Page 26 - OPTA_ACCESS_Fall2019

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS RECAP
An Eye-Opening Event
Amanda Brinkman, SPT
Federal Advocacy Forum Scholarship Recipient
I was given the incredible opportunity to attend the 2019 Federal Advocacy Forum (FAF) in Washington D .C . through a scholarship from the Ohio Physical Therapy Association (OPTA) . My time at the FAF opened my eyes to an immense amount of new information and appreciation for the importance of involvement of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) . I took in all the new information and experiences that I possibly could . I was inspired to work hard and to spread my newly ignited passion for advocacy .
As anyone might imagine, I learned quite a bit while attending the FAF . Prior to this experience I had little understanding on how advocacy worked and how members could get involved . I learned how hard the APTA is working to fight for our rights and our best interests as physical therapists and physical therapy assistants .
I learned about the importance of advocacy, and the potential advocacy holds to effect change throughout the entire country
for the PT profession . I had the opportunity to see and learn more about how the United States government functions in Washington D .C . Lastly, I learned an extremely valuable lesson about how to conduct myself when meeting with our congressional and senate legislators and their staff to leave the best impression for our profession possible .
THIS EXPERIENCE AND THE NEW SKILLS I GAINED ARE THINGS THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO CARRY WITH ME IN MY FUTURE AS I CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY.
Aside from the seemingly endless learning opportunities, I also really enjoyed my time . I made connections with other Ohio members that are passionate enough about physical therapy to go educate our federal legislators about it . Having the opportunity to meet and speak with individuals that have similar values and are passionate about advocacy was very refreshing and inspiring .
As I returned to my hometown of Cincinnati and my physical therapy program at University of Cincinnati, I have thought extensively about how I can translate my new experiences
and knowledge to effect greater change in my community . I have been inspired to work to get my classmates and future students at the University of Cincinnati excited and involved in advocating for our profession at the state and federal level .
In conclusion, I had an overall wonderful experience and I am very thankful for the opportunity to learn as much as I did. I know that I gained an immense amount of beneficial experience and knowledge . I am looking forward to implementing all that I have learned and gained to impact my community in the future, with the help of my classmates, professors, and the OPTA .
26 | September 2019 | OPTA