Black History Month 2024 Student Highlight - February 6, 2024
Get to know: Amber Pearson
Feb 6, 2024Get to Know: Amber Pearson
Story by Abigail Castro
Amber Pearson is a second-year DPT student at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Amber was inspired to pursue Physical Therapy through competitive gymnastics. Amber recalls connecting with her physical therapist that was caring for her injuries and was able to connect with her on a personal level. Through this experience, Amber decided to pursue physical therapy due to the lasting impact of one physical therapist, that she hopes to have on others once she graduates in December of 2024. Amber shares, “connecting with and impacting other people in a positive way is one of my main priorities in this life, and I love that PT is a way in which I can consistently put my energy into accomplishing that. I also hope to be a driver for societal change in the direction of equality, sustainability, and overall improved quality of life. It’s my belief that anything, especially one’s career, can be used as a tool for that change if it matters to you enough.”
When reflecting on the CU Anschutz Physical Therapy program, Amber shares that she is grateful to be surrounded by an intelligent and caring group that has a diverse background. The school's resources have allowed Amber to be involved with campus organizations that facilitate her professional growth. For example, Amber shares her passion of connecting with her community through volunteering in events like the Annual Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit and high school outreach programs to teach them about physical therapy.
When asked about what Black History Month means to Amber, she states “Black History Month is a dedicated time in which we can elevate and uplift historical and present-day Black voices, perspectives, experiences to expand on the understanding of the Black community as we try to dismantle systemic racism.” She continues, “February is a time for celebration and unity for the Black community for our continued resilience and growth in the face of endless pushback, invalidation, and marginalization on both the micro and macro scale.” Amber honors her commitment to diversity by continuously working to be the change she desires to see in healthcare. She is the newly appointed Recruitment Officer for the CU Chapter of White Coats for Black Lives.
Amber offers words of encouragement to students of color pursuing a career in healthcare, “You are so worthy and capable of accomplishing anything that you want to in this life, no matter how others may intentionally or unintentionally make you feel because of your skin color. We have a place in healthcare and any other career field we sit fit for that matter. Never let anyone dim your light or invalidate the things that are important to you, no matter how those things may change or evolve as you grow. Being empathetic, confident, and true to yourself goes a long way.”
