Personal Statement for Physical Therapy Graduate School

¶ … aunt's recent serious accident, though a terrible misfortune for her, turned out to be fortuitous for me. This incident propelled me to a conclusion on my decision to leave the field of Business and study Physical Therapy. It was becoming more and more obvious to me that my skills were not being utilized in a maximum way in the business setting. Although the mental challenges may have been satisfying, the pull to pursue a career that engaged me in more physical ways was getting stronger. My true introduction to the area of Physical Therapy came as I watched my aunt recover from her accident and as I became more involved in her rehabilitation. The significant role that Physical Therapy played in her prognosis impacted strongly on me. I could see that it was not only the recovery from the physical injures, but also the way the entire process affected her life. I was convinced that a career in Physical Therapy would satisfy the everlasting drive I have had to contribute to the well being of others.

Being part of the process of my aunt's recovery gave me the opportunity to learn first-hand more about what being a Physical Therapist actually entailed. In addition, I used the experience to observe how the hospital and medical faculty functioned and managed their challenges. I came away from that experience with both a deeper understanding of the operations of the medical field and practical information. Both of these helped me to solidify my decision to divert from my original career path of Business.

Although I have felt limited in the field of Business, I do not believe that the time I spent studying and working in that area has been to no avail. As with any undergraduate study program I was able to develop my study skills, research skills and writing skills. I graduated cum laude (3.42GPA) with a B.Sc. In Global Business while working full-time and financing my own education. The lessons I learned both in and out of the classroom prepared me for the world of work and continue to sustain me.

Since the age of eighteen I have been supporting myself. The challenges that I faced as a minority did not daunt me nor interfere with my sense of purpose and determination to develop myself professionally and personally. On the contrary, they deepened my resolve and commitment to myself and to my family. I remain proud to be the first member of my family to obtain a Bachelor's degree. It would be a greater honor to take this further to a graduate degree. My move from Arizona to Manhattan, NY is the culmination of my two dreams. One of which is living in New York so that I could take advantage of the wide and varied experiences offered in this city that could continue to add to my self- growth. This would also give me the opportunity to fulfill the other dream of changing my career.

Even before my aunt's accident I had begun researching the field to gain more perspective. During my research of schools and programs of study for Physical Therapy I was extremely pleased to find Mercy College. Learning that it was the only college that offered a full-time weekend Physical Therapy program increased my hope. This means that I can continue to work full-time and support myself and still fulfill the desire to be a Physical Therapist.