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.
Over the last two months I have observed three different careers related to Exercise Science. I had the opportunity to observe a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and an Athletic Trainer. Going on these observations has really opened my eyes to what I want to do in the future after college and the requirements that I need to get there. With my Exercise Science degree I am aiming to be a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. An Occupational Therapist is a profession that helps people across their lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities.
These past few weeks I've spent many, many hours debating about a pretty big decision I've been trying to make. I've covered every aspect from making the better choice for my career or for my finances or how it will effect my family and friends, and I've finally decided based on what I WANT to do. So with that being said, I am happy to announce that I have accepted a full-time position as a Mental Health Assistant in Nashville at Hermitage Hall!!! A month ago I would've never imagined this happening, but it did and I couldn't be happier to start my journey with a youth residential treatment center in a few weeks!
I have selected Elementary Education as my major. Children have always been a part of my life and I can’t imagine my future without kids in it. Three years ago, I started a business that incorporated my love for children and my entrepreneurial spirit. I opened Courtyard Summer Camp - a half day, outdoor, adventurous summer camp!
I will soon hold a Bachelor degree in Communication Disorders and my studies have taught me how to communicate with individuals from all backgrounds, professions, and social classes. It taught me sympathy and understanding of human interaction. My long term goal is to work with school aged children and young adults as a speech-language pathologist. I have experience in interacting favorably and effectively with children of a wide range and enjoy doing so. I belong in an educational environment and would like to continue on to the school system and contribute to the success of school aged children and young adults.
Seeing that there are countless cases of children who have problems developing properly or have early childhood disorders, I feel that with the skills and personality that I have and the skills that I learned from being exposed to occupational therapy it can be very rewarding for both me and the child along with their family. To know that I can impact a child from early developmental stages and because of me they can live a normal life is a blessing. From a young age I was constantly surrounded around young children and loved caring for them. Patients that you work with need to make sure that they feel safe with you and I can ensure patients that they are in the perfect hands. One thing that I love is that occupational therapy has diverse areas where you can work whether in a hospital, private clinic, home visits, and etc.
Being a psychiatrist or having the knowledge of or a degree in psychology it can open doors to many other jobs dealing with people and how you have to think about how they think. I could be a correctional officer which has the job of Monitoring prison inmate populations. This responsibility includes supervising inmates’ activities and participating in rehabilitation and counseling for inmates. which makes corrections work more than suitable for psychology degree bearer. Then there is also the job of a Psychiatric technician which assist clinical professionals and patients with many different tasks.
“Karen Salmansohn once said, ‘If I had never experienced the pain I’ve gone through, I never would have become who I am today.’’’ Being molested by a family member and taking care of my baby sister were some of the challenges I have to go through and learn from. Afterward these challenges will help me to pursue my professional goals, by providing equality service in those in need regardless of their sexual orientation, face, religion, financial status, and more. Growing up, I was molested by my uncle for 9 years. Every night, I was lying in bed with tears going down my cheeks because he would get under the blanket and touched me.
My ultimate career goal is being in the classroom, teaching elementary students (preferably either Kindergarten or first grade). However, I have been so interested in working with with special needs students. These past two semesters required me to complete observation hours, which I completed a majority within a special education classroom. I saw the way these students learned, and tried to gain an understanding of the material. What really touched my heart is the fact that though these students have disabilities, they still had a passion for life and an excitement to learn.
Even though I have only worked in my profession for about two years now, I have great insight into how the developments in technology has changed my career field. What I have seen though has been nothing less than impressive. In just a few short years my career field has made some major changes due to the increase in information technology and mobile revolution. In the beginning, being a Biomedical Equipment Technician job relied heavily on prior experience.
While working at a preschool I discovered my love of working with children. My favorite moments were when the children would finally write the letter we had been practicing the whole week. I would watch them do something by themselves that they had not been able to do before and see how proud they were of themselves. Knowing that I helped them feel that way was the best feeling. I want to translate that into the physical therapy field and help children with neurological disorders and developmental delays achieve their potentials, physically and
I remember when I was a child something happened in my family. My aunt had her baby before time and he was a premature baby. After that the doctors diagnosed him with cerebral palsy and from that moment he was a child with much of special need. Since that moment I felt animated to help children with these needs and now I am close to fulfilling my goals. I believe that Occupational Therapy is what I wanted to do for the rest of my live.
Last summer I had the privilege of working at a residential camp as a counselor. I had many different responsibilities, including taking care of campers, leading tasks, programming activities, and working on logistical endeavors necessary for camp. I began working at Aldersgate not only because I needed a job, but because I remembered the unforgettable experiences I had as a camper when I was younger. Most summers, when I went there for a week, I made new friendships, pushed physical boundaries, gained some independence, and further explored my faith. Returning as a staff member exceeded my expectations.
I get bored very quickly. This has always been a weakness of mine, whether it is with new people, new hobbies, or new places. If there isn 't something to keep me interested I leave as soon as possible. Due to this affliction I had brief stints in many sports: cheerleading, martial arts, gymnastics, track, etc. This means I also switch between possible careers as well.
Career reassignments “Lord, I am free” I said. Then, I introduced the key to start my car. When I heard the engine running, I turned up the volume of the music and I accelerated, trying to leave the workplace as quickly as I could. In view of the fact that I wanted to stay alone, I took a different path to usual, closing the possibility that any person would be able to follow me. My car was jumping like a trotting horse due to the uneven ground, but I did not stop until I have been sure that no one will find me.
