Personal Statement

Growing up as the son of a rural Iowa veterinarian, I got my first experience in a medical field while riding along with my dad on calls, and from an early age my interest was piqued. It was the first of multiple experiences that pointed me toward a career in physical therapy.

In my elementary and junior high years, a couple of elderly neighbor ladies often called on me to help them with chores around their homes and yards. This is where I first discovered my love of working to help others. It was rewarding beyond any payment to know that I was helping them live independently a little longer, even if I was only playing a small part by doing their odd jobs.

During this time, I also developed a passion for sports and physical activity, which helped me learn some life lessons that I do my best to put into practice today. First, I learned the overwhelming value of teamwork. In the field of physical therapy I see teamwork in the way a therapist must work with so many other medical professionals, from the doctor who gives the initial referral, to the occupational or speech therapists that are also serving the same person. All of these team members must coordinate their efforts to be able to successfully deliver the best treatment possible. Also, through sports I picked up the ever helpful lesson of hard work. I recognize that there are some instances in life that just plain require you to put in the hours and the effort, and I found that I take satisfaction giving what it takes to overcome challenges.

My interest in athletics also led in part to my discovery of physical therapy as a career option. When my sister tore her ACL in elementary school, I was fascinated by the recovery program they used to restore her back to hea...

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...st who treats one of one of my clients. I help to guide the client at home in the same exercises the family was instructed to do, but with more knowledge of proper technique and goals for improvement. I have learned to use a more positive vocabulary, and I have discovered how much more empowering it is to change the phrase, “Could you,” to “You can.” Often this one vote of confidence can be the influential factor to spur someone on to improve.

A wide range of life and career exploration experiences have resulted in my being strongly motivated to pursue a physical therapy career. Along the way, these experiences have played a part in making me a hard worker, a team player, a motivated learner, and in general, a positive person who enjoys working with and caring for people. I believe that possessing these characteristics makes me a good fit for this profession.