Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and I would appreciate any help you could give with my physical therapy essay. Thanks!!
Which personal characteristics and motivating factors have led you to pursue the profession of physical therapy?
I was only ten when I saw "The Karate Kid"-I was hooked. It was at ten years old that my destiny was determined and martial arts became something I admired, loved, and craved. I might as well have been -Daniel-San- martial arts were in my blood; I just needed the discipline to develop it properly. It was during those arduous hours in the dojo that I learned control of my body, the importance of stretching, and that there was inevitably a right and wrong way to each movement. As I grew in martial arts, I was strengthened by the knowledge of my body and challenged to understand others' bodies. Teaching and learning martial arts has taught me patience, dedication, and a watchful eye-all of which are valuable characteristics of a great and caring physical therapist. At thirteen, I had knee surgery and my first encounter with physical therapy. I was amazed at how quickly my body atrophied from disuse. I compared my two legs and was amazed at the difference in size and strength. I quickly realized by doing seemingly simple and trivial exercises, I return to what I loved. It was then that I learned how movement could also be healing. My physical therapist taught me about my body that I thought I knew so well, I was inspired.
I moved away from home for the first time in college and I was the first of my family to do so. My parents were never able to support me financially or mentally, and I worked full time to support myself. I motivated myself to leave my family so that I might have a better life. I gained determination from years of martial arts training, and I put that drive to work in the real world. Unfortunately, as a young girl by herself, the first years of college proved to be a difficult transition and it showed in my schoolwork. Despite hardship, I am proud that I supported myself and completed my degree. In that sense, I feel that I gained much more life experience in those years than many of my peers who had more opportunities than I.
I studied physiology in school, knowing how much I loved the human body. I wanted to combine my love of physiology and the body with something that allowed me to help others and return to the satisfaction of helping others. I began working as a physical therapy aide and volunteering at Cedars-Sinai in their Rehabilitation Unit. There, I worked closely with the therapists; teaching patients stretches and exercises. One of the first patients I met, Dawn, a patient that multiple unfortunate accidents left her unable to walk without assistive devices and has been attending physical therapy for over 10 years. Despite her incredible difficulties, she continues to move forward others would easily be discouraged. Her therapists working show grow great patience and care working with her every day. It became apparent that the range of physical therapy was huge and physical therapists improve the lives of their patients in huge and varying ways.
Working at Forster Physical Therapy led me to work at Phase IV, a scientific health and performance center. There, I teach weight training to teenagers and women. I also work with clients writing training programs for endurance events and performing metabolic tests such as submax VO2 and resting metabolic rate. The focus at Phase IV is to use a science and physical therapy based approach to working out and staying fit. The physical therapist is the ideal trainer; they have the unique position to use their knowledge of the body for the greater benefit of people beyond the traditional clinic.
Since discovering physical therapy, I have worked relentlessly to improve my knowledge and attain my goals. One of the largest obstacles to my success has been to rectify the misguided and immature mistakes I had made during my time in undergraduate studies. Once I focused and identified my goal, I set into place a system by which to achieve it. This system involved swallowing my pride, returning to school, and proving that I am a dedicated student. I surround myself with physical therapy and in essence, have already begun my physical therapy education. I feel that my life experience as a martial artist has demonstrated that I am committed to advocating for health and respect for the human body. Teaching martial arts and weight training has taught me patience and compassion for patients and clients. I am committed to empowering others to care for their bodies through physical therapy.
I was only ten when I saw "The Karate Kid"-I was hooked. It was at ten years old that my destiny was determined and martial arts became something I admired, loved, and craved.
Consider either combinidng the two sentences or starting them the same way
I like the personal connection you used as well as a connection to your characteristics.
