“Taking the leap of faith and believing in the students who are selected is really amazing. It gives us a chance to develop not just as a professional, but as a person with compassion."
Aubree Perkins, School of Health Professions
The School of Health Professions at The University of Texas at San Antonio offers students focused pathways to careers in critical segments of the healthcare industry, with many drawn to these professions due to their desire to help others. For Aubree Perkins, a second-year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, her dedication to making life better for others took root before she even took her first step on campus.
A San Antonio native, Perkins has a love for the Alamo City and a passion for helping those who call it home. Returning to San Antonio after receiving an Applied Exercise Physiology degree from Texas A&M University, Perkins knew UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of UT San Antonio, was her next step the moment she toured campus.
Lending a hand, leading the way
Now, as a student leader, serving as class president, Perkins utilizes her learning to engage with the community around her, whether it’s helping others prioritize body movement or supporting fellow classmates to stay on track with their studies.
Halfway through each semester, Perkins makes a point to reach out to her classmates to check in on their well-being and academic status, offering a helping hand if possible. During her time as class president, she has embraced the family-like environment the program's faculty has curated.
Aubree Perkins, School of Health ProfessionsWe all started together. We’re ending together. We are not leaving anyone behind along the way.
Helping others is always at the forefront of her mission, which is why being nominated for the Presidential Ambassador Scholarship was a natural fit. Through the scholarship, Perkins has had the opportunity to attend multiple networking and speaking events where she represents her program and finds opportunities to meet faculty and community leaders within the field. Her commitment to the profession is also evident in her membership in the American Physical Therapy Association and the Texas Physical Therapy Association.
When thinking of future scholars, Perkins is confident that the scholarship will continue to benefit students by alleviating any financial burden they may face throughout the academic year.
“The scholarship funds helped me focus less on the stress of financing my education, and I hope it helps others be more focused on their academics,” said Perkins.
Beyond the financial support, Perkins values the connections the scholarship has afforded her and the benefits that result from representing the School of Health Professions at key university functions and ceremonies.
For Perkins, those connections are among the most meaningful benefits she has experienced. She remains grateful to the donors who make it all possible, moved by the trust they extend to students they may never meet.
