Matt DeBole
University of Pittsburgh
"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."
–Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I am a firm believer in hard work and the pursuit of your passions. I believe in us, the current physical therapy students, and our abilities to shape our future in health care. We don't merely have to change with the times; we possess the capacity to change the times! Reaching our potential is not determined by our knowledge or will, but by our application and actions. Without strong, unifying leadership guiding the development of our profession, we will be left wondering what could have been accomplished. Let's unite as physical therapy students and pursue our collective goals!
As a 2-year captain of the track and field team at Georgetown University, president of the DPT Class of 2014 and the Physical Therapy Graduate Student Association (PTGSA) at the University of Pittsburgh, and student representative of the Southwest District of the Pennsylvania Chapter of APTA, I have learned much about my personal ability to lead and contribute to a group seeking to accomplish a common goal. I have learned that words are incredibly powerful but actions are mightier. Above all, actions—not titles—determine true leadership!
My drive to serve as your Student Assembly director is anchored in my passion for physical therapy. It's the same passion that shoots adrenaline through my veins and stands every hair on my body on end. It's the same passion that gets me out of bed before my alarm sounds and keeps me from falling asleep at night. It’s the same passion that brings out the greatest in me and pushes me to perform at my best for this profession and you all.
Today, we face a glaring student membership challenge within APTA. Attitudes, whether in the classroom or the clinic, are contagious. If elected to serve on the Student Assembly, I promise to uphold an engaging, motivational, and inspiring attitude in order to attract students to become more active in our professional organization. I also will work with fellow students to mitigate the actual and perceived barriers to membership and develop creative ways to initiate participation.
Ultimately, we must make membership trendy and advocacy a habit! We cannot afford to sit idle and blame others for their inaction! We must take responsibility for the direction we seek as a profession and unite around those who can lead us to our destination. I believe in the current physical therapy students, and together we can achieve great things!