Hometown:
Discovery Bay, CA
Undergraduate degree and school:
Kinesiology at University of Nevada, Reno
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I always wanted to be in the health field but wasn’t sure where exactly until I saw how physical therapy can impact a person’s life as well as being an upstream form of medicine. I’ve seen how happy a person can be when a physical therapist gives them the tools and knowledge to return to the things they enjoy or even ADLs. Then unlike most forms of medicine nowadays physical therapy doesn’t put a temporary bandaid on the issue, instead it treats the root cause of issue.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
Seeing the smile on patients face when they are able to return to the things they enjoy or gain back ADLs. For example I have seen an elderly gentleman cry tears of joy and hug his PTs after months of work so that he would finally be able to pick up his new grandson, which he did.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I would love to utilize the 3 plus 1 program where I can also get my Masters in Athletic Training, with this my dream would be to work with elite level athletes. Helping to prevent any injuries, then being there if they do to help them return as soon as possible and as strong as possible.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy working out whether it is weight training, cardio or anything in between. Since I was a kid I have always loved playing sports including volleyball, soccer, basketball, football, baseball, basically anything with a ball. I love hanging out with my friends and beautiful girlfriend doing things such as movie nights, going to church, grabbing coffee, going to breweries, going dancing, etc.
What is your favorite quote?
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why they call it the present.” – Master Oogway (Kung Fu Panda)
Anything else that you’d like to share (i.e. something unique)?
I got selected to be on the Northern California High Performance Men’s Volleyball team in high school and got to play in a huge tournament in Pordenone, Italy. Sadly we did get our butts kicked by a bunch of Russians and Italians, had fun though and the food was amazing.
