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I consider my dedication and engagement in sport and fitness to be a core aspect of my identity. I have played soccer since the age of 4 and continue to particiapte in soccer and volleyball leagues when possible.

My love for sport and fitness is what initially propelled my into my career in medicine. I become a personal trainer to maintain my own fitness and supplement my learning of the musculoskeletal system while pursuing a degree in Athletic Training. I learned throughout my educated that I wanted to purse a career as a physician assistant but might not have considered it if my love for sport didn't exist.

I got the opportunity to pursue athletics that many others fail to be provided. My parents, although divorced, were both present and were willing to pay for my soccer equipment while spending a significant amount of time supporting me on cross-country trips and weekend tournaments. I am grateful for there support and acknowledge that they gave me an opportunity that truly s a priviledge.

As an adult now, my experience as an athlete makes dietary and activity related changes for my health much easier. For those who have never been encouraged to be active through sport or training, or who are unable to, changes in diet and fitness are often significantly harder to adhere to.

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HealthCare Provider (Athletic Trainer & PA-S)

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HealthCare Provider (Athletic Trainer & PA-S)

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As a healthcare provider and student, I am priveledged to have the knowledge and understanding of how to maintain my own health as well as the health of others. I have the priveledge to work in an environment that serves as a constant reminder of the consequences of practicing unhealthy habits. I have the priveledge of working with like-minded professionals to fulfill my goal of improving the lives of others.

As a healthcare provider, I work in an environment that frequently exposes me to the ailments of others, which can be emotionally and mentally fatiguing. While also a privilege, the responsibility associated with caring for patients can often be intimidating.

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I grew up as the youngest sibling and the only son out of 4 children. When my parents divorced when I was 4, my siblings and I found ourselves at my mothers house much more frequently than my fathers, despite split custody. My
For most of my life, my father did little to set an example for what a man truly is. I rarely ever associated being a man with a need for excess masculinity and strength. It was instilled in me at a young age the women in my life that a real man is supportive, understanding, and emotionally self-aware.  For me, being a man means that I should be strong and resilient while acting to create an environment that is supportive and understanding of others.

I do understand that society favors males in many ways; typically seeing them as superior to women, giving them more responsibility and favor in work and status, and often taking their word with more gravity than that of a woman. This is something that I often take for granted. I hope that by being the man I described above, I will help to give the women around me the opportunity to thrive and provide the support and empowerment they need to do so.

As a man, I feel that it is seen as weak to show vulnerability and emotion. This statement becomes less true each day as our society increasing its normalization of mental healthcare and increasing awareness for depression, but I do still feel pressure associated with this expectation.

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As a caucasian male living in the United States, I have had a number of privileges in our society. I do not have an inherit fear of discrimination, profiling, or constant exposure to racism that many other members of our community face.  I have the privilege of living in a society in which the governmental, media, and economy have historically benefitted and represented my race.

I believe that although being a young white male gives me opportunities and status, it also puts me in a position to help those that do not. Combating institutionalized racism will require the support of all races and ethnic groups and as a white member of society, it is my civic duty to advocate for equal right and opportunities of my peers and members of my community.

I often feel as though others identify me as "white", without consideration of my own culture and heritage. I am a 3rd generation Irish American, and regularly participate in Irish traditions and holidays. In this regard, I have the priveledge of being a part of a family and culture that deepens my relationship with my family and provides a further sense of identity. In recent years, I feel as though I have lost touch with parts of my heritage due to living away from my parents and becoming more occupied with school and work. I hope that this will improve in the next coming years and hope that a trip to Ireland for my sister's wedding will ease this thought.