Get to Know: Bea Oliva

Story by: Abigail Castro

Bea Oliva is a second-year Physical Therapy student. Bea’s path to choose a career in physical therapy was shaped by a combination of upbringing, personal interests, and cultural heritage. Growing up, Bea was exposed to physical therapy at an early age because her parents are physical therapists. As a child, Bea found herself immersed in the rehabilitation environment, often playing in the gym where her parents worked. Bea was inspired by seeing her parents' guide people through their healing journeys, teaching them how to walk again, and witnessing their progress firsthand. Additionally, Bea’s own involvement in competitive powerlifting solidified her desire to pursue a career in physical therapy. The strength and resilience they cultivated in the sport fueled their passion to empower others to achieve similar feats of strength and endurance.

When it came time to choose a path for her education, the Physical Therapy program at CU Anschutz stood out as the perfect fit for her aspirations. Bea chose to attend CU due to their commitment to embracing diversity and individuality. Bea appreciates that CU encourages students to explore diverse interests and backgrounds, fostering a well-rounded learning experience that extends beyond their curriculum. Bea’s motivation stems from the lessons learned in her powerlifting community - the importance of committing yourself to achieving your goals. She believes that by persevering through the challenges presented by the program, she can enhance her academic knowledge and develop the interpersonal skills necessary to connect with patients deeper.

May is a month to celebrate the resilience and heritage of Asian cultures. For Bea, this month holds special significance as it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices her parents made in pursuit of a better life. Bea's parents immigrated to the United States at 25, epitomizing resilience and courage in forging a new life and brighter future for their family. Bea aspires to carry on her parents' legacy of hard work and perseverance as she embarks on her own career in physical therapy. Bea has words of encouragement for students of color pursuing careers in healthcare, “You are needed to promote systematic and cultural change for future generations! Remember that you are reflecting the dreams of our ancestors who are living through you as you pursue this career!”