Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Which personal characteristics and motivating factors have led you to pursue the profession of physical therapy?
Often, it's the little things that we take for granted that mean the most to all of us; an independent lifestyle. As a biology student, I have always been interested in pursuing a career in health care. I remember reading about a U.S. Army soldier who was a beneficiary of new bio-medical technology. Facing a likely leg amputation, this soldier underwent an experimental procedure whereby he received experimental growth hormones and extracellular matrix from pig tissue. After intense physical therapy, the soldier has made an amazing recovery and has regained most of the strength in his right leg. Learning about this was not only emotionally moving but it was the catalyst that helped me determine my path in life. I realized that physical therapy is a field that would allow me to use my knowledge of science and my passion for health care to better the lives of people around me. I can use my passion and knowledge of science in a way that will allow me to be "hands-on" and make a long lasting impact on the people whom I would provide therapy.
My passion for helping people has always been a prominent aspect of my character. I care deeply for the well being of others and in return am moved deeply by them. While attending the University of Mary Washington, I volunteered at the Free Clinic in Fredericksburg. The clinic had a positive impact on me and provided me with some of the most meaningful memories during my time in Fredericksburg.
My zeal for volunteering didn't end with the Free Clinic; instead it led me to the Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps. My experience with the RAM volunteers in Wise, Virginia was an eye opening experience. The cadre of selfless physicians, nurses, dentists and other health care volunteers provided much needed health and dental care to the impoverished people of South Western Virginia. I worked closely with the dental professionals, and observed first hand, the vast range of essential services provided to people who might not have received care otherwise. My contribution to this mission included helping people fill out paper work, performing dental cleanings alongside of dental hygiene students, and assisting both a general dentist and an oral surgeon. Every morning began with the display of families camping in a parking lot filled beyond capacity. The culmination of a year's wait by these people for the opportunity to see a doctor or dentist motivated me to help facilitate an efficient and successful operation. This experience cemented my ambition to become a health care professional.
Motivated and empowered by my experiences in Fredericksburg and Wise, I set out to make an impact in my local community. I jumped at the opportunity to fill an opening at a dental clinic that serves children receiving Medicaid. Balancing school and part- time work at the clinic became a priority during my last year of school. Educating the children and parents about proper oral health care was just as important to me as was cleaning the children's teeth. Having the opportunity to work for a year at the clinic enabled me to observe the children's progression in their oral hygiene. It was always a good day when children were added to the No Cavity Club. I believe that I provided these children with a warm and nurturing experience. I helped many of them overcome their negative, preconceived notions of dentists as well as doctors. Dental assisting was a wonderful experience and it encouraged me to explore other fields in health care.
The inspirational stories I hear from friends and family only fuels my interest in Physical Therapy. Their successful recoveries were facilitated by the direction of their Physical Therapists. My volunteer time shadowing at the outpatient clinic has shown me that my experiences have prepared me for a career as a Physical Therapist. I am dedicated, logical, resourceful, open-minded, personable and most importantly, self-directed. I know that my personality along with my drive and passion for helping others will allow me to excel as a Physical Therapist. I desire a career that brings me self satisfaction and joy. I don't want a job. I don't want work. I want a career that engages me mentally, physically, emotionally and brings me fulfillment knowing that at the end of the day, I made a difference. Now I need the opportunity for a professional education and training from top-notch professionals. I am ready to move on to my true calling in life as a Physical Therapist.
I can use my passion and knowledge of science in a way that will allow me to be "hands-on" in making a long lasting impact on the people for whom I would provide therapy.
My passion for helping people has always been a prominent aspect of my character. I care deeply for the well being of others and in return am deeply moved by them.
My contribution to this mission included helping people fill out paper work, performing dental cleanings alongside of dental hygiene students, and assisting both a general dentist and an oral surgeon.
It was always a good day when children were added to the No Cavity Club.---This is great!
The inspirational stories I hear from friends and family only fuel my interest in Physical Therapy.
They'll be very lucky to have you as a student! Good luck in all you do!
:)
