How open should I be about this

[lee222]

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I wanted to get some advice from the board on my situation.

The reason I want to be a PT is because when I was born I had a stroke that caused left side hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body). I went to PT and OT throughout my youth to help correct this. Because of my experience I want to help kids and young adults with neurological disabilities.

I am wanting some advice on how open I should be on my applications and in my interviews about my hemiparesis. My weakness is basically invisible, and is only noticeable if I point it out how my left side is slightly smaller than my right. While I will never have the hand speed of a world class boxer, I easily meet all of the technical requirements of PT. I wrestled successfully in high school, played football, and am very athletic. I also, play the guitar. I am in great shape, and my left side is still quite muscular compared to others my size. I just do not want to scare any schools off by mentioning my hemiparesis, and their admissions committee think I may not be able to perform the functions of a PT.

Should I be open about this on my application or keep it on the down low?

 

[kcrat21]

I don't think you should worry about discussing your hemiparesis in your essays/interviews. This is an obstacle that you have overcome and since it has made you want to become a PT, there is so much that you can draw from in order to write those essays and interview well, and obviously your passion for PT comes from having been in a situation requiring you to be in PT yourself for all those years. There is no reason to hide it, it is part of who you are and it is important that the admissions committees see the real you. Based on what you've said here about being in shape, athletic, and that your weakness is "basically invisible", etc. I don't think you'll have any problems convincing an adcom that you can meet the technical standards required of you as a PT.

Don't worry and definitely don't hide! Just be you and all will be fine!!! Good luck to you!

 

[SingingPT]

Dude? Why hide that? It sets you apart. I doubt the people who run the admissions (who are PTs!) who discriminate or worry that you are sharing too much information. Just be open about it. Tell them why you want to become a PT, show them why you are so passionate, and be yourself. That is obviously a major part of who you are as a person, why on Earth would you ever hide that? Be proud man! And, good luck! I hope you are able to find happiness in this profession with all of that passion.

 

[jblil]

It sets you apart.

I agree with SingingPT - instead of hiding your condition, you should emphasize how you overcame it. I think it'd be a huge plus for your essay, and help differentiate you from the rest of the applicants.

 

[rangardrum]

I agree with the responses. Share it! 🙂

 

[msw3030]

I agree! Tell them! It sets you apart from other applicants, shows how you have overcome an obstacle in your life, and if anything makes you a BETTER applicant! You have first-hand knowledge, as a patient of PT & OT. Tell them!!

 

[Litlwarrior08]

Agree: don't hide. Stand beside it...... it is what makes you who you are and has built your strong, passionate character. I am ADHD and don't look at it as a disability but something that makes me look at things differently, or in many different ways.......and draw from my strengths in order to overcome any obstacles. Good Luck.

 

[lee222]

Thanks for all the great replies. I am very open about my stroke and the problems that I had to overcome growing up. I just got a little freaked out about the technical standards part of the schooling, and a school thinking I may not be able to meet them.

I am even more excited about the PT application process because I really do want to be open and honest about this, and I appreciate everyone putting my mind to rest.

Thanks Again!

 

[wwuviking]

I agree with everyone on this one..you should be proud to have a great reason to dedicate your life to helping others overcome obstacles!