Life experiences shape Vu's educational goals
Vu has accomplished her first goal, as she graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at Wichita State. Her hard work and sense of purpose has resulted in Vu earning a spot in WSU's Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program this summer.
The road from childhood to college has had numerous challenges. Vu and her older brother helped to feed and care for their mother until doctors and family members became more aware of the limitations caused by her mother's injuries.
Her childhood role as a toddler changed after the accident, as Vu taught her mother the first song she could remember, "The Barney Song," and started reading Dr. Seuss books to her at bedtime.
Many years of surgeries and physical therapy helped her mother regain most of her mobility. Although Vu's mother did not die in that accident, the loss of mobility and constant pain prevented her from being able to participate in many aspects of Vu's life.
For example, her mother had to sit in the car to watch as Vu earned her varsity letter playing softball at Wichita High School East, instead of sitting in the stands with other parents because she didn't have the strength to walk that far.
Vu says the feelings of loss she experienced then were a driving force in her pursuit of a physical therapy degree.
"I believe the ability to provide hope and proof of progress to someone who has almost given up is one of the greatest joys of the (physical therapy) profession," said Vu. "Through collaborative efforts and efficient communication, I hope to instill the belief that recovering some lost mobility is an attainable goal. As a result, I hope to create a ripple effect. Not only do I want to help patients improve their lives, but also the lives of their loved ones."