokes and undergoing heart surgery at 18, my world was turned upside down. But through that slow and challenging recovery, I discovered my purpose: I wanted to help others heal not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—just as the providers who supported me helped me regain hope, confidence, and trust in my body. As a woman pursuing a kinesiology degree with the goal of becoming a physical therapist, I’ve realized that true healing is holistic. Volunteering and gaining hands on experience in rehabilitation clinics has shown me that recovery depends as much on mindset, encouragement, and emotional support as it does on exercise and movement. Patients thrive when they feel understood, empowered, and seen as whole people. These experiences shaped my values: resilience, empathy, and advocacy. I am passionate about human health and wellness because I know firsthand the impact compassionate, human centered care can have. I want to help others navigate recovery with dignity, strength, and hope, supporting both their physical and mental wellbeing along the way. 2. To me, empathy means truly seeing a person—understanding not just their physical condition, but their fears, frustrations, and the ways their experience affects their life. In healthcare, empathy is essential: it builds trust, strengthens communication, and allows patients to feel safe sharing their concerns. Without it, care is mechanical; with it, care transforms lives. Recovering from two strokes and heart surgery taught me that healing is about more than physical strength. Mental recovery is equally important. I often doubted I would walk again or feared my body would never feel normal. The providers who helped me most recognized these struggles. They encouraged me, celebrated small victories, and helped me rebuild confidence in my abilities. Their empathy shaped my approach to healthcare: I want to help patients heal physically while supporting their emotional and mental wellbeing. As a future physical therapist, I plan to center my work on holistic, human centered care. I have gained hands-on experience in rehabilitation and performance clinics, where I practiced listening deeply, advocating for patient needs, and ensuring every person feels respected and supported. I’ve seen how addressing mental and emotional recovery alongside physical treatment improves outcomes, increases motivation, and strengthens trust. Collaboration is also essential, working closely with colleagues ensures that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique circumstances. My human centered approach will always put the patient first. I aim to create safe spaces where patients feel understood and empowered, tailoring treatment plans to their goals, abilities, and emotional needs. I am especially committed to supporting marginalized and underserved communities, ensuring no one feels dismissed or overlooked in their care. Empathy drives my ambition and impact. It motivates me to excel academically, gain practical experience, and advocate for patients whose voices are often unheard. By supporting both mental and physical recovery, I aim to help every patient I encounter feel capable, empowered, and seen, because I know firsthand how life changing that kind of care can be.