From Blowing Whistles to PA

[Chickzilla]

I reviewed "Casino Maintenance to Paramedic to PA" and "Personal Statement Rough Draft-Please Advise."

Even in her pain, she was vibrant. Before Claudia, I had never met anyone who had been diagnosed with cancer, let alone relapsed from it twice. Her grey-headed pixie cut fit perfectly with her spirited personality. Her determination to be a beacon of light showed through her giddy interactions and how she dedicated two mornings a week to teaching a cardio class to her fellow gym members. She was one of my favorite members and one of the reasons why I was motivated to pursue a career in the medical field.

In order to financially support myself through undergrad I spent a rewarding amount of time in Campus Recreation being fostered as a leader. There was something unique about developing my confidence and character as a sports official with the sharp, silence-cutting ring of a whistle and a voice of reason.

So I strived to move up in the ladder.

As a supervisor, I led by example, in character and actions. My role taught me timeless lessons in humility, ownership of mistakes, and how to exude confidence. By senior year, development of these and other skills led me to the highest student position: a Program Assistant. Responsible for employing several of my own staffs, totaling over 90 students, it was necessary to connect to various personalities, recognize different motivators, and be a source of reassurance in moments of uncertainty. I worked to fulfill my vision of developing students personally and professionally to ensure that they acquired the skills necessary to be successfully in their intended careers. Through all of these experiences, I achieved a level of personal challenge, discovery, and maturity that exceeded my highest expectations. Although my background in recreation may not be a typical path to Physician Assistant (PA) school it makes me realize the theme of life that drives me: the opportunity to serve others in order for them to reach their full potential.

Prior to graduating with my Bachelors degree, I completed an internship at Fit For Life Fitness Center. My duties centered around maximizing each member’s quality of life through exercise prescription. Throughout the internship, I was able to use my ability to relate to various members and build rapport with them. I appreciated the one-on-one time that I had to develop relationships with these experienced members. As with Claudia, when they presented their medical histories, it was the personal connections made through their stories that moved and hurt me. When they spoke of their debilitating pains and overwhelming weaknesses from their aliments I was able to see first-hand how precious health, independence and functionality are. My compassion for their well-being grew with each glowing smile and expression of gratitude when they reported how the new exercises relieved their pains however, they often needed treatment beyond exercise. Although it is satisfying being able to manipulate energy systems, facilitate optimal cellular function, and delay chronic diseases through exercise I longed to be able to understand more about their illnesses’ progressions and the options of treatment.

At times, over the course of undergrad, the hours dedicated to Intramurals (IM) took time and focus away from my initial responsibility as a student; however, it also allowed me an opportunity to pursue my Master’s and work as a Graduate Assistant for IM Sports. As I complete my Masters in Exercise Physiology, I’m building on my knowledge of preventative health and the body’s physiological responses to exercise and disease. My Masters also challenges the way I critically think, an area that I set out to develop and a step I saw vital to be successful in the medical field.

I have been able to explore various healthcare professions and gain an understanding of the demands, team structure, and individual roles of healthcare professionals, especially PAs. I have seen how PAs are able to work collaboratively in a medical team to ensure (?) a patient’s quality of life. The opportunity for collaboration within a goal-oriented team promotes accountability. The words of Mr. Adkisson, a PA I shadow, will always resonate with me: “A PA’s responsibility is to enhance care.” A PA’s role is to assess, support, encourage and educate their patients in order to ensure their well-being. It’s in their personalized care that I see the attention to the individual’s concerns and the effect of healthcare on the patient’s loved ones. PAs build rapport and garner trust with every interaction. They enable and contribute to focused, affordable care offered to a broad spectrum of patients. My experiences over the years have shaped me into a strong-willed woman who understands her overall purpose. I believe that my experiences, personal development, and education have given me the ability to excel as a compassionate PA.

Although I was only exposed to the joyful side of Claudia that she chose to display, I want to be a factor in helping many like her get that way.

[Chickzilla]

Does anyone have any suggestions for edits?

[sarah914]

I think your essay was by far the best I have read. I'm not reading this as a critique, more so to see an example. Your flow was great. Your beginning with the personal story of Claudia was very well told. I liked how you incorporated what personal characteristics you picked up during your education. I am thoroughly impressed. I hope if you have the time, you can review my essay. Great Job, I hope it works out well for you

[jstenton20]

I really enjoyed your opening and your content. The flow was good right up until you transitioned 'I longed to be able to understand more about their illnesses’ progressions and the options of treatment.' to your next paragraph, there is a disconnect and disrupted your otherwise steady and comprehensive flow. Good job