Background Belief Essay

Who am I? This question has been asked what seems to be almost 100 times throughout

my life. And yet, the answer continues to change because I am constantly growing, physically of

course, but also personally. Looking at who I am right now, I am a future physical therapist. I am

a Caucasian woman. I am a daughter and granddaughter. I am an individual who strives for

upmost success and achievement. I am also an individual who needs reassurance, love, respect

and feedback from those around me.

I was raised in a household that did not follow a specific religious denomination. With

this, my qualities and characteristics were shaped by the beliefs and values my family had,

versus from a specific practice of faith. I spent a significant amount of time growing up with my

mom and granny. These two women really shaped who I am today, not only by how they raised

me, but also by how they acted as human beings while interacting with the world around them.

I grew up watching these two women do anything and everything for those around them. I

believe watching them jump through hoops for others has shaped the part of me that wants to

become a healthcare provider, as well as showed me how to be a compassionate, empathetic

individual. I also grew up watching these two women have the strongest work ethic. Growing

up watching these two ladies always strive to be the best versions of themselves, I now too

always strive for success and to be the best version of myself. This can be manifested by my low

achievement and skill score on the Davis Value Assessment.

Along with achievement and skill, recognition has always been an important value to

me. Since as long as I can remember, I have always needed that acknowledgment in all aspects

of my life, from sports, to jobs, and even from my family and friends. This is especially
important to me in any job that I do because I hold such high standards for myself, that I need

someone else to acknowledge and reassure me that I am fulfilling those goals and standards

that I have set for myself. Like previously mentioned, I do not follow any religious

denomination, so faith is not a large contributing value that I find important. Despite this, I

would say my number one “value” that I follow is the idea that everything happens for a

reason. I don’t really adhere to a certain idea or concept being that reason, but I believe that

whatever that reason is, it occurred because it was supposed to.

One reason I do not follow any religious denominations is because I feel as though I am

uneducated in that area, so I don’t feel it is right to be a part of something that I do not have

the appropriate knowledge to appertain to. With this, I think this could be a potential weakness

as a healthcare professional because of my lack of knowledge in the different religious

practices; I certainly do not want to offend a patient because of my ignorance. I have learned in

a past cultural competency class that it is best to be open and transparent about the areas you

are unfamiliar with to your patient, as well as have a willingness to learn to allow your patient

to feel more comfortable with you as their provider. Because I believe that everything happens

for a reason, I can hopefully use this mindset to uplift my patients if they are feeling down

about their condition or progress with therapy. I believe it is important to show confidence in

your patient’s ability to succeed within therapy to see the best results.

Like previously mentioned, I am a very goal-oriented, high achievement seeking

individual. I plan to use this part of my personality to better provide care to my patients by

trying to connect to their personal goals for therapy. I know it is important to set goals with

each patient. I plan to go even further to connect with their personal goals to help them return
to activities they love doing. I plan to use this aspect of my personality while in PT school to set

high-achieving goals for myself to ensure success within the program, and thus being a

successful practicing physical therapist.

Exploring and identifying your moral self is important when dealing with professional

dilemmas in order to stay true to yourself. Dilemmas may arise during my time as a practicing

physical therapist that will challenge my moral principles and beliefs. Given this, it is important

to explore those beliefs that are very important to me, as well as those that are not as

important. Knowing those values that are most important to you that you feel you will not

break from, and those you may be more lenient on is key when facing challenges that may

compromise those beliefs.