Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabelle Degraff.
Isabelle, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Isabelle Degraff and I am a second-year physical therapy student at Florida International University. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. I grew up participating in a number of sports and always staying active in and out of school. This cultivated a passion for physical activity and maintaining a healthy lifestyle at a young age. Growing up with Caribbean parents and having doctors in my family drove me to have high expectations of myself. Despite this pressure, I wanted to ensure that I loved my career and had a passion for what I did everyday instead of living up to an expectation.
I have always had a fascination with the complexity of the human body. I also enjoyed the idea of assisting people and witnessing them progress and recover over time. Initially, I thought I wanted to attend medical school and become a sports medicine physician. As I advanced throughout my undergraduate years, I learned more about what physical therapists do and the impact I could make in other people’s lives if I pursued this career. It is important to have the ability to work one-on-one with patients and really get to know them during their recovery process. I am grateful to find a career that aligns so much with my values and interests and I am excited to see where it takes me.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle I faced was overcoming imposter syndrome. Upon graduating undergrad, I was advised that I didn’t meet the credentials to have a competitive application. With doubts regarding acceptance into a program, I still continued the application process. During this time, I worked a part-time job at the Nike Outlet Store while finishing up a pre-requisite course. This situation brought about uncertainties because I felt other applicants were more qualified than I was at the time. In one of the clinics I volunteered in, a PTA with several years of experience was applying to physical therapy programs for her third attempt. This brought a lot of self-doubts as I compared her credentials to mine. When I received my acceptance letter on my first attempt at applying, I realized that comparison could have jeopardized the opportunity of becoming a physical therapist. This obstacle highlighted that there is no blueprint when it comes to achieving your goals and reminded me that everyone’s journey is unique.
Please Tell Us about CURE Lifestyle.
My brand focuses on living a life of restoration and equilibrium. I believe that it’s the small things in life that make up the quality of it. My goal is to promote healthier lifestyle choices. Whether that’s through leading by example or offering resources, I hope to cultivate a community of people that are passionate and motivated in adopting habits that will ultimately have a positive impact on them and those around them. Our well-being must be met in order to serve the community around us. The resources I provide will be in the format of blog articles and/or videos that range from topics such as, but not limited to, health and wellness, self-care, and self-improvement.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory was traveling to Brazil for a month. This experience helped me to understand the privilege I had at a young age. Getting to travel abroad widened my worldview and allowed me to develop a greater sense of self-awareness.
Contact Info:
- Website: curelifestyle.com
- Email: isabelledegraff@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/isabelle.degraff
Image Credit:
@viabrad
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