Turning Setbacks into Purpose: My Motivation for Studying Kinesiology by Aria

Turning Setbacks into Purpose: My Motivation for Studying Kinesiology by Aria - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could choose any major, I would choose Kinesiology. To some, that might seem like an unexpected choice, but for me, it feels like the most natural decision I could make.
When I was 11, everything changed. During a routine softball practice, a bad slide led to a dislocated knee. Softball had been my whole world, and in a split second, it was taken away. After reviewing my X-rays, doctors explained that I had shallow kneecaps, making me more prone to repeated dislocations. They warned that continuing to play could mean more injuries—and more pain.
That moment was the beginning of a long, difficult journey. I spent months in physical therapy, learning how to strengthen my knee, use different machines, and care for my body in ways I never had to think about before. My only goal was to get back to the sport I loved. But despite my commitment, I dislocated my knee again—four times over two years—each time requiring even more therapy and recovery.
It would’ve been easy to give up. The setbacks were discouraging, and the recovery process was grueling. But I didn’t do it alone. My physical therapists were there every step of the way, encouraging me, challenging me, and reminding me of what I was working toward. They weren’t just helping me heal—they were helping me believe in myself again.
That experience changed me. It made me realize that I want to be that source of strength for others. I want to help people, especially young athletes, find their way back to the things they love after injury. I want to be the person who helps them regain not just physical strength, but confidence and hope. That’s why I’m passionate about majoring in kinesiology—it’s the first step on the path to becoming a physical therapist.
Kinesiology will allow me to dive deep into the science of movement, understand how the body works, and learn how to design effective rehabilitation plans. This goal is incredibly personal to me because I’ve lived it—I’ve been the kid on the therapy table, and now I want to be the professional on the other side, guiding someone else through their recovery.
Since setting this goal, I’ve been intentional about preparing for it. I joined my school’s healthcare academy and became active in healthcare-focused clubs like HOSA. I’ve challenged myself academically, especially in science and math courses like AP Precalculus and Honors Biology, where I’ve thrived. I’ve always loved school, and these subjects feel especially relevant to the future I’m working toward.
Recently, I had surgery to permanently stabilize my knee, and thanks to six more months of physical therapy, I’m finally back on the field. Next week, I’ll play in my first game in three years. That moment means everything to me—and I owe it to the incredible therapists who stood by me throughout my recovery.
I want to be that person for someone else. I want to show young athletes that injuries aren’t the end of their story. I want to be their support system, their coach in recovery, and their reminder that with hard work and the right guidance, they can come back even stronger.
Majoring in kinesiology isn’t just a career decision—it’s a mission. It’s the path to becoming someone who makes a real difference every single day. And I can’t wait to begin.