Student Blog
Occupational Awareness Abroad ⟩
January 29, 2026, by Makayla
Diversity International School/Life Balance
Over the course of my winter break, I had the pleasure of traveling to 3 different countries in Asia—Bangkok, Thailand; Saigon, Vietnam; and Hong Kong, China. While traveling with my family, I couldn’t wait to get some much-needed relaxation from a busy fall semester and enrich myself in the new cultural landscapes that each country had to offer. However, stepping into new cultural environments in each country heightened my awareness about how meaningful daily activities are deeply embodied and shaped through access, space, and societal values. Viewing these cities through an occupational lens transformed what would have been ordinary or overlooked travel moments into thoughtful reflections of how occupational awareness and accessibility are embedded in every aspect of life. Here, I want to share some instances of my trip where I noticed small moments of occupational awareness and justice in action.
My Trip to Asia! (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok’s Chinatown
1. Massages
One of the biggest things I noticed in Bangkok, Thailand, was the prevalence of many massage services all across where I stayed. Even before coming to Thailand, many people recommended that I try their massages. To me, the act of getting a massage is a luxury, a paid service towards one’s own self-care, or part of a therapeutic practice, at least in the United States. However, in Thailand, the emphasis on massages as a therapeutic intervention is not just a tourist must-do; it is an essential, culturally embedded, health-maintenance occupation. Massages are more than a service but rather a routine, vital practice integrated into daily life that supports the occupational performance of all individuals across the lifespan. They are a part of one’s daily body maintenance rather than an intervention used after experiencing pain, injury, or ongoing discomfort. In doing so, massages support individuals’ occupational performance by improving mobility, reducing pain, and most importantly, supporting an individual’s ability to meaningfully participate in everyday activities with greater independence and ease.
2. Transportation
While riding the BTS Skytrain, I watched as people used these means of transportation for commuting to work, travelling to schools, and participating in social and leisure activities. What stuck out to me was the priority seating readily available to those who needed it, including disabled passengers, elderly passengers, pregnant passengers, women with infants, and monks. What surprised me was not only the inclusion of monks, reflecting a deep-seated and high respect for their spiritual, social, and cultural significance in Buddhist society, but also the fact that people respected these directions and offered these seats for passengers with these special needs. While priority seating is nothing new in the United States, I became especially aware of this inclusive signage because it is often overlooked or not completely followed in the United States.
BTS Skytrain Priority Seating
BTS Skytrain Priority Seating Signage
3. Chair Lifts
Accessible Chair Lift
In densely packed cities such as Bangkok, it can make for a lot of tall buildings with multiple floors. While I found that elevators and escalators were readily accessible in transit spaces, malls, or official city buildings, areas dense with local street vendors, like Bangkok’s Chinatown, often required navigating uneven surfaces or stairs. As a result, mobility limitations can shift even just from one block to another, which can be largely inaccessible for vulnerable populations, including older adults. One place that caught my eye was a restaurant where I went for dinner with my family. Here, there was a chair lift on the stairs that led to the restaurant’s entrance. While I overlooked this feature at first glance, it wasn’t until I was leaving the restaurant that I noticed this and snapped a quick picture. This moment underscored how these essential accessibility features can go unnoticed to those who do not need them, yet are critical for mobility for individuals whose participation in daily activities requires them for support.
4. Tactile Paving
Thailand’s Tactile Paving
At airports and train stations, tactile paving is everywhere, whether it be in front of an elevator, an escalator, for caution, or to locate the nearest exit. They are often designed with contrasting colors to improve visibility while also serving as indicators for upcoming direction changes, hazards, or raised surfaces.
Saigon, Vietnam
Saigon, Vietnam
1. Vespa, Motorcycle, and Biking Culture
One of the main means of transportation in Vietnam were Vespas, motorcycles, and bikes that tightly packed the streets and closely zipped by each other. As an essential occupation for daily life, all walks of life used these as a means of transportation and for different purposes. Some people were commuting to work or making delivery runs, while others were transporting their families, with up to 4 people riding on a Vespa. I even got to ride on the back of a Vespa using Grab, a transportation and delivery service app similar to Uber in the United States. What I found interesting was that even older populations used Vespas as their main means of transportation, many times while juggling cargo, suitcases, or bags. Riding motorized or wheeled transportation requires a combination of strong postural stability, core strength, motor control, and quick reflexes to ensure one’s safety and mobility. As people age, their physical and cognitive health declines, which can increase the risk of injuries and accidents. It is amazing to see how older populations can remain physically active and alert in navigating demanding forms of transportation, highlighting how necessity, rather than age alone, shapes continued occupational participation and independence.
Busy Streets of Vietnam
The incredible cargo people can carry on their bikes
2. Sidewalks as Multifunctional Occupational Spaces
Sidewalks in Saigon host a range of occupations, including selling, socializing, eating, cosmetic services, repairs, and the list goes on. Street vendors that line the sidewalks sell quick eats, fruits, vegetables, household goods, and souvenirs. Seeing how people embrace public spaces and their different functions reinforces how essential these spaces are in maintaining their vibrant city life by uplifting small businesses while fostering social cohesion and economic activity.
Eating on a low plastic stool and table
Eating bò né
Fruit Stand- with a small visitor ≽^•⩊•^≼
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong: Avenue of Stars
1. Braille and Tactile Floor Plan
I noticed while visiting Stanley Island and the Hong Kong Museum of Art that Braille signage and tactile paving are often designed into maps with audio descriptions. On a systems level, ensuring accessibility through universal designs, such as bilingual signage and international symbols (such as for “No Smoking,” toileting, exit/enter, etc.) to seamlessly blend into the environment, highlights how accessibility is intentionally embedded into public space.
Braille and Tactile Floor Plan of Hong Kong Museum of Art
Braille on railing
Braille and Tactile Floor Plan of Stanley Island
2. Pedestrian crossings
Aids for Visually Impaired Persons
Another Aid for Visually Impaired Person
While crossing the busy streets of Hong Kong, I noticed yellow aids for visually impaired persons. I tried this out for myself by waving my hand underneath the button and found that they serve two functions. The button vibrates underneath to indicate when it is safe to cross while also emitting a beeping/clicking sound on both sides of the street to help individuals navigate across the street.
3. Tactile Paving and Signage
Tactile Paving and Signage
Here is another example of tactical paving with different surface indicators, as well as indicators for priority seating and elevators.
It was such a privilege to visit Asia, and the act of noticing can go such a long way. I hope I can visit again in the future!
Mural in Macau, China
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Occupational Therapy- A Family Affair ⟩
January 21, 2026, by Trinity
Beginnings and Endings Community
At the beginning of the year and just following time with my family this holiday season, I am prompted to reflect on how I got here, now a second year in the occupational therapy doctorate program. When looking back, I started to realize that I have not been on this journey alone. There have been so many people in my corner, and I wanted to take this moment to thank them.
I got to thinking about this topic because of a photo my brother sent me recently:
The caption reads “new pincer grasp practice just dropped,” and he is holding a fork between his thumb and index finger in a traditional pincer grasp. My brother is not an occupational therapist, but he has endured countless nerdy monologues about different grasps and developmental milestones from me. Now, he will always point out when he is using a particular grasp because he knows it is what I study. As we develop as occupational therapy students, we also share what we know with those around us, including our loved ones, which is a method of advocacy in itself.
Not only has my family been subject to lecture-like soliloquies on the ins and outs of occupational therapy, but they have also been my willing guinea pigs as I trial new interventions on them. All members of my family from my smallest cousin to my great grandmother have helped me try some new occupational therapy tricks.
My grandma who was 98 years old at the time of this photo tried my balloon batting activity. I am so grateful for her.
One of the defining features of occupational therapy is the importance it holds for a client’s individual values. In fact, we may walk the client through values checklists in sessions, and as a student, I have participated in the checklist multiple times. For me, family always comes out as one of the most important values. I am grateful for my family and all they have taught me.
I have learned that family is at the heart of occupational therapy. Whether that be a spouse who has taken on the role of care partner, a parent who is worried about their child’s development, a child who is transitioning their parent to a new living situation, or a friend who has been an active listener throughout challenges, family is almost always involved in some way. We have the responsibility to care for our clients, but we can’t forget about the people who love and care for our clients as well. As we appreciate the people who have helped us along the way, it can help us remember to acknowledge the efforts of a client’s family.
Wherever you are on your OT journey, whether you are nearing the beginning or the end, please do not forget the people who have helped you get there. They will be the ones cheering for you when you graduate, when you get your first job, and at every little moment in between. If you feel that you have not found those people yet, I guarantee you that you can find them at USC. The faculty and students here have become my family. It is with them, and with my family at home, that this journey has been possible for me. I invite you to say thank you to those who listened to you and supported you, to those who learned what occupational therapy is because you are pursuing it, those who are on this journey alongside you! We don’t do it alone, and what a blessing that is!
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An OTAC Conference Adventure! ⟩
January 14, 2026, by Guest Author
Hi, my name is Mercy Deng, and I am a second-year Entry-Level OTD student at the University of Southern California. I am deeply interested in oncology rehabilitation and inpatient acute care and am passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate the functional challenges associated with cancer treatment and recovery. I am committed to advancing the role of occupational therapy in healthcare while continuing to grow as a clinician-leader.
The Chan Division Student Leadership Award supports full-time students in attending the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) Annual Conference. It recognizes students who demonstrate leadership through meaningful engagement in professional dialogue, collaboration, and service to the field. By supporting participation, the award fosters leadership development and promotes the dissemination of knowledge that advances occupational therapy practice across the healthcare community.
Attending this year’s OTAC 2025 Annual Conference & Innovation Expo left me both inspired and grounded in my journey toward becoming an occupational therapist. From the moment I stepped into the venue, I felt surrounded by people who genuinely care about helping others live meaningful and fulfilling lives. The energy in each room, the conversations drifting through the hallways, and the generosity with which attendees shared their knowledge all reminded me why I chose this profession.
One of the most impactful moments of the conference was Dr. Miri Lee’s seminar on preparing for the NBCOT exam. She opened by sharing her own experience of disappointment and resilience after her first attempt, which immediately brought a sense of honesty and encouragement to the room. Hearing guidance from someone who has walked alongside so many students through this milestone was incredibly reassuring.
Dr. Lee offered practical strategies, realistic study timelines, and meaningful approaches to managing stress, emphasizing her commitment to providing accessible resources for students. Her focus on consistency, self-compassion, and thoughtful planning helped me reconsider how I want to navigate my own preparation.
Another highlight was the session on inpatient acute pediatric care, which offered a meaningful look at how clinicians can support children and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments. The seminar centered on parent and caregiver empowerment, emphasizing how hospitalization can shift or even strip away aspects of a caregiver’s typical role.
Amid the fast-paced nature of the NICU and PICU, clinicians must remain grounded, use compassionate communication, and think creatively to help caregivers maintain or redefine their role. They often adapt interventions, using available hospital supplies to design meaningful and developmentally appropriate activities for children. I especially appreciated the seminar’s emphasis on supporting the family as a whole, highlighting the importance of treating both the child and their caregivers as integral parts of the care team.
I was also deeply moved by the seminar on eye conditions within the older adult population. The presenters discussed conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, sharing how these changes affect daily activities and community participation. We explored environmental modifications, adaptive strategies, and approaches for promoting independence while respecting each person’s dignity. This session reinforced my commitment to advocating for accessible environments and implementing thoughtful, client-centered interventions for older adults.
Some of my favorite moments, however, happened outside the formal sessions. Talking with other students and clinicians from different programs helped me feel connected to a larger community built on learning, reflection, and mutual support. These conversations reminded me how much our diverse backgrounds and experiences enrich the field of occupational therapy and shape how we care for others.
Ultimately, the OTAC conference deepened my commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-informed, and person-centered care across diverse practice settings. As I return to my studies at Chan, I am excited to share these insights with my peers. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend such a meaningful event, and I look forward to carrying these lessons with me as I grow in my journey as an occupational therapy student.
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My Sponsored Weekend Trip to Catalina Island Care of USC ESA ⟩
December 19, 2025, by Makayla
Community Getting Involved Living in LA School/Life Balance
One of the amazing perks of being a USC student is the numerous free experiences that we can take advantage of throughout the school year. This semester, the USC Environmental Student Assembly (ESA) hosted its annual, fully funded, overnight trip to the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Science on Catalina Island. This free opportunity was one that I simply could not pass up, and I was lucky enough to be able to join their program. Especially during these stressful times in the middle of the semester that are filled with the never-ending stress of deadlines and midterms, having the opportunity to engage in nature-based occupations is essential. In doing so, participating in restorative and rejuvenating practices contributes to our sense of self and occupational awareness, not only for our overall well-being but also for our school performance.
We made it to the USC Wrigley Institute!
During my trip, I was able to stay at USC’s own, one-of-a-kind satellite campus at the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island, with free room and board included. It is an active research facility and living lab where students and researchers uniquely investigate environmental and sustainability initiatives while immersing themselves in the pristine natural environment on Catalina Island. Here, I embarked on a weekend trip that I won’t forget, where we hiked through scenic views, snorkeled in the deep waters of rich marine life, kayaked across the rushing waves, and learned invaluable research from current students and USC researchers alike.
Saturday
6:45 AM
My friend and I loaded our duffel bags into the charter bus bright and early, excited to head to Catalina Island. First, we drove down to San Pedro to go to the Southern California Marine Institute, where our boat, Miss Christi, was docked. After some pictures and a safety briefing, we were on our way to the USC Wrigley Institute by 8:00 AM. While it was chilly in the morning, my friends and I sat on the boat’s deck to enjoy the fresh air and take in the vast sea around us
The Miss Christi boat
Off at sea!
Gorgeous views from the boat’s deck
USC Wrigley Institute
10:00 AM
We arrived at the USC Wrigley Institute and loaded into the campus. We had a trip briefing and mandatory campus orientation before we checked out our rooms and got ready for our first activity of the day. I learned so much about the rich history of the campus and local ecosystems, as well as their sustainability efforts, experiential learning programs, and research initiatives that advance meaningful work in helping our planet. The rooms were very spacious, just like a normal dorm on campus, but what was neat was that they also provided towels, blankets, and pillows.
Hiking with my friend
Stunning views on the top of Catalina Island
10:30 AM - Self-Guided Hike
My first activity of the day was a self-guided hike on Deer Valley Loop Trail with my group, where we were able to hike through the lush greenery and take in the scenic views of the ocean and the USC Wrigley centers. This hike was definitely not the easiest at the start, with winding paths of uneven terrain and prickly pear cacti, especially in the hot weather. However, it was definitely worthwhile, as it was a great way to start the day and get some exercise in. Along the footpath we were able to spot a deer on the way down! Then at 12PM, we had a tight window to eat some lunch and head to the next excursion.
A deer spitted on the Deer Valley Loop Trail
Hiking through the Deer Valley Loop Trail
1:00 - Snorkeling
Next, we went snorkeling in the Blue Cavern Marine Protected Area, home to California’s richest marine habitats. We suited up in our provided wetsuits, fins, and snorkeling gear, and we were well on our way. While snorkeling in the deep waters of the channel, I saw so many Garibaldi fish perusing the rocky reef kelp forest and graceful eelgrass swaying by the ocean’s currents. Gazing into the Garibaldi fishes’ eyes, it was cool to knowing that they see me as much as I see them. As I traveled further, I saw a Halibut on the reef’s sandy bottom and many marine mammals and seabirds in the distance. This was such an awesome experience, especially being able to interact with the marine life up close.
My friend and I gearing up in our wetsuits
Post-Snorkeling: Tired but worthwhile!
3:00 - Hyperbaric Chamber Tour
After snorkeling and freshening up in the dorms, we headed down for the Hyperbaric Chamber Tour. As one of the only emergency medical facilities in the country set up to treat diving emergencies 24/7, year-round, hyperbaric chambers provide the proper treatment for scuba diving accidents. This includes treating decompression sickness and air embolisms that can be permanently disabling and sometimes fatal. How cool is it that USC has these facilities right on the waterfront of its own satellite campus for medical and research advancement?
The interior of the Hyperbaric Chamber
Our group at the Hyperbaric Chamber
6:00 PM - Dinner and Smores
Following all of our excursions for the day, we returned back to the dorms to shower, get some homework in, and take a quick nap before heading to the dining hall for dinner. After, we had some campfires going where we roasted s’mores to cap off the night.
Making s’mores in the campfire
Yummy s’mores!
Sunday
5:45 AM - Sunrise Hike
On Sunday, we woke up bright and early to catch the sunrise. Getting up, especially after a long day before, was no joke. However, we all went to the dining hall to grab some hot chocolate and made our way with picnic blankets to see the sunrise. Taking in the calm of the ocean was very peaceful and complemented the surreal sunrise right before my eyes. After taking lots of pictures, we headed back to the dorms to have breakfast at 7:30AM and check out of our rooms by 8:30AM.
Sunrise on Catalina Island
Catching the sunrise - bright and early!
Group Sunrise photo - hot chocolate in hand!
9:00 AM - Kayaking
Our excursion for the day was kayaking within the Blue Cavern Marine Protected Area and beyond. I paired up with my friend to kayak around the island and even went a half mile off the cove to Bird’s Rock, a flat, oval-shaped island with so many birds perched on it. Looking down, we saw the amazing marine life below us, and while looking around the island, we saw other docks of boats touring the island as well. I couldn’t believe how far we went out and how deep the water was below us. After almost 3 hours out in the ocean, we headed back for lunch at 12PM.
Preparing to go kayaking
Views from the Blue Cavern Marine Protected Area
Kayaking with my friend!
Kayaking around Catalina Island
1:30PM - Departure
Sadly, my weekend trip on Catalina Island came to a close as our boat, Miss Christi, departed Catalina Island to take us all back to the mainland and arrive at the Southern California Marine Institute. While I was so sad to leave, I took in the rich scenery on the boat’s deck as we traveled back to the mainland. I put my headphones on since the rudders of the boat were very loud and watched the endless blue waves crash next to us and some seagulls that had followed us up above. To my surprise, we were able to catch a pool of dolphins swimming right next to our boat. They gracefully jumped out of the water, and I was in awe at how close we were to them. I couldn’t believe it! We arrived at the Southern California Marine Institute shortly after, where we met our charter bus that took us back to the USC campus at 3:30PM. And that was my trip!
Dolphin spotted on the way back from Catalina Island!
This trip was definitely a fever dream, being able to escape the busyness of college while finding much-needed calm in the midst of chaos. Especially in the thick of a busy fall semester, these worthwhile experiences give me clarity in hard or challenging moments that better days are to come. I am reminded to keep moving forward and that great moments can and will happen again in different ways, with different people, and in different places!
This trip served as a reminder in recognizing what a privilege it is to attend USC and have access to so much amazing programming. Having participated in this trip hosted by the USC Environmental Student Assembly (ESA), I was surrounded by many environmental studies and biological science majors. I am neither of those majors; however, I am so lucky to have been able to get to know so many new people that I would not have otherwise known or had any classes with. So, to anyone reading this, I highly recommend taking a chance at joining a new club or program on campus where you could meet so many people and communities that you would have never crossed paths with before.
Rewarding and fulfilling experiences are out there and are free; you just have to look for them!
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Finding My “Just Right” at USC Chan ⟩
November 13, 2025, by Angel
Beginnings and Endings Classes Community International School/Life Balance
As occupational therapists, we often talk about finding the “just right challenge.”
It’s one of those guiding OT principles that stays with you long after you leave the classroom or the clinic—that perfect balance between too hard and too easy. It’s the sweet spot where growth happens: not so high that it leads to frustration, and not so low that it leads to boredom or disengagement.
For three years, I lived by that phrase as a pediatric occupational therapist back in the Philippines. Every session, every activity, every goal I created for my kids was built around that idea. I wanted to make sure each child was supported just right—challenged to reach a little higher, yet still confident and motivated to keep going.
Back then, “just right” was something I applied to my clients. I had always reserved it for my clients, never considering my own journey.
When I entered USC Chan three months ago, I was filled with excitement, anticipation, and a little bit of fear. I had dreamed about being part of this community for so long—a place known for excellence, compassion, and innovation in occupational therapy. I was ready to learn, to grow, and to experience what it truly means to be part of the Chan family.
But as the days turned into weeks, I was struck by just how remarkable all my classmates are. In group discussions and reflections, they shared thoughtful insights about OT, ideas that made me pause and think, “How did they come up with that?” Beyond their knowledge, I was inspired by their professional experiences, their expertise in different areas of OT back in their home countries, and their achievements, including international programs like conferences and summer exchanges abroad. Each conversation opened new perspectives, and I often found myself quietly listening, trying to absorb as much as I could.
Soon, that admiration began to turn into self-doubt.
I started to feel small, even a little insecure. I questioned my abilities and wondered if I truly belonged in a room full of such talented and articulate people. I thought, Maybe I’m not as smart. Maybe I don’t have as much to contribute.
There were moments when I stayed quiet, not because I had nothing to say, but because I doubted whether my thoughts were good enough. I began to question myself, my knowledge, my experience, and even my place here.
Then, a quiet realization began to settle in the back of my mind.
This feeling—a mix of challenge and discomfort—was familiar. I had seen it before, not in myself, but in my clients: the look of frustration when a task felt too hard, the hesitation when they weren’t sure they could succeed, and the quiet pride when they finally did something they couldn’t do before.
I realized I was living my own just right challenge.
And in adulthood, that balance can feel even more delicate. Too much challenge can lead to anxiety, burnout, or even trauma. Too little, and we risk staying in places that feel safe but stagnant.
Being a student again after years of practice is not easy. You’re reminded that growth means starting over—being open, curious, and humble enough to say, “I don’t know, but I’m willing to learn.”
Those moments of doubt weren’t signs of failure; they were signs of stretching. Maybe I felt “not enough” because I was being pushed in the best possible way: challenged, but not defeated.
I came here not to prove I’m the best, but to become better. And growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when you’re surrounded by people who inspire you to think differently, reflect deeper, and reach higher.
At Chan, I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s okay to listen more than you speak. It’s okay to be in a season of learning, because that’s exactly what being a student is about.
In occupational therapy, we remind our clients and their families to trust the process. Progress doesn’t happen overnight; it unfolds through small, meaningful steps. Maybe we, as students and future occupational therapists, need to extend that same grace to ourselves—taking things one step at a time, one just right challenge at a time.
Looking back on my first few months at USC Chan, I can see how much I’ve grown, not just in knowledge, but in perspective. I’ve learned to value moments of discomfort because they mean I’m learning. I’ve learned to celebrate small wins: understanding a difficult concept, sharing an idea in class, connecting with peers from all over the world who share the same passion for OT. I’ve learned that being surrounded by people who are “better” in some ways isn’t something to fear, it’s something to celebrate. It means I’m in the right place to learn.
More importantly, I’ve learned to extend the same compassion to myself that I always gave to my clients.
Before leaving for USC, one of my patient’s mother shared a photo of me and her son in a post online as I said my goodbyes. Her words reminded me why I do what I do, and what it truly means to meet someone at their “just right” level. It’s not only about helping someone achieve their therapy goals; it’s about understanding their story, celebrating small victories, and walking beside them through both struggle and success.
So now, whenever that familiar sense of self-doubt creeps in, I tell myself: This is my just right. This is where I’m supposed to be—learning, growing, and embracing both the challenges and the joys that come with this journey.
Because life, like therapy, isn’t about being perfect. It’s about finding that balance—that meaningful middle ground—where growth happens.
And for us as adults, that “just right” isn’t just about skill: it’s about readiness to learn, a sense of safety in trying new things, and having the courage to stretch without snapping. It’s about honoring our limits while still leaning into discomfort, trusting that growth doesn’t require perfection—only presence and persistence.
And here at USC Chan, I’m learning that sometimes, being in that just right space is exactly what I need.
A photo I’ll always remember, proof that small steps, taken just right, can make a big impact.
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