Each year, the ACAPT Consortium for the Humanities, Ethics, and Professionalism (CHEP) and the Journal for Humanities in Rehabilitation (JHR) sponsor a physical therapy student writing competition.
The winner receives a $250 award from CHEP, and the contest winner and two finalists have their essays published in a future issue of JHR.
The essay prompt was:
"2020 is defined by crises and uncertainties related to the COVID- 19 pandemic and racial tensions. These impact the moral, social, political and economic foundations of our world, nation, and the profession of physical therapy. Navigating one’s professional identity and formation during this time is undoubtedly challenging, and you may have had unexpected, yet impactful interactions as a result.
Describe an experience that significantly impacted your professional growth and identity as a future physical therapist, with respect to the public health crises of racism and/or COVID-19. What about this encounter was instructive? In what ways did this experience enlighten your perspective on one or more of the core values of our profession?”
2021 Winner
Congratulations to the winner Kelsey Robinson from Neumann University. Her essay will be published in the Spring 2021 JHR issue. Below is an excerpt from her essay:
“To walk a mile in someone’s shoes” admonishes us not to judge and exclude others until you understand their experiences and point of view. Although helpful, I know it is impossible to fully understand someone else’s steps through life. Therefore, I suggest validating life through your own shoes. Whether embellished with privilege or stained by tribulations, reflecting on one’s own life experiences will uncover biases, personal revelation, and the means to navigate life as a part of shared humanity."
2021 Finalists
Will be published in Fall 2021 JHR issue:
Xavier Gibson – Springfield College
Henry Fok – Columbia University
47 students from 32 schools submitted an essay. The quality of submissions was our best yet and we are looking forward to sharing these essays with our readers.