Wesley's Blog: February 2015

It's still sinking in that I have completed PT school and am now qualified as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. I'd first like to thank all of you who showed me love through Facebook, texts, phone calls and anything else. Thank you to my amazing classmates who shared this journey with me. Thank you to Ashley who supported and encouraged me so much throughout this whole process. Thank you to my mom for being so supportive and making so many sacrifices for me to go to school. Above all, thank you God for being with me every step of the way.

I honestly still can't believe that I survived PT school and I really do mean survive. I debated whether to share this, but I believe the struggles I went through helped shape me into who I am today and makes me appreciate the journey that much more. My transition into PT school did not go as smoothly as planned. The passing score for my program was an 83% and I remember the first score I got on my anatomy exam was an 89%. I thought I had transitioned successfully to grad school. However, as the work started to pile up, my grades began to suffer and by the end of the term I finished with below an 83% in anatomy. I was placed on probation for the next term which shook my confidence. Overall the second term went better but this time I finished with an 81.75% in a class which again was considered failing. I thought I was done with the program and started thinking about whether I should try again next year or just quit all together. I went home for break after the second term expecting a phone call or e-mail telling me that I would be removed from the program. Nothing short of a miracle and by God's grace, I received a phone call the day I was flying back to New Hampshire, from the program director. She told me that the faculty got together and determined they would give me one final shot to stay in the program. However, she distinctly stated that if I got any grade below an 83% I would definitely be removed from the program.

I was completely in shock and prepared myself for the hardest term to date with zero room for error. Long story short, God got me through and I was able to survive the term with all passing grades. Throughout school I got close with some classmates and many of them knew how much I was struggling and always offered me support for which I am extremely grateful. I had never been challenged more mentally, spiritually, and physically in my entire life. Our finals ended with five finals in three days and I somehow survived. The rest of school went smoothly and I was so blessed throughout the entire experience. I had all good clinical instructors at all my full time rotations and was able to save the best for last. I honestly could not have asked for a better last clinical, I had the freedom to treat on my own and was able to learn a lot while there. Furthermore, I now have a much better idea of what I want in a working environment. I enjoyed going to work (minus the waking up at 6 AM) because of my coworkers, both the therapists and techs there made work enjoyable. We all got along and enjoyed each others company and no amount of money can ever replace that.

I have finally completed all my school work and the final step is studying for the boards. It is going to take a lot of discipline and I know i'll be anxious/nervous but I know God has gotten me this far for a reason. The best I can do is to prepare to the best of my ability and ultimately allow Him to guide me. Again, I want to thank all of you who supported me through this journey and am so blessed to have you in my life.

James 1:2-6 - 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the seat, blown and tossed by the wind.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.