Friday, June 21, 2024
Ancelmo Mojarro came to Fort Worth to study. The Tyler native knew he wanted to be
a physical therapist early on his undergraduate days.
He embarked on his path to physical therapy a decade ago, inspired by a friend鈥檚 suggestion amidst his quest to find his calling in the medical field. 鈥淚 started shadowing a physical therapist and instantly knew this was my path,鈥� Martinez recounted, reflecting on the moment he found his purpose.
Mojarro鈥檚 story is not just about academic achievement but about perseverance, sacrifice and the unwavering pursuit of a dream against all odds.
His journey began at Tyler Junior College, followed by the University of Texas at Tyler, where he earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in kinesiology. Despite initial setbacks in gaining admission to physical therapy school, Mojarro pursued a physical therapy assistant degree as a steppingstone. He worked diligently for a year in home health care before finally gaining acceptance to the rigorous at The .
Mojarro鈥檚 pursuit of education was not without personal challenges. Balancing the demands of graduate school with family responsibilities was particularly taxing. 鈥淚 had my first child during grad school,鈥� Mojarro shared with a mix of pride and emotion. 鈥淏eing away from my family was tough. I traveled back home every weekend, leaving them behind to focus on my studies.鈥�
The challenges continued to mount as Mojarro鈥檚 family grew: He welcomed two more children during his tenure in graduate school, further testing his resolve. Despite these hurdles, Mojarro remained steadfast in his commitment, driven by a deep sense of responsibility to provide a better future for his children.
鈥淚 wanted to give them opportunities I didn鈥檛 have,鈥� he reflected on his upbringing in a low-income household. 鈥淢y parents worked hard to provide for us, but education was something I had to figure out on my own.鈥�
Mojarro鈥檚 dedication bore fruit as he navigated the demanding curriculum of physical therapy school with singular focus. He eschewed social engagements to dedicate every spare moment to his studies, a strategy that paid off with academic success.
鈥淢y second year, I had another son,鈥� he recalled. 鈥淚t made things even more challenging, but I was determined to set a positive example for my children.鈥� Despite the demands of school, Mojarro remained connected to his family, relying on their support while maintaining a rigorous study schedule.
Looking forward, Mojarro aims to specialize in orthopedics, aspiring to become an
orthopedic clinical specialist after gaining experience in the field. His immediate
focus, however, is on preparing for his licensure exam, scheduled for July, after
a setback in his first attempt.
Reflecting on his journey at HSC, Mojarro highlighted the enduring memory of hard work and dedication. 鈥淚t was about putting in the work, studying relentlessly, and maintaining my GPA,鈥� he affirmed. His story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of education, inspiring countless others facing similar challenges.
As Mojarro prepares for retaking his exam, he anticipates a future filled with opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the field of physical therapy, guided by the values instilled by his upbringing and fortified through his journey at HSC.
鈥淎ncelmo鈥檚 journey to the DPT is one of hard work, drive and resilience,鈥� said , chair of HSC鈥檚 Department of Physical Therapy. 鈥淓ach individual that comes through the doors at HSC has their own story, but they often do not come the route of being a physical therapist assistant, having a family, and trying to balance many significant life roles. He is an inspiration to his family, friends, colleagues and community.鈥�
Mojarro鈥檚 story resonates not only with aspiring physical therapists but also with anyone striving to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. His determination to succeed against all odds serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration in a world often fraught with challenges.
鈥淚 want my children to look back one day and see that hard work and sacrifice can lead to a better life,鈥� Mojarro shared, his voice brimming with determination. 鈥淓verything I鈥檝e done has been for them and their future.鈥�
Beyond his professional aspirations, Martinez plans to continue advocating for educational opportunities and support for students facing similar circumstances. He hopes his story encourages others to pursue their goals relentlessly, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter.
Mojarro expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, particularly his fianc茅e and his parents, who provided stability and encouragement throughout his journey. With commencement approaching, Mojarro looks forward to celebrating not just his academic achievement but also the resilience and determination that define his path to success.
From - Our People by Eric Griffey