Get to Know: Misael Oronia
Story by Abigail Castro

Misael Oronia is a first-generation student in his second year at the CU Anschutz Physical Therapy Program. Reflecting on his journey to pursue physical therapy, Misael was influenced by the women in his life. Misael’s grandmother cared for the sick in her community and his mother who worked as a pharmacist. Misael’s family moved to the United States to start a new life. Misael grew up playing soccer and fell in love with sports and wanted to center his career around sports. However, Misael wanted to work in healthcare due to his family’s influence. When Misael was searching for a career that incorporated his passion for sports and helping others, he was referred to Physical Therapy for an overuse injury. This experience showed that Misael could achieve his dream job. Misael continued to gain more experience with Physical Therapy and was able to realize this was his calling.

Throughout the Physical Therapy program, Misael is motivated by his wife, family, and faith. Misael gives thanks to his parents who left their plans and aspirations behind to give him and his brothers a bright future in a new country. Misael is grateful to have an amazing support system that encourages him to work hard throughout the program, “My wife, family, and friends believe in me, support me, and continuously encourage me to keep going and give it my all. I know that through it all, God is watching over me and giving me the strength to keep going,” he says.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, Misael takes pride in his roots and continues to honor his heritage by sharing his culture, values, traditions, and language among the CU Physical Therapy Program. Misael teaches his classmates Spanish to address the language barrier in our community to build patient rapport to increase positive patient outcomes.

Misael encourages students of color to focus on becoming the best version of yourself to achieve your goals. “Sigue con tu mirada en la meta y nunca te rindas. Algo que he aprendido a lo largo de los años es de siempre tener una sonrisa en el rostro y estar agradecido por lo que tengo y lo lejos que he llegado. [Keep your eye on the goal and never give up. Something I've learned throughout the years is to always have a smile on my face, and to be grateful for what I have and how far I've come.]”