Never Say Never

During a group discussion in my Black Studies class, the question arose about our goals. I raised my hand to discuss my goals of becoming a Physical therapist, entrepreneur, and activist for other African Americans. When I started to discuss the many challenges I faced as a pre-physical therapy major, I mentioned that I had never met a Black physical therapist. After I was done, my professor told me, “See me after class, I know someone for you.” 

 I spent three years shadowing at a variety of facilities and in my time of shadowing, I had never encountered a Black physical therapist. I became doubtful so I sought to find people that looked like me, but I hit a roadblock. I became discouraged because I felt like there was no one I could talk to that would understand me. I wanted someone I could talk about my deepest thoughts, someone who had my best interest at heart, someone who would encourage me, and inspire me. Thankfully, I found that person, not just once, but in so many people. And it all started in my Black Studies class when I raised my hand. 

Word of mouth is the best tool for networking. I never imagined that I would talk to one person and then next be referred to another. Moral of the story, make sure you speak constantly about where you want to be, you never know who is listening and has the connections for you!