Embracing the Unknown
December 5, 2019

Why did you decide to pursue your OTD?
The reason was really simple. I wanted to have the option to teach in the future, and I knew that if I didn’t do the OTD now, I wouldn’t come back to school again.

How did you get into your residency?
During the summer, I looked up the contact information for a few local colleges and sent out an email. I got lucky when Mt. SAC responded immediately and we set up a meeting to discuss what Occupational Therapy is and how it could fit into a college campus. Dr. Camille Dieterle and Dr. Grace Ho were a huge help to me in preparing for this meeting. Going in, I didn’t know what to expect to come out of our meeting, but I figured at least I could set the stage for another student to start a residency there. With Dr. Dieterle’s help, the meeting went really well and I was offered the residency. I am excited to have the opportunity to start a program for Mt. SAC students that is completely new. I have already learned so much and I love it.

What is one thing that you wish you knew before beginning the OTD?
I entered my residency expecting to embrace the unknown, but I do wish I had known more about the courses we take during the OTD. I also wish I had known how to make the most out of a mentorship before starting the OTD. The Mentee’s Guide (Zachary, 2009) was incredibly helpful in helping me understand mentorships and what I need from a mentorship relationship, but I feel like I am still just figuring out what I need and how to get it.

What do you think is/are the most valuable aspect/s of USC Chan’s program?
I think USC is unique in that we have the opportunity to take the Lifestyle Redesign® elective. This semester has been dedicated to completing a needs assessment that will inform the basis for the pilot program I will be creating. And in talking to healthcare staff, departmental directors, and students, I have found that the content of the Lifestyle Redesign® course is directly applicable to students’ needs on a daily basis, not just for their success as students, but for being healthy, happy individuals.

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