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May 2023
Maria Frances Lo is a new member of APTA New York and excited to share her story! She shares an extremely personal story on what brought her to the profession, who helped her along the way, and how the COVID-19 Pandemic was influential to her life.
Learn more about Maria below!
How long have you been a member of APTA New York?
I have been a member of the APTA of New York for 3 months.
What brought you to PT? Share your journey with us.
What brought me to the field of Physical Therapy? The answer to that question would be more of a who than a what. It was my program Director, Dr. Chris Caputi, who gave me the opportunity to join the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Genesee Community College (GCC) in Batavia, New York.
During a really low point in my life I reached out to the program director at GCC and shared with them my story.
I had just left my husband and needed a to find a career path that would allow me to take care of myself financially—basically, I needed a fresh start in life. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness back in 2015, but never truly utilized that degree. I got married shortly after college and followed my husband all around the county supporting his dreams of becoming a pilot. Shortly after getting married my relationship became borderline abusive. I was constantly spoken to as if I were a child, and he had to control every financial aspect of the marriage. I never realized how controlling he was until I started receiving counseling and talking to a professional about the ins and outs of my relationship.
It took a global pandemic for me to realize that I needed to get out. I started working at a clinic as a physical therapist technician/aid and truly fell in love with the field. It allowed me to help others and watch them progress weekly in an outpatient setting. I had done AmeriCorps and volunteered in settings where I was able to help people in the past, but there was something about physical therapy that was rewarding in a way that I had not experienced before.
When I finally left my marriage, I fell into a deep depression for months. I had no direction in life, and did not know what to do.
It was just like any other night, when I emailed the program director at GCC to inquire about the PTA admission process. For whatever reason, from reading my email, he saw something in me, enough to give me the chance at a better future. He set up a meeting in person, requested I send my transcripts into the college, and helped me through the entire process of applying for the PTA program. He was there for me since day one, and all I can say is that I am beyond grateful for him believing in me and allowing me into the PTA program.
It is currently the end of my first semester here at GCC, and just last week I found out that I am now legally divorced. It has been an emotional journey getting through my first semester at GCC, while simultaneously going through a divorce. I will forever be grateful for Dr. Caputi reading my email and giving me the chance to become a student physical therapist assistant. I am looking forward to a career that allows me to help others, the way Dr. Caputi helped me. It only takes one person to make a difference in another’s life.
I am so proud of myself for not giving up—because there have been many times where I felt like school was just too much. I am proud of myself for leaving a relationship that was controlling, and verbally abusive. I am proud of myself for believing for pulling myself out of a really dark place and becoming a student physical therapist assistant.
I just want any other women out there reading this, thinking to themselves that they can’t—to say “Yes, I can!” I didn’t think I was smart enough or even strong enough to leave my marriage and make it on my own, but I just did it, and kept doing it, through all the negative self-talk.
So, if you find yourself in a similar situation in life, just know that you have the ability to leave. It will be hard, but you can do it!
What is a typical day like for you?
I attend classes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I leave the house at around 8:30/9AM and come back home at around 9PM. Tuesdays and Thursdays I work from 1:30-9PM. I am always busy with school work, and just giving 110% of myself in all that I do.
What was the exact moment you decided to join the PT profession?
When I inquired about the PTA program, I knew I had an innate passion for helping others but I didn't know if I met all the credential to get into the program. Dr. Chris Caputi worked with me and college admissions to ensure I met the requirements for program. It took someone believing in me, for me to start believing in myself.
What would you tell prospective students about the profession?
I would tell prospective students to follow their heart but know that the academic road ahead will be a challenging one. If you choose this profession you must believe in yourself, and have passion for helping others through adversity.
What is the most rewarding part of your profession?
Seeing people make a change for the best! Helping others reach their goals!
What is the one of the biggest challenges to your profession?
Physical therapy management, where therapists are being overloading with patients and therefore not having the ability to provide an optimal patient experience.
What is the most important trend you see in the industry?
Improved patient engagement to create a better patient experience.
Who is one of your role models and why?
My sister is my role model. At a young age she was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, and has endured so much- countless surgeries and hospital stays- yet through it all she has remained optimistic.
What are 3 fun facts about you?
- I came face to face with a moose on a hilltop in Alaska
- I've gone Buffalo hunting in the fields of Montana within Crow Nation
- I have gone cliff diving into the beautiful seas of Italy
What do you love the most about being a part of APTA New York?
Being part of a community that truly makes a difference in the lives of others, and having the opportunity to continue to learn and grow as a professional.
What would you tell someone who is interested in joining APTA?
Just do it! The APTA is an excellent resource for the physical therapy profession.
Pitch the benefits of APTA New York in one sentence.
Continuing education credits, helpful articles, and being part of a professional community that cares for its members.
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