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Zoe Somerville

1x

Finalist

Bio

Hi! I am passionate about becoming a pediatric physical therapist and one day opening a clinic dedicated to helping children heal both physically and emotionally after experiencing trauma. Working with children has shaped my purpose and inspired my career goals. I believe healing is about more than recovering from an injury; it is about helping children build confidence, regain independence, and feel supported throughout their journey. My passion for this field comes from my love of science and my desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Health Science with plans to attend the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at University of Illinois Chicago this fall. My long-term goal is to provide compassionate care to children while creating a safe and welcoming environment where they can thrive. Outside of academics, I have spent many years working with children. I have worked as a swim instructor and swim coach, experiences that strengthened my leadership, communication, and mentoring skills. I also swam competitively during the winter season, which taught me discipline, perseverance, and the value of hard work. As I prepare for graduate school, I am actively seeking scholarships to help reduce the financial burden of earning my DPT. Every scholarship brings me closer to achieving my goals and allows me to focus on becoming the best healthcare professional I can be. I am committed to using my education to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in need.

Education

University of Illinois at Chicago

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2026 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
    • Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
    • Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education

Northern Illinois University

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

William Rainey Harper College

Associate's degree program
2022 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      • Health, Wellness, and Fitness
    • Dream career goals:

      Pediatric Physical Therapist

    • Lifeguard/Swim instructor/Skate guard/B&A counselor

      Hoffman Estates Park District
      2022 – Present4 years
    • Kids Camp Site Director

      Palatine Park District
      2025 – Present1 year
    • Swim coach/Lifeguard

      Kishwaukee YMCA
      2024 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Swimming

    Club
    2015 – Present11 years

    Arts

    • IACS

      Drawing
      2015 – 2018

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Kishwaukee Hospital — physical therapy volunteer
      2025 – 2025

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship