Samantha Murray

Morgan Collins

UNVI 101

10/13/2023

Career Paper Essay

Ever since I was little I have been in and out of physical therapy due to back problems

and other various things. I have always had a fascination for helping others and the recovery

process. Most recently in my senior year of high school I was in a car accident resulting in me

breaking both of my legs. I was in physical therapy all throughout the school year and up into the

summer going into college. While in PT my love for it became even stronger, thus going into the

exercise science program here at USC. After doing more research of the physical therapy career,

it has just solidified my choice even more. My love for helping people has always been strong

and after seeing the recovery process head on for PT is truly fascinating. Over the summer going

into my senior year I did an internship at a PT clinic and I fell in love. Getting to shadow

someone everyday and learn from someone hands on was amazing. Seeing and hearing people's

stories then getting to watch them walk out after their recovery was so heartwarming. Not

knowing that would be me just a few months later made it stick with me even more. Having a

personal connection and relatability to something or someone, I think helps with the recovery

process and the encouragement for the patients. Being a physical therapist is not only about

being good at your job and knowing the material, it’s also about encouragement, communication,

and a positive attitude to let your patients know they are doing great and will get through this.

Preparing myself for this career even more, I will continue to shadow and do internships with

people. My neighbor is a physical therapist herself and she has helped teach me many things to
help further my knowledge for this career. Trying to maintain a 3.5-4.0 GPA throughout college

might be challenging but I am going to give it my all to then apply and impress my graduate

school. I have never been more excited for my career choice than now. My ability to

communicate and keep a positive attitude with patients as well as having personal experience to

relate to will help encourage others. I cannot wait to learn more about the next steps I have to

take to further my knowledge of becoming a physical therapist.