Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy
2019
PTA Grad Overcomes Early Struggles, Finds Success
A May 2019 graduate of GateWay’s Physical Therapist Assisting program, Frida Leon could be described as the epitome of perseverance.
At 25 years old, Frida is already working in a field she loves at Foothills Physical Therapy and still finds time to volunteer at GateWay’s HUG Clinic. This life she lives today, though, is a far cry from her early childhood. Frida illegally emigrated to the U.S. with her parents, began elementary school with no English skills, and lived with an assortment of relatives in Arizona and California.
After her parents divorced during her elementary school years, she eventually found her way to GateWay Early College High School. At this time, she also started her journey to achieving her Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy.
After graduating from GWECHS and completing her prerequisites, she found herself with another challenge to overcome. After getting married at the age of 18, her marriage was ending in divorce. Despite this additional obstacle, she was soon accepted into the Physical Therapist Assisting Program in 2016.
It was just three short months after Frida completed her PTA program when she passed the National Physical Therapy Exam – and on her first try, no less.
“GateWay provided me the tools, confidence, and guidance to find the a professional career that has allowed me to make a difference in people’s lives,” Frida said. “I am grateful for my teachers and the GateWay Staff members who helped me on my journey as a PTA student.”
Frida truly has overcome a wealth of obstacles in her life to achieve her goals.
To learn more about the Physical Therapist Assisting program at GateWay Community College, visit gatewaycc.edu/physical-therapist-assisting.