I have had the opportunity to witness first hand the kind of life-changing impact that occupational therapy can have on a patient’s life. Watching a brain damaged patient successfully write the alphabet for the first time or witnessing a child with an underdeveloped thumb get excited as he completes a pinching exercise has shown me how much occupational therapy matters in the lives of people. The chance to have this kind of impact is why I’ve chosen to make OT my career. My journey to occupational therapy started when I applied to my high school’s Health Academy. Little did I know at the time, but that started a passion that determined my college major, influenced my research and volunteer projects, propelled me to work in a third world country …show more content…
This combination presented competing priorities that taught me strong time management, tenacity and discipline to be successful in both areas. I am a hard worker and in the weight room or in the library, I put in the time and focus to excel at the task before me. My involvement in team sports has taught me the importance of communication, the value of teamwork, and that each team member offers a unique talent and perspective that contributes to the overall team success. The skills I have learned and the experiences I have had will enable me to be a successful student in a master’s program of occupational therapy. My discipline, work ethic, and practical experience will make me successful academically. My leadership and team building skills will allow me to work well with peers and professors. I believe I have the interpersonal skills and empathy that differentiates a truly effective occupational therapist. I have seen firsthand the joy on a patient’s face when they are no longer labeled by their disability but have the chance to feel “normal.” My desire to work with patients, make an impact on their lives, improve their quality of life and help them find this feeling of normal gives me the drive and passion to be
Occupational therapy is also known as the dynamic and developing healthcare profession that deals with people in ways of regaining their skills required for the every days of life. For a very long time I have always had the desire to achieve my dreams in becoming an occupational therapist. I am very well equipped with creativity, flexibility and the ability to aid people in solving their every day’s life challenges they get involved in. Occupational therapy is quite involving and needs good strategies and skills for one to be successful in the program.
This article discusses the basic understanding of what occupational therapy is and what it the
Throughout my life, my work ethic, my mental strength, and the skills I have learned, are largely because of my athletic background and all of the things I have gone through with them. To be good at sports, one does not have to
While growing up I had many ideas of what professional career I wanted to obtain, although until recent years, occupational therapy was not even a thought. It was not until my grandmother had a stroke that I even knew what occupational therapy was or entailed. I watched my grandmother participate in therapy leading her to learn how to tie her shoes again, and the things I thought were so simple as to dress herself again. It was during that time as high school graduation was approaching that I realized I wanted to be apart of that. I wanted to have a role helping others learn and exceed as she did because I seen how much joy it brought her. This experience opened my eye to the things we so often take for granted, that some people lose the ability of doing or lack the ability of doing. Throughout her journey of facing and overcoming these problems, it led me to a yearning to pursue this
Occupational therapy made its first appearance in a modern-day setting during the 18th century; however, occupational therapy dates back to 100 BC. The United States medical system adopted occupational therapy in the 19th century. In 1910, occupational therapy became a realized profession. Then, the main focus was working with individuals to get them to a fully functional state. Around 1930, standards of practice were developed for occupational therapists (OT’s). The career continues to evolve and change as new illnesses and disabilities arise. Even with all the changes, the main focus remains intact: helping people.
I have been a four year letter-winner in volleyball and basketball. Athletics have been a crucial part of developing my character and work ethic. In sports, you must work together with your team to reach your goals. Trust and communication skills are vital and are tested every day. The failure and setbacks I have faced through sports have helped me to believe in myself and have the self-confidence that it takes to be successful in athletics and in life. As a senior captain of the volleyball and basketball teams, my leadership has improved tremendously as high school has progressed. Being a leader holds me accountable and I aim to be a role model for younger teammates on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.
Occupational therapy was based off of psychology; we evolved from treating mentally ill patients with isolation as an efficient treatment plan. We must never forget we are known to be “the art and science of helping people do the day-to-day activities that are important and meaningful to their health and well being through engagement in valued occupations” (Crepeau, Cohn, & Schell, 2008). To other professional disciplines this article explains the difference between each of us, yet can also express our relation to one another. The basic goal of all therapeutic disciplines is to better our clients life, through physical, speech or occupational therapy. Every discipline targets different goals, may it be body mechanics, reducing a stutter or buttoning a shirt, at the end of the day our clients well being may it be through science, art or both is all that matters. To the occupational therapy field this article means progress for what we do. Reading this article today in the year 2015 did not seem like old information to me, it is still relevant, I am proud that our field is not only evolving with contemporary time but it is also maintaining its
Each game, my passion grew. Each team, new memories and lifelong friends were made. Sports sometimes make me feel disappointment and at loss; but it taught me to be resilient to a lot of things, like how to thrive under pressure and come out on top. Being the team captain of my high school’s football and lacrosse team showed me how having a big responsibility to bring a group together to work as one is compared to many situations in life. Currently playing varsity football, varsity lacrosse, and track I take great pride in the activities I do. Staying on top of my academics, being duel enrolled at Indian River State College, working three nights a week, and two different sport practices after school each day shaped my character to having a hard work
I look forward to helping them become more independent by aiming for their personal goals and reaching for their full potential. I am enthusiastic in finding a career were I am able to be creative and discover the self-confidence in my patients that will help them succeed. Throughout the coming years, I hope to attain the skills and abilities to succeed in this field. As I further my knowledge in this field I hope to demonstrate ethical decision making and learn to appreciate my role in supporting my patients as they learn to navigate a new world. I hope to educate the community in gaining a better understanding of what occupational therapy is and the overall impact it can make on an individual’s life and
During my undergraduate studies, I spent time exploring the field of exercise science. I endured laborious coursework that molded my character into a strong-willed, disciplined student. As I deepened my knowledge of the human body, my passion for working in health care evolved to new heights. I also grew a fondness for learning new material and concepts. By the end of my undergraduate experience, I knew how to maximize my personal success.
Parsons, H. (2014). Occupational therapy’s role in the excellence in mental health. OT practice, 19(19), 6-7. Retrieved from https://ezproxy.southtexascollege.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1618146077?acountid=7069.
While working or while looking for work there are certain skills sets that are universally important. No matter what job or career path you have chosen these skills make it easier to obtain your goals, whatever they may be.
The realization of how important the value of occupation and health is in my own life inspires me to help others. I work on maintaining my own health by staying active and productive everyday. Being able to participate in occupations and activities I enjoy is what allows me to live a fulfilling and satisfying life. Occupational therapy appeals to me because it helps people overcome different obstacles, allow them to accomplish their goals, and participate in activities that are meaningful to them. Along with the physical component of Occupational Therapy, I have also observed the emotional, mental, and behavioral aspect of it. I have always been fascinated with the holistic approach Occupational Therapy takes when providing someone with individualized treatment. I believe physical and mental health is integrated, and it’s essential to look at the whole person in order to understand the needs of an
As I sit here and reflect on how my education and work life experiences have prepared me for my future in the workplace; I truly become overwhelmed by the amount of things that I have learned and experienced. Like many others these experiences has influenced, motivated, and driven me to make the choices I have made. The good, the bad and the ugliest of them all have helped me to become the person that I am today.
· Help patients discover why they think certain thoughts and how these thoughts affect their feelings.