A Passion for Physical Therapy by Adam

A Passion for Physical Therapy by Adam - April 2023 Scholarship Essay

If I had unlimited time and money, I would enter the medical field, specifically in Kinesiology/Physical Therapy. I aspire to one day make a lasting impact by helping people be the best version of themselves. I plan to use what I've learned in school, specifically in Biology as it is the building blocks of everything we understand when it comes to natural science.

During freshman football I suffered a herniation in my L4/L5 disc pinching my sciatic nerve. At first, I was devastated to hear that my season was over but eventually I realized it was a blessing in disguise, as many things are. I spent well over a year in physical therapy with several different physical therapists. As well as other medical treatments like massage therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, chiropractors, epidurals, and eventually surgery.

Throughout this time, I experienced and gained much knowledge. I had good medical professionals and some worse, so I understand the difference of both and the importance of a good one. I learned the influence a medical professional can make on people through more than just a physical aspect but also in a mental aspect. When someone is coming to you, as a medical professional, seeking treatment they are probably hoping and praying that you can help them in any way possible. Not only are they going to be knocked down physically but likely disheartened mentally. I know all this because once upon a time I was that person.

I had many people along the journey that helped me, however, I would like to reflect on the time spent with my massage therapist, Mandy. When I first entered her office, I was someone who was not only weak physically but also mentally. However, every Wednesday at 4:45 pm she would come ready and prepared to help me in any way possible. With time I saw the effort and care that she was pouring into me and that allowed me to see that other people were doing the same. Seeing that allowed my perspective to change, I realized that I owe it to not only myself and the people helping me to get better. Then as time passed, every time I would leave her office, I felt motivated and confident that one day I will be better. That made all the difference in me now being physically healthy.

I dream that one day I can make a difference in people's lives as many medical professionals did for me, like Mandy. I want to help people heal by positively impacting their lives, but I understand before that can happen, the first step to overcome starts with the mind. I overcame physical and mental obstacles in my life; but now I need to beat academic obstacles in order to make my dream come true.