Janet Trujillo
Orthotic Resident
Background
As a previous recipient of the ABC Orthotist & Prosthetist Diversity Scholarship, I am proud to share
how this opportunity transformed my journey in orthotics and prosthetics. I am a first-generation
college graduate, a milestone I once thought was beyond my reach due to significant family
responsibilities. Despite these challenges, I pursued my dreams and earned a Master’s degree in
Orthotics and Prosthetics from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
The incredible faculty and staff at CSUDH were instrumental in guiding me. They introduced me to the
scholarship opportunities that became a crucial stepping stone in my career. With the support of the
Diversity Scholarship, I was able to participate in an international service trip with the Range of Motion
Project (ROMP) to Ecuador.
This experience was life-changing. ROMP’s mission to provide high-quality prosthetic care to
underserved individuals aligns deeply with my passion for equitable healthcare access. During the trip, I
met individuals who had traveled for days through the Amazon rainforest, for their first prosthetic
devices. Witnessing their resilience and being part of their journey to regain mobility was profoundly
humbling and inspiring.
Without the scholarship, this impactful experience would not have been possible. I am immensely
grateful for the opportunities it has provided, not only for my professional growth but also for making a
tangible difference in people’s lives.
To anyone considering applying for this scholarship: do it. The possibilities it opens are limitless, and
it’s a stepping stone to achieving dreams that may seem out of reach.
Why did you apply?
I applied for the ABC Orthotist & Prosthetist Diversity Scholarship to alleviate financial barriers, avoid
taking on student loans given the high cost of graduate school, and participate in meaningful service
opportunities like the ROMP trip to Ecuador.
How did the funding help you meet your goals?
The ABC Orthotist & Prosthetist Diversity Scholarship played a crucial role in helping me achieve my
academic and professional goals. The award allowed me to fund an international service trip to
Ecuador with the Range of Motion Project (ROMP), where I provided life-changing prosthetic care to
underserved individuals. Additionally, it helped cover a portion of my tuition, easing the financial burden
of completing my Master’s program in Orthotics and Prosthetics.
The scholarship also assisted with moving expenses as I transitioned to begin my residency program,
an essential step toward becoming a certified practitioner. These opportunities would have been
significantly more challenging without this support, and I am deeply grateful for the impact the
scholarship had on my journey.
How did the funding impact your career?
The ABC Orthotist & Prosthetist Diversity Scholarship had a significant positive impact on my career. It
allowed me to focus on my education and service work, rather than financial stress, enabling me to
complete my Master’s program and participate in a life-changing service trip to Ecuador with ROMP.
The funding also covered moving costs for my residency, helping me transition smoothly into this
critical training phase. These opportunities strengthened my skills, deepened my commitment to
equitable care, and set a solid foundation for my career in orthotics and prosthetics.
What did the funding mean to you personally?
Receiving the ABC Orthotist & Prosthetist Diversity Scholarship was deeply meaningful to me. As
someone who once thought higher education was out of reach, this award affirmed that I am on the
right path—helping, serving, and changing lives for the better. I am profoundly grateful for the
opportunity and remain committed to paying it forward, whether through small acts of kindness or
impactful service in my field.
