Graduate / 'personal characteristics and motivating factors' - physical therapy essay [3]

Which personal characteristics and motivating factors have led you to pursue the profession of physical therapy?

There are many aspects that contribute to my perseverance in the profession of physical therapy. Some of these aspects emerge from my personal characteristics such as diligence, attentiveness, and adaptability. These characteristics are important in physical therapy because they are a big part of being a thorough and dependable physical therapist. I believe i have these characteristics because of the goals i had set for myself when i was 17, which was when i had my first encounter with physical therapy. I had to go to physical therapy for an ankle injury from a volleyball game, my senior year of high school. At the time, i didn't realize that this experience would change my life and create such an overwhelming passion for my future career. It was getting near the deadline to figure out where i wanted to go to college and what i would go to college for. I've always had a passion for exercise, sports and any type of physical activity, so i knew the career i wanted to pursue would involve those things. At each appointment, i got a chance to speak with my physical therapist, Dan. I was very impressed by his job and how he got the opportunity to work with athletes and stay active on the job. By the end of my therapy, i knew this was it, this was what i wanted to do. After high school graduation, i started my journey towards physical therapy.

While in college, i genuinely enjoyed learning new things and expanding my mind. I was attentive and observant of the material that was handed my way because i knew the path would eventually lead to my final destination. My undergraduate studies really helped me focus on the challenges i would face reaching my goal and ultimately confirmed my desire to continue my journey.

Other aspects that contribute to my perseverance to be a physical therapist are motivating factors like my volunteer work and my passion to have a career i know i will love.

I got the opportunity to do volunteer hours with Patrick Rodkey at an outpatient sports rehabilitation center. Mr. Rodkey was very encouraging about my goals towards being a physical therapist and answered any questions i had. He allowed me to be interactive with patients and help out as much as possible. Mr. Rodkey has the job i have dreamed of since i was 17, and it was very inspiring to be able to learn from him. This opportunity helped me recognize my ability to be a physical therapist and how my dreams are not far out of reach.

My second experience volunteering was at a hospital. I was very intrigued during my time volunteering here, this specific experience gave me a whole new outlook on how versatile physical therapy can be. Although it was very different from my first experience, I adapted very well to assisting with inpatient care. This experience expanded my knowledge and left me wanting to know more. Whether an inpatient or outpatient setting, they both fit my personality and willingness to assist others.

Although these personal characteristics and motivating factors are good to have in pursuing a profession in physical therapy, the most important element is doing what you love. It's hard to come by someone who truly loves their job and actually enjoys going to work everyday. And when you love what you do, then it doesn't feel like work at all. That's the kind of career i want. I have a deep passion for this career and have what it takes to be a great physical therapist. I am certain that participating in the DPT program will require hard work, persistence, and commitment. Even so, i am looking forward to embracing this challenge wholeheartedly.