When I was 22, my maternal grandfather suffered a severe stroke and was sent to a rehabilitation center. Upon visiting my grandfather, I witnessed several health care professionals working to rehabilitate him. When my grandfather had the stroke, my life changed. I watched him suffer since he wasn’t able to eat by himself or do anything at all. In that moment, my emotionally sheltered life was torn apart. In that moment, I had to grow up. The person I had leaned on my entire life wasn’t able to talk to me anymore. I literally reconsidered everything I had done in my life in a matter of hours. I thought about college, finally graduating and walking across that stage: That is his biggest dream for me. I have always wanted to pursue a profession in which I could help people, and I think physical therapy would best complement my natural abilities. To this day I don’t remember the physical therapist name, but as I watched her work with my grandfather I realized that I had found what I was looking for.
I want to be in a health care profession where I can pend quality time with my patients, and help them to improve their quality of life in all aspects. Physical therapy is a perfect fit since it is a profession that requires sensitivity, understanding, and compassion; all of the characteristics that I value tremendously.