Autum is currently attending community college while simultaneously completing a Physical Therapy Assistant program. “My ultimate goal is to practice as a licensed Physical Therapist, treating adults who have undergone life-altering injuries. My decision to pursue this career came after my personal experience recovering from reconstructive knee surgery that resulted in permanent nerve damage. The transition a person goes through when losing the ability to continue with their daily activities is an intensely stressful one. I could not imagine going through the process I did without an experienced and compassionate Physical Therapist and hope to provide this level of support and care to others during their difficult rehabilitation journeys.

I have always worked full time, with extended periods of working 60-70 hours weekly. I wish I had words to describe what it’s like to be consistently scared about money, constantly battling burnout, and constantly struggling to make ends meet, only to have a stranger want to help you. It feels unreal to me. I frequently walk through life expecting the worst, and I want to thank Trace of Hope for giving me… just that…hope.

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