How I Knew I Wanted To Be An OT

I didn't always want to be an OT. In fact, I didn't know what it was until my junior year of college. The school I attend now, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, actually introduced me to the field. I always knew I loved being creative but I also wanted to be in healthcare because I loved being able to be a nurturer to others. I initially wanted to go into physical therapy, which is why I went to a graduate school fair to look at grad programs at my undergrad school. I stopped at many booths at the graduate school fair, but then I stopped at UTHSC. I explained to their representative that I was interested in their PT program. I explained my interests and my major, which was psychology and a minor in art, and the UT representative told me I sounded like I could be an OT. She gave me a pamphlet about their occupational therapy program. I had no idea what occupational therapy was.

I did a google search, and it changed my life. I changed my major a few days later because I just knew it was the perfect fit for me. It's funny how the school that introduced me to OT is the school that I ended up attending for OT. Life comes full circle.

I have always known I wanted to be in a field where I can be creative, innovative, and nurturing. To have the opportunity of improving people’s lives holistically, while helping them become more independent would be the dream career for me. I have always been interested in anything arts and crafts related. I love that it can be incorporated into occupational therapy because just like art, inspiration can be found in anything. If I can get a child to improve their fine-motor skills all while doing something that I love, like clay sculpture, it would be the ultimate gratifying experience. I was delighted at the idea of helping others while doing things that I loved.

After shadowing at many OT clinics and I just knew it was the best fit for me. Interning at a special needs school was really what made me want to go into pediatrics. It was the most rewarding experience. I am still open to other fields but working everyday with those children brightened my day and I looked forward to it every single day.

I look forward to taking you on this OT journey with me!

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