Helping Others
Emily Ambrose is at her best when other people are happy. That selfless quality of putting others before yourself is often lost in today’s society, but it comes naturally for Emily.
“I tend to put others before myself, and knowing I can help someone is what makes me happy. My goal is to make other people happy, and that’s something I get from my family.”
A junior Exercise Science major from Las Vegas, Nevada, Emily has witnessed the value of helping others from her mother and looks to follow in those same footsteps. “My mom is an occupational therapist who loves working with people. I want to be a physical therapist and help someone who is hurt and get them better. As an athlete, I have spent my share of time with a physical therapist, so I have that correlation of seeing how a PT interacts with patients.”
She has seen the work of a physical therapist from the other side, having played soccer for 17 years, including the past three on the Warriors’ women’s squad. It was soccer that brought her to Midland, but it was the people around her that kept her going through the challenges of being a freshman and being a thousand miles from home.
“I wasn’t sure I wanted to get away from home at first, but when Midland started recruiting me, that’s when I knew I wanted something totally different. Between the small-town feel, the professors and coaches, and all four seasons of weather, I knew this was where I wanted to be.
“It was hard at first, and without my roommates and teammates, I’m not sure I would have stayed. But I found my family here, and there are so many people here to support you.”
Emily supports herself by carrying an amazingly positive attitude. “I have things going on in my life, but I’m the happy girl! You won’t see me sad or crying; I’m always ready for the day with a smile on my face.”
That outlook has been made possible by what she calls an outstanding support system around her. “I have people who can help me when I’m struggling. Through coaches, professors, advisors, and school therapists, I have people I can talk to. That has allowed me to become a better person.”
Growing up in a big city like Las Vegas, spending four years attending college in Nebraska never showed up on Emily’s radar. But once she realized she was ready for something different, there was no looking back. “I knew I wanted to get away from the west coast. I visited two colleges in Nebraska, and once I got to Midland and met with my team, I knew this was where I wanted to be.
“Soccer has been so great for me. It’s the place where I go to take out my anger, stress, and anxiousness. Our team is always there for each other, and we push each other to be better, on and off the field. It’s great knowing you have 30 girls to back you up.”
Emily’s Midland experience has been everything she could have hoped for when leaving the bright lights of Las Vegas three years ago.
“I consider myself to be a bit of an introvert, but I have gotten to know so many people here. I have high standards for myself, but this experience has skyrocketed even my expectations. It feels like home.”
Emily Ambrose is a junior Exercise Science major from Las Vegas, Nevada. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
