As a 17 yrs single mother, whom almost did not graduated high school, I thought my life would be extremely different from my current circumstance. Let me start by telling you a little about myself, my past and current ambitions. I always wanted a career that would allow me to help people. However, after the birth of my daughter on September 7,2001, I dropped out of high school and was working full time as a waitress within 2 months, to support her. In 2002 I went back to night school and graduated only 1 yr later, due to my dual enrollment in community college as well as night school. My accomplishment with High School, encouraged me to move forward with education unfortunately, I was unable to afford it and unable to qualify for the financial aid I required for the Occupational therapy program. Working as a waitress seemed to be my future, until I found Everest Institute. Upon being awarded financial aid I completed my Massage therapy diploma, in May of 2009. This was defiantly the closest I could get to OT, and that was good enough for me. In June of 2009, I cut the ex-tensor tendon in my right thumb. I would be in a cast for a minimum of 8 weeks, after the surgery to re-attach the tendon. Then came physical therapy, for months and no massaging for at least a year. At this is the point I applied to EMU, went into career services to speak with an adviser about their Occupational Therapy program, and here I discovered Therapeutic Recreation. Before I found Therapeutic Recreation, I dreamed I would be an Occupational Therapist. If I’m honest with myself, even partially through my degree I wanted to continue onto my Masters of Occupational therapy. At this point I participated in my mandatory 600-hour internship. I had the fortun... ... middle of paper ... ...or Therapeutic Recreation at my future facility, give a struggling therapist a chance, or bring new knowledge and programming wherever I go. I also want to be in a better position to speak with my professional peers and the medical insurance companies about billing, licensure, and special certifications. All of these issues are contributing to Therapeutic Recreation not being recognized as a legitimate therapy, regardless of location or medical setting. In conclusion, these are just a few of the reasons I want to further my education, in the medical field. With this degree I can help the clients I deeply care for, help my profession, my peers, current students and future students. These are my goals, and I am truly driven to achieve them. I have overcome, much in my life and I definitely feel I am capable of meeting this challenge, all I need is the chance to do so.
Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant has been an ambition of mine for several years now. After researching, job shadowing, and talking to professionals, I have decided to make Occupation Therapy my career. My passion is to help patients by participating and assisting them in their recovery from injuries and disabilities. My compassionate and caring attitude will be vital assets in pursuing this career. After training in Occupational Therapy, it is motivating for me to know that I will be a part of assisting patients to gain back their independence. Helping others is something that I am passionate about in my career and in my spare time. I have been on several mission trips to Haiti and other places which I have provided care for others in a medical setting.
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.
The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) categorizes feeding, eating and swallowing as occupations and activities that are essential to the basic well-being and survival of the individuals across the lifespan (AOTA, 2013 p. 19). The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has a long-standing position on the practitioner’s role on feeding, eating and swallowing. For example, feeding, eating and swallowing are included in official AOTA documents and publications such as AOTA Model Definition of Occupational Therapy for State Practice Acts (2007), and Scope of Practice Document official AOTA document (2006). These documents stipulate that feeding, eating and swallowing are within the domain and scope of occupational therapy
Occupation is defined as “activites of everyday life, names, organized and given meaning by individuals and a culture” (Association, 2006). This article also discusses the historical aspects of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy was founded by many different professionals with different backgrounds, that came together to share the same idea about how occupational therapy should be and the importance of activites for a person. This article also talks about different types of services that occupational therapy offers. Occupational therapists and assistances can work in many different settings. With the variety of settings a therapist and assistance can work in, the services that are offered there are different. Some different services that can be offered at these settings can include community mobility skills, stress management, alternative routines and habits, and more. It is important for therapists and assistances to know what settings offer what type of services when they are referencing their client to a new setting. The last topic this article discussed
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
The article I have chosen relates to our Introduction to Occupational Therapy (OCT 100) class by encompassing several of the topics we have covered throughout the spring semester. I believe this article relates to OCT 100 because the students use some of the most relevant components
I find occupational therapy to pique my drive to teach people valuable life skills as well as learn from those people and their experiences. Being an occupational therapist would allow me to have one-on-one interactions with patients and establish meaningful relationships over the course of time. It would also give me the dutiful privilege and responsibility of instilling confidence in others and helping them realize their full potential in self-suffiency. All of my personal experiences, challenges, educational backgrounds, and professional interactions have guided me toward pursuing my goals of gaining experience working in all populations, enabling patients to thrive in their daily lifestyle, and spread public awareness of what OT has
Since mental health issues have directly influenced my life, I want to do the same and directly influence mental health issues by means of occupational therapy
The career that interests me the most is Occupational Therapy. I chose to interview Debbie, a Registered Occupational Therapist who received her Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University. She is working at Lynwood Manor which is a long-term rehabilitation facility.
While being able to financially support myself one day still motivated me, I began to appreciate the importance of physical independence as well. I never want to be physically limited and unable to do the things that make me happy, such as snowboarding or kayaking, and I also want to remain independent into old age. This reinforced my desire to pursue physical therapy because I want the opportunity to help others achieve this same kind of freedom that will improve their quality of life. A student and professional must be invested in the patients and be able to empathize with them. Having these abilities will contribute to creating more effective treatment plans and achieving better treatment
During recent observation hours, I heard some of the most influential words of advice from an occupational therapist which was “Occupational therapy is fun.” It is a simple thought, yet it is so true. Occupational Therapy is not a healthcare field where you just prescribe medications. It is a career where you help older adults enjoy the activities they love again. It is a career where you help children be attentive at school and confident at the dinner table. It is a career where you dedicate time to understanding and encouraging patients in ways that are specific to their needs and goals. With occupational therapy, you create an individualistic approach to a patient’s plan of care. It is a career where you make a real difference, and because I want to create change and help others, I want to be an occupational therapist. I am so excited by the diverse and meaningful nature of the work, and I cannot wait to begin this journey.
My journey to pursue an education in physical therapy actually originates from my early childhood. I endured a very impoverished upbringing and my family’s socioeconomic status was below the poverty line. At a very young age, money became the central issue of my life. I found myself worrying about mortgages, health bills, and grocery money. As I grew older, I vowed to myself that I would not endure my family’s financial burdens into my adulthood. I knew the best way to accomplish this was by obtaining a college degree and having a professional career. However, I was unsure what career I wanted to pursue. I experimented with many different career ideas, but during my sophomore, I discovered my passion and skill for physical medicine. For my
I want to help people regain the pieces of their lives they feel they’ve lost. I am confident that with a quality education from this institution I will be able to achieve, excel, and provide quality therapy. Occupational therapy has provided a purpose for me. I believe that it is one of few ways you can help people regain their belief in themselves. I always believe the best in others, and I never give up on them. Occupational therapy is about helping individuals see the best in themselves, and putting that in action. By helping people come forward mentally and physically you help make them stronger and their whole life is altered . I want to change lives, and I know if I receive a quality education then that can become a reality. If I am considered for the occupational therapy program I will continue to grow in both work ethic and determination. I will showcase my willingness to work and my desire to see transformed lives. I will allow my passion to drive me through the obstacles before me and become the ultimate student I can be. My leadership qualities and dedication to the community along with those that reside in it , will be my
Nothing will deter me from achieving my goal of becoming an Occupational Therapist. I have
Seven years ago, when I decided to enter the school of medicine, my dream was to be able to help people, to take responsibility of their health so they can live their lives and achieve their dreams. Having always been fascinated by science, pursuing this interest and practicing medicine became a passion to me.