Steven Ross

For Steven Ross, the moment he received his job offer from a top physical therapy clinic in San Francisco, it felt like everything he had worked for since childhood had finally come full circle. A recent graduate of Oklahoma State University, Ross is preparing to leave his hometown of Roland for the busy streets of California to begin his career as a physical therapist — his lifelong dream.

“I’ve wanted this since I was a kid,” Ross says, his voice filled with both excitement and nerves. “It always seemed so far away, just this goal I kept working toward. But now, it’s real. I’m actually moving to San Francisco.”

His passion for physical therapy started at a young age. After suffering a sports injury in middle school, he spent months in physical therapy — an experience that not only helped him recover, but also sparked an interest in the profession.

“I remember thinking, ‘This is what I want to do’,” he recalls. “Helping people regain strength, mobility and confidence — it felt like the perfect career for me.”

His journey to becoming a physical therapist wasn’t always easy. The coursework at Oklahoma State University, combined with long nights of studying and intensive hands-on clinical rotations, tested his dedication. But every challenge only reaffirmed his commitment to the field.

“There were definitely times I was exhausted, but I never questioned if this was the right path,” Ross says. “I knew that every step was getting me closer to where I wanted to be.”

One of the moments that affirmed his choice happened during his clinical rotations. Ross worked with an elderly patient recovering from a stroke, helping her regain mobility and independence.

“She went from barely being able to lift her leg to walking on her own again,” he says. “When she told me, ‘You gave me my life back,’ that moment stuck with me. I knew I had chosen the right career.”

Now, with his diploma in hand and a job secured, he’s preparing to make the biggest move of his life. Leaving Oklahoma for San Francisco is a major change — one that comes with both excitement and a bit of apprehension.

“I’ve lived in Oklahoma my whole life,” Ross admits. “Moving to a city like San Francisco is going to be a whole new experience. The pace, the people, the lifestyle — it’s different, but it’s exactly what I’ve been dreaming about.”

Though he’ll miss his family and friends, Ross is eager to embrace the opportunities that come with living and working in a major city. His new job will allow him to work with a diverse range of patients, from athletes recovering from injuries to elderly individuals regaining mobility after surgery.

“I’m excited to learn from some of the best in the field and grow as a therapist,” he says. “This is where I want to build my career.”

His family, while proud of his accomplishments, is having a hard time adjusting to the idea of him being so far away.

“We always knew he had big dreams, but I never imagined he’d be moving halfway across the country,” says his mom, Linda Ross. “We’re incredibly proud of him, though. He’s worked so hard for this, and we know he’s going to do amazing things.”

As his moving date approaches, Ross is making the most of his time in Oklahoma, spending extra moments with loved ones and soaking in the familiar comforts of home. He’s making a checklist of his favorite places — one last stop at his go-to burger joint (Burger Barn), a drive down familiar country roads and an afternoon fishing trip with his dad.

“I know I’ll miss the small-town feel, and the people,” he says. “There’s nothing quite like Oklahoma. But at the same time, I’m ready for this next chapter. This is what I’ve worked for, after all.”

Just Folks is Your TIMES way of honoring the regular people of Sequoyah County, recognizing their unique talents, personalities, jobs, abilities, etc. Your TIMES appreciates the cooperation of each Just Folks and the public’s nominations for this feature. If you know of someone you think might be a good story, contact Amie at 918-775-4433.