Student Spotlight

Ernesto Burgos (PTA Program 1803)

Ernesto Burgos is our September Student Spotlight. Ernesto is a student in the Physical Therapist Assistant cohort 1803. Ernesto was not always a fan of school, but he found within himself the determination and perseverance to go after what he loved and now this October, Ernesto will graduate from the PTA program fulfilling one of his goals! Congratulations Ernesto!

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Fillmore, California and have lived there my whole life.

What are your interests?
Music, movies and sports.

What is a cause you are passionate about?
The fight for cancer. It has impacted my family many times.

How did your path unfold and who were the faculty and staff who have helped you along that path?
I first started as a physical therapy aide at Telesis, and at the time I did not know where that would take me. The staff at Telesis took me under their wing and showed me how rewarding this field is and I’ve been moving my career forward from there.

What have you learned or are learning that’s made a difference to you?
Knowing that there is more than one way to approach a problem. Every patient is unique, and their treatments should be as well.

What have you learned from other students?
To take my time and practice, being stressed does not and will not help. The more you do something the easier it gets.

What has been your greatest challenge?
Deciding which direction this career was going to take me. Getting into school itself was a challenge, as it is a competitive profession.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?
MSK, it’s interesting to know how the body moves and learning and understanding what it is that limits us.

What is your plan for after graduation? What type of facility would you like to work in and why?
I would like to work in an outpatient facility. It allows me more freedom to work with patients and get creative with their interventions.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
Take things as they come. When you feel too stressed out, take a break and get your mind off the studying for a bit. It’ll be there waiting for you when you’re done.

What makes Casa Loma special?
Knowing that the teaching staff is there for you when you need them.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Growing up I never knew what I wanted to be. In my 20’s is when I found I had a passion for physical therapy.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
My determination. I never showed an interest in school when I was younger. The fact that I went back after all this time and showed perseverance really is a surprise, even to myself.

What’s something you want to do that you’ve never done before?
Travel to Europe and learn more about a culture totally different than mine.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?
Mexico, any time I can visit family that I haven’t seen in a long time is always a good thing.

What is your favorite book(s) and why?
48 Laws of Power and The Art of War are two of my favorite books. They give a different prospective of life and teach you how to better yourself in all aspects of life.

Your favorite movie?
The Godfather II

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Keep pushing forward, nothing worth having ever comes easy. Hard work always pays off at the end.