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Breanna Howell MA ’17

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I had a professor in undergrad who kept mentioning that occupational therapy was something I would probably love. Over the years I kept politely agreeing without looking into it. Then, I spent a summer working at a camp for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and had the opportunity to see OTs at work. I promptly fell in love. I want to be part of the profession that uses shaving cream and a ball pit regularly in therapy but also has the knowledge and understanding to explain why it is so incredibly valuable.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
One of my favorite occupations is going on adventures. Almost everything I do I consider an adventure. I love big adventures, like going to the Clearwater Aquarium in FL for my birthday last year to see Winter, the dolphin with the prosthetic tail. I also love the little adventures with friends spent hiking, grabbing dinner, exploring the Santa Monica Pier, or baking brownies and eating them out of the pan together as we chat about life. Anything can be considered an adventure with the right mindset, and it makes everything more fun!

Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
I can’t pick just one. My top two memories are walking across the stage at the white coat ceremony and cheering for the athletes at the Special Olympics World Games with fellow OT students.

What do you think is the greatest invention of mankind?
The swimming pool. It is an invention that both brings people together and can strengthen an individual. For all ages, joining a swim team teaches commitment and teamwork, while also providing exercise. At summer camp and in communities it is a common area where friendships are made and imaginative play thrives. It is a relaxing location to unwind after a long day, as the calming water soothes you and gives gentle resistance for therapeutic exercise. The swimming pool is an invention that provides many benefits and changes lives.

How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as someone who made others feel valued. I want for others to know their presence in my life mattered and that they are very important. I also hope to make small changes in many lives that impact their future in incredible ways.

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USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 133, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9003

ACOTE accreditation | NBCOT certification

The USC entry-level master’s degree program (cost of attendance) is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The USC entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) degree program (cost of attendance) has applied for accreditation and has been granted Preaccreditation Status by ACOTE®. View our program’s ACOTE® standards public data. ACOTE® c/o the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 652-AOTA, www.acoteonline.org. The program must complete an on-site evaluation and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT®).

Professional program graduates are eligible to apply for certification by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT®), nbcot.org. Program results from the NBCOT® can be found online at www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.