Walking Her Walk: The Journey That Chose Me by Ja’Niyah

Walking Her Walk: The Journey That Chose Me by Ja’Niyah - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

In 20 states and one other country, I've seen how zip codes can determine destinies. But it wasn't until watching my premature sister work with occupational therapists that I understood how geography affects something as fundamental as a child's ability to reach their potential. When doctors recommended breaking her legs to help her walk, my family chose a different path twice weekly therapy sessions in our home. I watched her therapist patiently work with her walker and even teach her sign language. Today, at 12 years old, my sister still remembers both that walker and how to sign proof that the right therapeutic approach can create lasting impact without invasive procedures.

My experiences have shaped three clear goals for my senior year and beyond: maintaining academic excellence, deepening my understanding of diverse communities, and gaining hands-on experience with children. These aspirations aren't just checkboxes they're deliberate steps toward becoming the traveling pediatric occupational therapist I'm meant to be.
Academic excellence means more than maintaining a high GPA, though that remains crucial for my HBCU admission and future OT school applications. I've chosen AP Psychology and Anatomy & Physiology because they directly align with my career goals, building my foundation in understanding how the mind develops and how the body functions. Every concept I master in these courses brings me closer to helping children like my sister reach their full potential.
My commitment to understanding diverse communities builds on the insights I've gained from visiting 20 states. This year, I'm planning trips to Houston in December for my sister's 13th birthday and New Orleans in March for my 18th birthday. Each new city teaches me about the social and cultural factors that influence how children grow, learn, and heal. I want to be the kind of pediatric occupational therapist who doesn't just treat symptoms but understands the whole child and their community context.
Most importantly, I'm beginning hands-on work with children through BuzzWord Pittsburgh this September. This program helps children in the Homewood neighborhood develop vocabulary and conversation skills through play-based learning exactly the kind of developmental work I'll do as a pediatric OT. Working with families to expand their children's communication abilities will give me invaluable experience before I begin my formal healthcare training.

My motivation to become a traveling pediatric occupational therapist was born from witnessing both struggle and triumph. Watching my sister navigate a healthcare system that wasn't always built for her showed me how critical the right kind of care can be. What struck me most wasn't just the equipment or exercises it was the relationship. Her therapist didn't just treat her legs; she saw her as a whole child with unlimited potential.
Since then, I've noticed how easily that potential gets overlooked, especially in communities without access to specialized care. My travels have shown me repeatedly that zip codes shouldn't determine opportunities. That's why I want to be the kind of therapist who goes to the child, meeting families where they are and offering culturally responsive care that respects their story and their pace.
My identity as a young Black woman also drives my motivation. I understand the power of representation how meaningful it can be for children to see someone who looks like them in a professional healthcare role. Attending an HBCU isn't just about education for me; it's about community, legacy, and preparing to lead positive change in healthcare spaces that need more diversity.
Finally, I'm motivated by possibility itself. I believe healing can look different depending on the child, their culture, and their setting. That's exactly why I want to combine travel with pediatric OT to learn from different communities while serving children who might not otherwise have access to specialized care. This isn't just a career goal; it's my calling to help every child I meet discover their own potential, just like my sister did.

Becoming a traveling pediatric occupational therapist represents more than my career goal it's my purpose. Through academic excellence, cultural understanding, and hands-on experience with children, my senior year will prepare me for a future where I can show up, listen deeply, and make lasting impact. One child, one family, one community at a time, I'm ready to help young people overcome challenges and reach their full potential, no matter where they call home.