I was wondering if I could get some constructive criticism on the structure of this essay. It is for my physical therapy program applications. Thank you!
Which personal characteristics and motivating factors have led you to pursue the profession of physical therapy?
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Eleanor Roosevelt
I believe that every person that enters our life is intended to teach us something, positive or negative. Opportunities are presented to us everyday, and it is up to us to take what we can from it. Situations I have encountered throughout my life have taught me about the person I am and which career path would best suite me. I understood from an early age that my career would result in helping others, but which road to take was unclear to me for some time. Growing up in an athletic household, I was comfortable with physical activity and whether it be from sports or dance classes, I either had my own injury or witnessed injuries amongst my peers. Being an athlete also makes you become aware of your body. You learn that you must maintain a well-balanced diet and strong physique if you intend to have a notable performance. Having such a passion for exercise and physical activity I knew that Exercise Physiology would be a suitable field of study for me in my undergraduate program. Through this program I was able to learn even more about the human body and how it functions during exercise, information I was more than eager to absorb. Taking these classes solidified that I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy.
I have always been the kind of person to ask "Why?" and I believe that asking questions is the most effective way to learn. I like to know why things are done a certain way and more importantly, if other methods of solving the problem have been exercised. This is a crucial characteristic to have as a physical therapist, to understood that not all injuries are identical and no two patients heal the same way. One needs to be able to deviate from the norm when treating their patients to ensure that they are all provided with the proper treatment for their ailment. Each patient that a therapist comes across should be considered a new learning experience, ultimately making them a more educated, multifaceted therapist.
Working with patients when they first start therapy, it is easy to sense their discouragement when they are unable to complete mundane tasks such as stepping on a stair or lifting their arms past shoulder height. This negative attitude can deter them from continuing therapy. I am able to see first hand that giving patients positive reinforcement throughout their therapy is essential to their recovery. They use this motivation to overcome the pain and discomfort they are enduring and begin to believe that they are actually progressing. This is an aspect of the field that I have grown to love. A versatile physical therapist goes beyond providing only physical rehabilitation, but also provides emotional rehab that will bring the patient back to good spirits. I am fortunate to be able to disperse such positive reinforcement to these people, which excites me for the future, when I am working with my own patients.
Not all patients have the luxury to build a relationship with their health practitioners, but fortunately, this is not true of physical therapists. Patients are generally required to attend therapy multiple times a week, allowing them to build a comfortable relationship with their therapist, which generally does not occur with their orthopedic doctor. The trusting relationship that is built between a patient and therapist is essential in this field, and it is something that I truly admire. I see this relationship displayed over and over again at my office; the relationships become so strong that patients will return to the same therapist for years to come.
Many different people and events have molded me into the individual I am; motivated, disciplined and determined to become the best physical therapist I can be. I want to ensure that throughout my career I educate those around me, teaching them about injury prevention and rehabilitation, as well as emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I am a firm believer that if your mind is set on what you want to achieve in life, ultimately you will get there and the drive within me to reach my goals is unstoppable My mind set is on becoming a successful physical therapist, who wants to share her joy and passion for physical therapy with whomever she can.
