I want to change the trajectory of my entire lineage by being the first in my family to get to and through college. I consider short term goals what I will accomplish in the next twelve months, like graduating with a 3.5 GPA, getting accepted and attending college this fall, and earning scholarships along the way. I want to make my mom proud. Growing up in a (primarily) single parent home surrounded by poverty had its hardships. Often times a meal like chicken fettuccini came once every two months. The default meal of a PB&J sandwich or Top Ramen noodles was the norm for my siblings and I. The last time I went to the dentist was in the eighth grade, things like skipping yearly dental check-ups and avoiding doctor appointments were a way for us to cut back on spending and were a necessity for us to get by. This is what my nurturing family does whether you’re the youngest sibling or the working adult, we all make sacrifices for one another. 

Many of my goals can be hinged around the phrase, “Pain with a purpose.” Being a long distance runner, I learned this through racing. Winning was always the goal even though I had to run through pain.  During the 2013 regional track championships, I was heavily favored to win the 800 meter race. I was excited because I knew the stands would be filled with college recruiters. This was my opportunity to impress them enough to earn a college scholarship. The beginning of the race went as planned and midway through the race I was relaxed and in a great position; I felt positive. Then a runner cut in front of me; there wasn’t enough room for the two of us. Pain echoed throughout my body as I tumbled along the course, rubber track. This race was over, but the thought of the financial burdens to overcoming the injury were soon about to begin. If I were to ever race again, my family would need to make huge sacrifices for the expensive medical bills that lay ahead. My diagnosis showed a dislocated hip scarcely hanging on by my torn ham string and damaged IT band, a potential career ending injury. This was one of the lowest points of my life; I felt ruined, and my hopes of earning a scholarship and running at the collegiate level were destroyed.

My coach took me to see Bob Paul, a physical therapist. He evaluated our financial situation and with wide eyes honestly said, “You’re going to need a lot of help.” He then offered to pay all of my medical expenses. I was overwhelmed with his generosity; I eagerly followed his instructions to get my hip muscles back to full strength. Each daily exercise was painful, but it had a purpose. Over the next year and a half, Dr. Paul rebuilt me, physically, emotionally, and mentally. He restored my hope and without knowing showed me a career path where I could nurture others while helping to solve their problems. Oh, and for those of you wondering, I made it to the National Cross Country Championships this fall, my dream is still alive! And who knows, maybe I’ll even become a coach when I’m older.

My academic and career goals are inseparable, I cannot acquire one without the other. Completing a Doctors of Physical Therapy program at the University of Washington would help me achieve my long term goals and position me to better serve my community. I think hip-hop artist, Macklemore, in his song “Growing Up” gave the world great advice with the following lyrics: 

You put the work in, don't worry about the praise, my love
Don't try to change the world, find something that you love
And do it every day
Do that for the rest of your life
And eventually, the world will change