UVU student wins $10,000 for essay

Wells Fargo will award 26-year-old Daniel Gibbons $10,000 Wednesday for an essay he wrote about his dream of becoming a physical therapist.

Gibbons was on his way to Arizona State University when he lost control on the highway and crushed his pelvis, he wrote in his essay. His experience learning to walk again inspired him to go into physical therapy.

"Sitting there in a hospital bed, it felt great to reach little goals," Gibbons said. "When I sat up in bed I felt like I achieved something big. I wanted to pass that feeling on to other people."

Gibbons, who is now an exercise science major at Utah Valley University, said he plans to use the money to help pay for the remainder of his education. The $10,000 is a "real blessing," Gibbons said, because he and his wife are expecting their first child in October.

Wells Fargo designed the essay contest to help people across the country realize their financial dreams, said company spokesman Mark Chapman.

"The main purpose is to get people to think about what they want their future to look like," he said. "Wells Fargo is here to help them succeed financially."

Gibbons is one of five finalists across the country who is eligible to earn an additional $100,000 prize. The winner will be determined by the public. To read the finalist's essays and cast a vote, visit wellsfargo.com.

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