There’s no single path to becoming a physical therapist—but the range of stories behind what inspired many PTs’ journeys say a lot about where the profession is headed. 

Each year, the Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship recognizes exceptional students. Not only are they succeeding academically, they’re also starting to imagine how they can shape the physical therapy profession. The 2024 cohort included 20 scholars from across the country, each bringing their unique experiences, perspectives, and motivations into the field. 

Below, four of those scholars share what pushed them toward PT, what has challenged them along the way, and what they’re working toward next. Come meet some of our superstars!

Meet Andrea Bejaran Choto, Class of 2026

Andrea Bejaran Choto, a graduating DPT student at the University of Nevada, LV, began her physical therapy journey at home, translating her mother’s rehab sessions post-lumbar injury. That experience sparked her interest in physical therapy, particularly in improving access for patients facing language and cultural barriers.

Andrea is focused on building confidence as a clinician while exploring interests in pediatrics and pelvic floor therapy. Her long-term goal is clear: to bridge gaps in healthcare access and better serve Latino communities through clinical care and mentorship.

“I want to thank Rizing Tide for always allowing me to network with other amazing peers all around the nation. Meeting people who have similar values and dreams has been inspiring and has helped me on the days where school has been a little bit extra difficult. I also am super thankful for the constant education that they provide us through different presentations and different opportunities. I couldn’t see myself being where I am today without them, and I look forward to all the other experiences I get to have through them.”

Meet Tommy Woods, Class of 2027

Tommy Woods, a student at Shenandoah University, encourages future DPT students to take time at the beginning of their schooling to understand the profession and the people within it. As a Crest scholar, Tommy says he finds pride in belonging to a cohort that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. That diversity, he believes, is one of the profession’s greatest strengths, and he is proud to belong to a community of individuals who’re pushing the field forward. To prospective scholars, he suggests setting aside time to learn more about Rizing Tide before applying for a scholarship. 

“As a Rizing Tide scholar, I would tell someone who is interested to start with research. Research the Rizing Tide Foundation, research some of the people in the cohorts, and see what commonalities that you can find. The people in this organization truly care for the profession and making a difference in the profession as well. Having diverse backgrounds across all of the cohorts that we have is something that we as an organization can take a lot of pride in.”

Meet Jalyn Gorman, Class of 2026

For Jalyn Gorman, a graduating student at Creighton University, physical therapy is deeply personal. His long-term goal is to return to the Navajo Nation, where his earliest interactions with patients reinforced to him the importance of representation in care. Working with a physical therapist who shares your background can change a patient’s experience for the better, and Jalyn plans to be that presence for his community. 

Beyond clinical care, Jalyn is driven to become a visible role model for younger generations, showing students what is possible while helping expand access to healthcare.

“One of my long-term goals is to return back to my community back on the Navajo reservation. When I was working there at the medical center, one of the elders approached me and told me that they enjoyed being treated by someone who looked like them. And that’s always been something that stuck in my heart and planted the seed of me coming back to provide care for the community, because I believe that they deserve the best—not only by providing physical therapy care, but also by becoming a positive role model for the community. Unfortunately, with the way the community works on the reservation, there’s a lot of poverty and things that hinder a lot of the role models. If I came back and showed individuals, especially students in high school, that if someone like me can do it, that they have the chance to do it.”

Meet Ka’Leah Davis, Class of 2026

Ka’Leah Davis, a graduating student at Georgia Southern University is quick to point out that the value of the Crest scholarship goes far beyond financial support. As a student who has often found herself as the only Black person in the room, she is well acquainted with the importance of finding community. Through Rizing Tide, she found something different: a network of peers who share similar experiences, challenges, and ambitions.

While pursuing her DPT, Ka’Leah is making an effort to stay grounded in what she believes matters most: connection, representation, and the creation of spaces where others feel seen and supported.

“As a current Rizing Tide scholar, I would share with future applicants that it’s not just about the money that you get from the scholarship. It’s honestly about the experience and the connections that you make. As a minority individual, I’m sure those who are applying for this scholarship have often felt like they look around the room and they don’t see anyone like them. So not only does this scholarship give you the opportunity to aid your physical therapy career financially, but it also places you in the room with like-minded individuals. So if you are, like myself, the only Black person in your cohort, then you have 10 to 20 other people within the Rizing Tide community who can be a resource for you and who you can connect with.”