A few years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with diabetes and renal failure. Together, the two illnesses were crippling, forcing her into months of hospitalization. She eventually became wheelchair bound due to chronic weakness from multiple treatments and surgeries. Ultimately, she was admitted into a rehabilitation facility, where she began receiving occupational therapy services three hours a day, three days a week. After weeks of intense leg treatments, she regained her ability to stand and walk with relative ease. Seeing these massive gains in her everyday function through occupational therapy sparked my interest in pursuing a degree in this field.
While completing my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science curriculum, I was given the opportunity to
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Helping children and other individuals throughout the lifespan perform fundamental tasks that we take for granted is one of the most incredible aspects of this career. During my time as an intern, I was able to obtain a great amount of knowledge about the realm of pediatric occupational therapy that I may not otherwise have if not given the opportunity. Upon completion of my internship, I was offered an office assistant position at the pediatric clinic, where I have been surrounded by opportunities to observe and further educate myself on the skills needed to become an occupational therapist. Most recently, in hopes to gain hands-on healthcare experience, I became an in-home caregiver for an elderly woman who had a thoracic/lumbar spinal fusion. This opportunity has allowed me to oversee, assist, and motivate an individual who is currently in need of occupational and physical therapy. Witnessing the use of occupational therapy techniques and aids/equipment that have increased this woman’s ability to live normally has been a blessing. These previous experiences with occupational therapy