Congratulations to Soofia Hameed-Akhtar and Nuria Curbelo-Bermudez who were both awarded the Julia Conrad Trojanowski Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding first year physical therapy student with a GPA of 3.65 and who exemplifies excellent clinical skills as demonstrated in laboratory and practical examinations.
Nuria Curbelo-Bermudez
What inspired you to apply for this award?
I was inspired by the criteria for the scholarship, and I thought I would make a strong applicant. The financial burden of graduate school has been a stressor I have been facing lately and I decided to apply to this award.
What do you look forward to most about being a Physical Therapist?
I look forward to building meaningful connections with my patients to ensure the best individualized care for their overall wellbeing.
In what ways do you demonstrate leadership among your peers in the program?
I am the committee leader for our cohort’s Diversity, equity, and Inclusion committee and I am the Interpretation for the UF DPT Equal Access Clinic (EAC).
What would you like to say to the donors of this scholarship?
I am extremely honored to be chosen as a recipient of this award and cannot thank the donors enough for their generous contributions. Acknowledgements like these motivate me to continue making meaningful contributions to the program and the profession.
Soofia Hameed-Akhtar
What inspired you to apply for this award?
I applied for the Julia Conrad Trojanowski Scholarship because I felt I had met the requirements needed to apply. I have performed exceptionally well on my practical examinations throughout the curriculum, continuously do my best to support my peers, and have financial need.
What do you look forward to most about being a Physical Therapist?
I look forward to being part of my patients journey to optimal health and wellness.
In what ways do you demonstrate leadership among your peers in the program?
I demonstrate leadership in the program through Equal Access Clinic serving as the Community Needs/DEI Chair, as the DPT CO’2024 Undergraduate Liaison, and by using my strong suits to help others. Amongst my peers I spare no effort to take initiative, share helpful resources, and lend a helping hand when I can.
What would you like to say to the donors of this scholarship?
I would like to sincerely thank the donors of this scholarship in aiding in my success and giving me the opportunity to achieve greatness in my field. An investment in my education is an investment in my future. I am extremely humbled to know I have your support in my future endeavors and will continue working to rise above.