1. Do things I’ve always wanted to do
If I were to describe myself I would proclaim myself as a homebody. I like being comfortable in my room and 9 times out of 10 I’m usually taking a nap or about to take a nap. While I love this aspect of myself, I also don’t want my homebody nature to limit myself from doing things I’ve always wanted to do. I want to work on not overthinking events to the extent that I just decide to spend the night in my room rather than taking the risk and doing something I’ve always wanted to do! Hence, this is one of my new year resolutions that I’ve already started working on. Going into this year I decided to stop overthinking and take on my fear of solo-concerts and consequently got myself tickets to Bruno Mars and Olivia Rodrigo!! Furthermore, my friend and I decided to get last minute tickets (literally an hour before curtain call) to Beauty and the Beast at the Pantages, and I have no regrets!! It was such a fun experience and reminder for why it’s important to treat yourself. I’ve always wanted to go to the theater in LA but I tend to overthink plans so this experience was a great reminder to me on why it’s important to treat myself and be okay with going with the flow.

2. Move my body
For most of my life I’ve been in a sport; from softball, flag football, dance, basketball, gymnastics to allstar cheer. Entering college I intentionally decided to not join any recreational sports and clubs, because I wanted to give my body time to heal from my last years of sports and discover who Ciara is beyond the sports. Now that I have a better idea of who I am and what I enjoy, I am interested in getting back into active activities. Last school year, I took the time to embed Pilates and Yoga into my schedule to see if I enjoyed it, which I thoroughly did! I’m excited to start going to classes and to attend Girls Gains events that will let me explore this resolution more! If you’re a beginner like me, USC offers Hecuba Rising where they open the Village Gym early for an instructor-led workout! 🏃🏾‍♀️

4. Learn to budget
A little bit more of a straightforward goal, but I would like to learn how to properly budget this year. I will be living in Los Angeles year-round soon for my grad portion of the BS-OTD program and would like to prepare myself by learning to budget and progressing my financial literacy. This resolution isn’t something that can be done in a blink of an eye, so I would like to start by using public transport more and eating out less. I’ll start with these two smaller, more measurable goals before working my way up to making a substantial difference in my budget!

4. Explore more of California
Similar to my first resolution, I want to explore more of California. Entering my third year at USC, I still feel like I haven’t explored much of California (the life of a homebody . . . ). Hence, I want to spend my breaks exploring around California rather than having a “stay-cation” in my room this year. I love exploring nature, so beaches are always enjoyable for me to visit but I also want to explore the hidden gems of California! If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them!

5. Take care of my health
While this is a resolution that is constant every year, it also evolves each year to reflect current challenges or situations I’m going through. This year taking care of my mental health manifests primarily as self care. I usually get so wrapped up in my studies that I forget to take care of myself, primarily with sleep and nutrient-poor meals. Last year I would drink lots of energy drinks — especially around exam season — which would ultimately result in me overworking myself in addition to the energy drinks disrupting my sleep; I would wake up in the middle of the night for days after drinking them. I realized at the start of this year that I wanted to help take care of both my mental and physical health by not drinking energy drinks and being more intentional with my meals. Not drinking energy drinks has proven to not be too hard but as a certified picky eater I still got some work to do on eating more nutritious meals. Sometimes it’s hard to remember there’s life beyond classes which can be quite draining so embedded in this goal also involves taking time to have fun and hang out with friends!

Starting the year with resolutions personally helps me take care of myself better. Like vision boards, they allow me to envision a future sector of my life that I would be proud and happy in. However, it’s good to note that resolutions don’t have to be harshly critical. We, as humans, tend to be our harshest critics so if you’re interested in setting your own new [school] year resolutions, remember that this is a time to make goals for growth and happiness and not a time to knock yourself down a peg! ❤️❤️

For my service-based learning project, I volunteered at Stray Cat Alliance, a non-profit animal welfare organization based in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to rescuing cats and kittens by promoting trap-neuter-return programs and providing medical care for feral and community cats.

The occupations that I engaged in while volunteering included feeding the cats, cleaning/tidying up the cat enclosures, and socializing the cats, as well as tracking the cats’ behaviors in their Daily Observation Sheets. My favorite occupation that I meaningfully engaged in at my site was socializing the cats, where I was able to play with them using the cat toys and sit with them while petting their fur. Here, I was able to observe each of the cats’ unique behaviors and personalities. While it is easy to just play with friendly cats, sitting and interacting with less social cats helps them break out of their shell and, ultimately, makes them more adoptable to a potential caregiver. It is also immensely rewarding to watch cats recover from injury, illness, or spay/neuter surgery and then see them return healthy and thriving! The occupations that I observed the staff engaging in were syringe-feeding little kitties or providing medical care to cats. Sometimes, I would see office staff leading adoption hours and giving orientations to potential cat owners, as well as instructing new volunteer orientations. I found that there were many office staff organizing donations, answering hotline phone calls, and tracking different adoption metrics in their database.

My service-based learning project taught me that it takes a lot of diligent effort by many individuals to run any animal shelter, more than what meets the eye. I have a greater respect for the Stray Cat Alliance animal shelter workers for the amount of work that they put up with and for persevering through caregiver fatigue. While being a cat care volunteer, at times it can be an unpleasant job when having to clean the litter boxes, especially with fecal matter sitting there for long periods of time or smeared around the kennel. At times, I was grossed out at the amount of fecal matter that I had to clean, and it was much easier to think, “Someone else can take care of this.” I had to check myself at times, knowing the value of the volunteers’ responsibilities to ensure that the Stray Cat Alliance staff can complete theirs. When volunteers are not there, the Stray Cat Alliance staff must take on the volunteers’ responsibilities on top of their own work as well. Seeing them around, I found that they work around the clock and on weekends to ensure the health and well-being of the cats, as well as driving efforts to have them fostered or adopted. It’s a thankless job, and I am reminded of the meaningful work that happens behind the scenes to ensure the health and well-being of the populations that we work with. I recognize the importance of stepping up, rather than deflecting to someone else, in keeping at the forefront of how small acts of care contribute to a larger system of collaborative care. Additionally, I acknowledge that when working with vulnerable populations, I should never assume that someone else will take care of things, and check my privilege in the position that I am in to help others. I must do my part, whether difficult or unglamorous, in order for the collective success of a healthcare team and for the betterment of the populations in need.

What surprised me about Stray Cat Alliance was the turnover rate of cats leaving the kennels and new cats coming in. I was surprised when I got to know some of the cats, and then came back to volunteer a different week and to see them gone and replaced with new cats. While bittersweet, it was fulfilling to know that they have found their fur-ever homes and that cat adopters and fosterers are very prevalent, even if I do not see it. This gives me hope, especially during the holiday season, that the cats can touch the lives of so many. What challenged a pre-existing belief that I held was that cats are very quiet and sleep all day. However, being in a cat shelter, many of the cats were very lively, playing or snuggling with their kennel mates, and their “meows” can fill up an entire room. I even saw some cats snore, which I would have never guessed that cats could do, just as humans do.

What I learned about myself through this experience was that there is power in the choice to show up. When engaging in my service-learning project, it can feel tiring to wake up on a weekend to volunteer, especially knowing that it will be cold and I will probably be getting down and dirty with cleaning up the cat enclosures. Without someone supervising or micromanaging you, you can feel like your work is unacknowledged when doing menial tasks. However, I learned that through my work, no matter how big or small the task is, it returns back to me tenfold. Not only am I able to get volunteering done in the early hours of the weekend, but I feel ever so much more productive the rest of the day.

While socializing with the cats, I feel all my stressors melt away, or even that I forget them altogether. As a result, I can work through life’s challenges or tackle school assignments with greater focus and clarity after volunteering. Additionally, while leaving volunteering at the Stray Cat Alliance, I felt that I had contributed to something greater than myself. Being able to look into the eyes of the cats, there is a quiet understanding in knowing that they are perceiving me as much as I perceive them. While going through the motions of completing the volunteer responsibilities, it puts things into perspective when acknowledging the greater system of care that I am contributing to. The cats can’t take care of themselves, so if no one else will care for them, who will? I am motivated to volunteer again, and while reflecting back on the pictures I took with the cats, I hope to see them soon!

Check out USC’s Feature on OT340 on their Cool Classes tour

Learn more about declaring the Occupational Science Minor

My first year of OT school was filled with new friendships, new experiences, and a boat load of caffeine. One of the biggest things I learned was being grateful to be able. Able to be independent but also learn how to help others be independent as well. There were definitely moments when I was questioning if I could even make it out, but those experiences taught me resilience and I didn’t come this far to only come this far.

One of my favorite memories from my first year was attending the LA Kings game together as a cohort because it was my first hockey game but also a great way for us to get to know one another outside of the classroom. Looking back, I’m proud of myself for surviving in a completely new city and just finishing out the year successfully.

If you’re starting your first year of OT school, here are a few things I wish I had known:

1. You don’t have to know everything right away. OT school is a learning process, and it’s okay to ask questions and make mistakes.
2. Find your people. Having classmates, friends, professors, or mentors who understand what you’re going through can make a huge difference.
3. Give yourself grace. There will be difficult exams, long assignments, and days when you feel overwhelmed. One difficult day doesn’t define your ability to become a great OT.
4. Remember why you started. When school gets stressful, reconnect with the reason you chose occupational therapy in the first place.
5. Celebrate the small wins. Getting through a difficult exam, mastering a new skill, completing a project, or simply making it through a busy week are all accomplishments worth recognizing.

As I start my second year of OT school, I’m feeling excited, nervous, motivated, grateful, a combination of them all.

There’s still a long way to go before I can officially call myself an occupational therapist, but I’m proud of how far I’ve already come. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, making memories, and getting one step closer to becoming an OT!

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

For my PP-OTD residency, I joined the USC Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice, where I received training in Lifestyle Redesign® while developing a residency project focused on supporting international students as they adapt to life in the United States. Now, as I finish the program, here are three things I didn’t fully appreciate before I started.

1. My residency project became more than an assignment.

At the beginning of the year, my goals were straightforward: become a more proficient clinician, complete my residency project, and graduate. But somewhere along the way, my project stopped feeling like a graduation requirement.

I began with questions I had been thinking about since my PP-MA program: Why might international students participate less in meaningful occupations after moving to a new country, even when they know how to access them? Can occupational therapy support international students? Through my PP-OTD coursework in leadership, knowledge mobilization, and occupational science, that question gradually became tangible initiatives. I built partnerships with stakeholders, developed resources, and created tools that will continue to support international students after my residency ends.

Seeing an idea grow into something that could have a life beyond my degree gave the project a sense of purpose I hadn’t anticipated.

2. I finally had the opportunity to intentionally bring occupational science into my practice.

Occupational science has always been one of my favorite parts of occupational therapy. But as a practicing clinician, I rarely had the time or opportunity to intentionally explore what an occupational science question could look like in practice.

My residency gave me the space to synthesize occupational science, evidence, and people’s lived experiences to explore international students’ lived experiences through an occupational science lens and how Lifestyle Redesign could support international students navigating major life transitions.

At the same time, my clinical residency at the USC Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice gave me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and hands-on practice of Lifestyle Redesign. The training and clinical experience helped me build toward certification. I accumulated the required practice hours, studied extensively for the certification exam, and ultimately passed it. It was a goal I had been working toward since I first learned about Lifestyle Redesign in 2019. Achieving my dream of becoming an occupational therapist specializing in Lifestyle Redesign is incredibly meaningful to me.

3. Leadership became something I practiced — not just something I studied.

Before the PP-OTD, “leadership” felt like something that might come later in my career. After all, I am still an early-career occupational therapist.

But the program showed me that leadership doesn’t have to begin with a title. During my residency, I reached out to university partners, listened to stakeholder feedback, adapted my ideas, developed educational resources, and learned how to move an idea from evidence to implementation.

I’ve always hoped to create an impact beyond individual client care. The PP-OTD didn’t just teach me about that possibility but also gave me opportunities to start practicing it.

Returning to school was a much bigger commitment than I imagined when I started. I entered the PP-OTD hoping to deepen my clinical practice, and I am leaving with specialized training in an area I care deeply about and a broader set of skills to grow into an occupational therapy leader. For me, the value of the PP-OTD has been learning how to provide meaningful care while also developing occupational-centered programs, translating knowledge into practice, and creating change beyond individual treatment sessions.

School of Cinematic Arts 3rd Floor Rooftop
This is the perfect place that allows you to take in the rooftop views of the School of Cinematic Arts, with some shade to study or hang out with friends. Also on the 3rd floor, are indoor study spaces and a small area where students can use a microwave and a sink as well!

RestSC
This space is nestled in the University Religious Center (URC), and it is a space dedicated to resting and recharging. Here, there are couches, pillows, and moon pods, which are zero-gravity beanbag chairs. They also have a smaller space similar to RestSC with beanbags and blankets located in the library in the Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow Center for International and Public Affairs (DMC) as well. I have frequented this space many times to take a quick nap between classes!

Annenberg Digital Library
This corner space tucked in the Annenberg Digital Library is a great place where you can work with your laptop propped up with the pillow or even take a nap while enjoying the view of the Allyson Felix Field or people-watch out of the corner windows. Plus, they even have shades that go down for privacy.

Career Center Interview Rooms
In the basement of the Career Center in the Student Union, you can find the interview rooms where you can book one of their many private rooms. I have come down here to take calls, interviews, work between classes, or sometimes catch some nice AC during a hot day! You can either reserve a room beforehand using their reservation room requests, or they take walk-ins as well. I would take these spaces over any Leavey Library study room any day because you can take all the time that you need, and you don’t have to worry about anyone interrupting you.

School of Dramatic Arts: Dick Wolf Drama Center
Just behind Taper Hall is the School of Dramatic Arts, where a lounge is located downstairs in the Dick Wolf Drama Center. Here is a nice place with a mix of natural lighting and dim lighting to hang around, eat your lunch, or study. They also have vending machines and microwaves to heat up your food too!

Doheny Library Faculty Hall and 2nd Floor
Across from the main library area in Doheny Library is Faculty Hall, which is my go-to place to catch up on work on a Sunday morning. This area has plenty of tables with nice cushioned chairs and plenty of plugs for charging. I like this place because you get the natural lighting from the windows that face the Alumni Park, and the square tables are nice for quiet group studying as well. I will warn, though, that it does fill up with people throughout the day, so I recommend saving your seat at a table when the library opens. The 2nd floor is also a great option, too!

4th Floor Taper Hall Lounge
Now this lounge is one that I stumbled across when I was randomly exploring the 4th floor of Taper Hall. This lounge belongs to the USC Dornsife English Department, and it is a great nook to hang out before going to a class in Taper Hall. Here, I like to take in the view of Trousdale Parkway, and there is a microwave and fridge as well; it’s perfect for heating your lunch in between classes. There is also a 3rd floor lounge for Academic Innovation & Research Engagement that is also a great place to study with board games and coffee too.

Price Student Lounge
On the first floor of the Price School is their student lounge that has many couches and cubicles. Again, there is a microwave conveniently located in here, and this lounge leads you to the courtyard in between Verna and Peter Dauterive Hall (VPD), another nice outdoor space as well.

USC’s Student Equity and Inclusion Programs (SEIP) Centers

Within the Student Union and Ronald Tutor Campus Center are USC’s SEIP Centers that house seven different student development centers and three culturally affirming lounges. These places are not only great spaces to hang out, study, or heat up your lunch, but they offer programming that strives to support many students’ identities. While many of these spaces on campus go unnoticed, these were my first stop in terms of getting connected to resources on campus. I even got the chance to work at one of these centers, which was at the Asian Pacific American Student Services. Especially because many spaces have been newly renovated, it has been a place where I have found my community through different programming that offers peer mentoring, professional development, networking opportunities, and several intersectional, community-building opportunities. The Occupational Science Minor Department even does Anti-Procrastination Cafes at many of USC’s SEIP Centers during finals season as well!

2nd Floor Tables at Ronald Tutor Campus Center
Last, but not least, are the 2nd Floor Tables at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center just outside of the First Generation Plus Success Center (FG+SC). These tables are just upstairs from some food options, and they are in the shade with plugs for charging, which is an added plus.

Bonus: Health Science Campus Spaces
I have also spent some time on the Health Science Campus (HSC) when I took a couple of classes and volunteered at Keck Hospital in the past, so here are some added HSC spaces that I would definitely check out if you are ever up there.

Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute
The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute is just right across from the Intercampus (ICS) UPC-Union Station-HSC Bus Stop, and if you take the elevator up, you can find a few different floors with indoor and outdoor seating. I have frequented these floors if I am waiting for the shuttle bus to arrive, and it is also a great place to catch the sunset, too!

Donald W. and Kathryn Shaw Graduate Student Lounge
This lounge is located in the Keck School of Medicine, and it is a HUGE space with tables, cubicles, cushions, outdoor seating, and a kitchen with a fridge and microwave. This is the perfect place to stop in for lunch or squeeze in that last bit of studying before heading to class.

One piece of advice I’d give to any incoming USC Chan student is to never be afraid to ask questions.

Before starting the E-OTD program, I completed my Master’s in Public Health (MPH) at USC, but my experience was very different because it was mostly online. Being in an in-person program has shown me just how approachable the faculty are. Your professors, advisors, and job supervisors genuinely want to see you succeed, not just as a student, but as a future occupational therapist. Go to office hours, ask questions in class, or even stop by to say hello. You never know where those conversations might lead, and who knows, they may even become your future colleagues someday.

Another thing I really appreciated about the program is the flexibility with scheduling. Before your first semester, you’ll be able to choose your preferred schedule from the four options provided, making it easier to find one that works with your life, whether you commute, work, or have responsibilities outside of school. No matter which schedule you’re assigned, everyone takes the same core classes and completes the same immersions; the timing of those immersions is just different depending on your schedule. Later in the program, you’ll also have the opportunity to take electives based on your interests.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that having a life outside of school isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. One of my favorite occupations is spending time with the people I care about, whether that’s classmates, old coworkers, lifelong friends, or family. Even something as simple as grabbing lunch or planning a beach day helps me recharge.

Just as important are the moments I spend by myself. Working out, reading a book, dancing around my room, or taking myself out for coffee or a meal are all ways I practice self-care and protect my mental well-being. As much as I love school, I know I’d burn out without that balance. I’m definitely a planner (my friends and family can attest to that!), so I intentionally make time for fun alongside studying. I’m far from perfect, and I can absolutely be a perfectionist, but every day I try to find those small moments to pause, breathe, and remind myself that taking care of myself is just as important as preparing to take care of others.

Graduate school is a journey, and while it can be challenging at times, remember to give yourself grace, celebrate the little wins, and enjoy the experience along the way.

Megha Gala

Walking into my first AOTA Inspire Conference, I thought I was coming to learn techniques. I didn’t expect to leave questioning and expanding what it truly means to practice occupational therapy.

One moment that stayed with me was during “Parkinson’s Treatment Strategies Across All Stages.” The speaker didn’t just talk about motor symptoms, she spoke about preserving self. How a simple cue or adaptive strategy can mean the difference between dependence and dignity. It reframed Parkinson’s for me not as decline, but as a continuum where OT holds space for identity. In contrast, “A Holistic Approach in Acute Care Oncology” felt quietly powerful. Amid monitors and medical urgency, OT was positioned as the profession that asks, what still matters to this person today? That question lingered with me long after the session ended.

I also found myself unexpectedly inspired by “Alternative Exercise in Parks for Stroke Rehabilitation.” It challenged the walls we place around therapy, reminding me that recovery can happen in sunlight, in community, in movement that feels like life again. And then, seeing innovations in VR and hand rehabilitation robotics it felt like watching the future unfold in real time.

But the moment that truly grounded me was seeing a USC Chan professor on that stage. Confident, impactful, shaping the narrative of our profession. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. This is where I’m being trained. This wasn’t just a conference. It was a shift from learning OT, to belonging to it.

Sri Raagavi Devi Kumaravel

Attending the AOTA Conference as a USC Chan student was an inspiring and meaningful experience. As an international student, receiving the Berro Award gave me the opportunity to attend my first occupational therapy conference in the United States, and I am deeply grateful for that support.

One of the most impactful sessions I attended explored inclusive travel using Disneyland as a case study. Since the conference took place in Anaheim, the experience felt especially immersive — we could even see the Disneyland Ferris wheel from the conference room. Seeing Disneyland presented as a “microcosm,” both inclusive and exclusionary, changed the way I think about accessibility beyond healthcare settings and into everyday community experiences. I was especially intrigued to learn that travel is not simply leisure, but can also support autonomy, self-esteem, identity exploration, and personal achievement.

I also attended sessions on school-based practice using the CO-OP approach, sleep health interventions, and school engagement in children with cerebral palsy, which strengthened my clinical reasoning and reinforced concepts related to my evidence-based project.

The conference reminded me how occupational therapy can shape communities, participation, and meaningful life experiences beyond clinical settings.

Dana Nguyen

Attending the AOTA Conference as a recipient of the Michelle Berro Scholarship was both an inspiring and affirming experience. Surrounded by passionate occupational therapy practitioners, students, and leaders from across the country, I felt a strong sense of belonging within the OT community. Each session I attended expanded my understanding of evidence-based practice, advocacy, and the evolving role of occupational therapy in diverse settings. Sessions expanding from Artificial Intelligence for Low Vision to OT in Adult End-of-Life Care challenged me to think more holistically about client-centered care. Beyond sessions, exploring technologies such as virtual reality and robot-assisted devices brought neurorehabilitation concepts to life. I also connected with OT students nationwide and participated in NBCOT activities, where I gained both knowledge and confidence. Additionally, hearing directly from clinicians who are making meaningful changes in their communities reinforced my commitment to becoming a practitioner who not only supports clients but also advocates for systemic change. I am incredibly grateful for the Michelle Berro Scholarship, which made this opportunity possible. This experience has strengthened my passion for occupational therapy and motivated me to continue learning, leading, and contributing to the profession.

Maria Nicole Carmela Sombillo

It was my first time attending the AOTA Conference, and I knew I had to make the most of it. Even though I was the only one from my cohort and didn’t have a constant companion throughout the three-day event, I set a clear intention: to immerse myself fully. I carefully organized my schedule to attend as many sessions as possible, listened intently to each speaker (J.M. Martinez’s keynote address even made me teary-eyed), explored poster presentations, and made sure to ask questions. I also took every opportunity to connect with exhibitors and fellow attendees.

As a pedagogy resident, most of the sessions I attended focused on transitioning to academia and understanding the foundations of being an educator. From this experience, I came away with five key takeaways: the more you know, the more you realize what you don’t know; networking builds connections and opens opportunities; showing up daily makes a difference; inspiration can be found in the everyday grind; and most importantly, you must pave your own way and pursue what sparks you.

Overall, the conference was an eye-opening and insightful experience, and one I look forward to attending again!

Trinity Mecham

My most favorite occupation is going to Disneyland. After attending the AOTA conference in Anaheim, I got to go to Disneyland with a few friends and professors. Disneyland has become my happy place!

As a student, attending classes and having brief opportunities for clinical introduction are important occupations. This month, a group I am in for the Motor Control elective got to tour Rancho Los Amigos Rehab.

Another occupation I love is spending time outside. Even just taking a brief walk is an occupation I love but definitely take for granted. This month I spotted an adorable snail while on my walk!

Makayla Lui
In honor of OT Month, I will be sharing 3 occupations that I tried for the first time!

Attending AOTA Inspire and Trojan Family Reception
The next occupation that I tried for the first time was attending the AOTA Inspire 2026 Annual Conference & Expo. I volunteered in the morning with the People Power booth and in the afternoon, I was able to explore the Expo Hall with some friends. Here, I got the opportunity to connect with OT researchers, practitioners, and educators from across the nation. I got to participate in some cool experiences, such as doing a paraffin bath, designing my own pen charms, and even experiencing some OT technologies and interventions. Afterwards, I grabbed lunch and attended some sessions with friends before heading to Downtown Disney. Afterwards, I attended the Trojan Family Reception, where I was able to help present an OT button to University President Beong-Soo Kim, along with my fellow student ambassadors. I got to watch USC Chan present awards and speeches over dinner, and it was so nice to see my fellow professors and classmates for an amazing night!

Presenting my Research Poster at the 27th Annual Undergraduate Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Work
An occupation that I tried for the first time was presenting my research poster, “Locomotor Exploratory Behaviors in Pre-Walking Infants Born Full-Term,” at the 27th Annual Undergraduate Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Work presented by the USC Office of Academic Programs. Since last summer, I have participated in the USC Undergraduate Research Associates Program under the USC Development of Infant Motor Performance Lab (DIMPL), where I have been aided in the research project studying the immediate impact of dynamic weight support on the locomotor exploratory behaviors of pre-walking infants born full-term and preterm. I compiled my work on video coding and assisted in data collection to create my first research poster to present the lab’s findings. While at the symposium, I was very nervous and anxious at first, especially since this was my first time here, and I knew that I would have to present to multiple judges. However, I found that when I got there, I was amazed to be around so many remarkable people advancing research at USC and the world at large. I had the privilege to experience poster presentations, art exhibitions, and electronic media spanning across arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, math, and engineering. I had many judges come visit and ask questions, and even one judge told me I had the most organized graphs of my entire section, so that was really reassuring to know.

LA Kings Hockey Game

Another occupation that I tried for the first time this month is attending a hockey game! One of the greatest perks of being a USC student is all of the fun and enriching experiences within the greater Los Angeles area.

When I heard that the Late Nite ‘SC program was offering free tickets to an LA Kings game, I had to sign up because even as a Los Angeles native, I had never gone to a hockey game before, and having the game so close by at the Crypto.com Arena was an added perk. This night was especially special because the LA Kings gave us the chance to go on the ice after the game. Additionally, it was Anže Kopitar’s Legacy Night, celebrating a legendary hockey player who has played for the Kings for 20 years and who will retire at the end of the 2025–26 season, so we were given free sunglasses at the door that emulate his trademark visor look from his helmet.

I actually attended this event alone; however, I quickly made friends with someone who sat with me on the free, chartered bus, and we instantly clicked. When we got there, we quickly grabbed some dinner, and we both bought Hello Kitty drink cups as souvenirs to remember the game.

We watched the game go into overtime; however, the LA Kings sadly lost in a 7-round penalty shootout in the end. After, we got a free Anže Kopitar poster and headed on the ice for some quick pictures and looking up at the arena, I got to take it all in.

Avery Lord

Attended the annual southern California Best Buddies Friendship Walk
This month I attended the annual southern California Best Buddies friendship walk with USC Best Buddies club! We took our club to Long beach where we met with other best buddies chapters across southern california to walk to support friendship and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, all while raising money for Best Buddies of California. We enjoyed a good breakfast, decorated sashes and T-shirts, walked all the way around shoreline aquatic park, and had a celebratory dance party at the end! I loved getting to deepen my connections with both my buddies and fellow club members outside of our usual meetings, as well as make connections with people from other schools.

Cooking new meals at home

As I get closer to graduating college I am attempting to master a necessary adult occupation: cooking! I have been aiming to try new recipes this month instead of just relying on dining halls and takeout. The better I get, the more I realize how much fun cooking can be, especially when I turn it into a social activity and cook with people I love. This month alone I have made steak salad, homemade prosciutto and arugula pizza, beef and sweet potato bowls, and chicken tacos to name a few. I am looking forward to trying even more new recipes and techniques

New fitness habits: Yoga
Recently I have been engaging in a new favorite occupation, hot yoga sculpt classes! This has quickly become a meaningful part of my routine because it challenges me both physically and mentally. The combination of strength, cardio, and mindfulness helps me manage stress while also building endurance and flexibility. As a college student, it gives me a structured time to disconnect from academics and focus intentionally on my well-being. I’ve also found that pushing myself in this environment has helped me build confidence and stay consistent with my fitness goals. This occupation has become an important outlet for both self-care and personal growth - plus I love going to classes with friends!

Cara Ishisaka
Ambassador Bonding at the Getty
A few of the ambassadors and I attended Getty’s annual “College Night,” where the museum is reserved just for college students across LA. We enjoyed free food and interactive activities like origami, mindful coloring, and screen printing our own tote bags through screen printing. We also explored the exhibits through a self-guided scent tour using scent strips that represented different historical eras, ranging from earthy and floral to musky and sweet like ice cream. We had fun imitating some of the artwork as well. While I wish the entire team could have joined, I appreciated the time I spent with my fellow ambassadors. We don’t often see each other outside of work due to our different schedules, so it was nice to have the chance to get to know each other better and strengthen our bond.

Attending My First AOTA Conference
I also had the opportunity to attend the AOTA Inspire 2026 Annual Conference, where I volunteered all three days as a room monitor for educational sessions on topics such as wound care, heart failure, patient-centered research, and population health. After, I explored the expo hall, where I picked up several tote bags, a back scratcher, and created my own fidget pen. I also heard from practitioners, companies, and interprofessional teams about the latest technologies and resources to support practice. To celebrate the end of the conference, I attended the Trojan Family Reception, where the ambassadors and I met University President Beong-Soo Kim and gave him an “I love OT” button. He was so kind, and I appreciated his support and recognition of the profession. I especially enjoyed celebrating the USC Chan Award recipients, including Dr. Florence Clark, whose research I’ve read and discussed in Theoretical Foundations, and Michael Sugar, one of my favorite guest speakers from Crafts. It was also great to reconnect with former ambassadors and professors. Overall, my first conference was one to remember, and I look forward to hopefully attending next year as an attendee.

Ciara Greenaway
Attending USC Yard Show
This week, I attended USC’s Yard Show with a few of my friends for the first time. The Yard show is a cultural celebration and tradition that highlights performances from the “Divine Night” organizations. Sitting on the lawn in front of Doheny, we were able to watch this spectacular celebration that blended a series of steps, strolls, and dance moves to share the unique identities, histories, and achievements of their respective historically Black sororities and fraternities. Through the night we cheered on friends we spotted and were amazed with the show. While this was my first time watching the Yard show, it definitely won’t be my last!

Teaching Yoga and Yoga Therapy
Since the start of my college journey, I’ve been looking for some physical activity that I feel most connected to. With doing Allstar and Competitive Cheerleading all throughout high school, sports became interlinked with my day-to-day functioning; however, going into college, I knew my cheerleading chapter was closed, so I’ve been on a search for something new. Last spring semester I took Pilates (and loved!) and this spring semester I decided to try Yoga and Yoga Therapy. I wanted to learn how Yoga can be incorporated into my life as an activity that supports my health and well being while also learning more about its therapeutic practices. In my classes, we were tasked with instructing the class through a pose in Yoga and through a catered therapeutic routine in Yoga Therapy. I was a little nervous to do this because I’ve never really taught in a more formal sphere before, but it turned out to be so much fun!  I taught Trikonasana or Triangle pose in Yoga and taught a Yoga routine for those tackling back pain with my fellow group members. Yoga has become a place where I get to relax and shake off the stress from other classes and matter’s, and teaching yoga was also seemingly relaxing. Trying new physical activities has been such a rewarding experience and I’m to incorporate Yoga into my routine and who know maybe even teach Yoga or Yoga Therapy in the future!

Angel Illaya

Taking Care of My 3-Year-Old Nephew
One of the most meaningful occupations in my recent years has been taking care of my 3-year-old nephew, Calvin. When I first moved to the U.S., I spent a lot of time with him, and those moments quickly became very special to me. During that transition, I was not yet working as an occupational therapist, which made me feel like I had lost an important part of my professional identity. Spending time with Calvin, whether we were playing, laughing, or simply going through his daily routines, gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment during that time. Some of my favorite moments were listening to his imaginative stories and watching him engage in pretend play, where his creativity would really come out. His curiosity and energy made even the simplest moments feel meaningful. I loved watching him explore the world, use his imagination, and express himself so freely. At the same time, this experience reminded me of the importance of patience and being fully present. Looking back, caring for him not only strengthened our bond but also helped me reconnect with my passion for working with children and reminded me why I chose this profession in the first place.

Writing Blogs as a Student Ambassador
Another meaningful occupation I participated in was writing blogs for my role as a student ambassador. Through this experience, I was able to reflect on my journey, share insights about my program, and provide guidance to prospective students who may be considering a similar path. Writing became more than just a responsibility, as it gave me a space to slow down and process my experiences in a more intentional way. It allowed me to look back on moments of challenge, growth, and adjustment, and put them into words that felt honest and meaningful. At the same time, writing helped me express myself creatively while continuing to develop my communication skills in a more professional context. I began to appreciate how powerful storytelling can be, especially in connecting with others and making experiences feel more relatable. This occupation was meaningful because it gave me a platform to advocate for my field and represent my program, while also encouraging deeper self-reflection on how far I have come and who I am becoming throughout this journey.

Attending the AOTA Inspire Conference for the First Time
Attending the AOTA Inspire Conference for the first time was an experience I will always remember. I was able to attend through the Chan Leadership Award, which allowed me to go for free, something I am truly grateful for as it made this experience possible for me as a student. As an international student, this was especially meaningful because it was my first time attending a large professional conference in the United States. Coming from the Philippines, where there are fewer occupational therapists, seeing how many passionate occupational therapists are part of this profession and how strong the community is made the experience feel incredibly meaningful. Walking into the conference, I felt both excited and inspired. As someone who is still new and currently a student, I found myself simply taking everything in, listening, learning, and absorbing as much as I could, holding onto the ideas and experiences that resonated with me. I enjoyed learning new ideas and perspectives in a space where everyone shared the same goal of helping others. This experience made me feel more connected to the profession and more confident in my path as an international OT student.

The Joy of Pottery Painting
Last month, one of my close friends decided to celebrate her birthday by trying a new occupation: pottery painting. As occupational therapy students, we often talk about the importance of engaging in meaningful and enjoyable activities, so I loved the idea of celebrating through a creative experience rather than the usual dinner outing.A few years ago, before starting OT school, I took a beginner pottery class and really enjoyed it. Since then, I had not revisited pottery or ceramic painting, so having the opportunity to return to it felt both exciting and nostalgic. Our friend group visited Color Me Mine, a paint-your-own pottery studio where you can choose different ceramic pieces and customize them with your own designs and colors.

What I appreciated most about this experience was how calming and immersive it felt. Pottery painting encouraged me to slow down, focus on the present moment, and engage creatively without worrying about productivity or perfection. It was also a reminder that occupations do not always have to be complex to be meaningful. Sometimes, simply sitting with friends, painting, laughing, and expressing creativity can have a huge impact on emotional well-being and social connection. From an OT perspective, pottery painting also incorporates many skills we often discuss in class, including fine motor coordination, visual-motor integration, sustained attention, creativity, and sensory engagement. Beyond the physical components, it also fostered social participation and stress relief, which are equally important aspects of health and wellness. Check out some of our artwork below!

Shooting film photography is an occupation that has supported my identity since I was a child, and it involves using a point-and-shoot film camera to capture memorable moments, whether it be with friends, family, nature, or my life as it plays out. The nature of film photography is that it can be an intentional or spontaneous activity where I am able to express my creativity and capture candid shots. Something special about my own film camera is that it was passed down from my dad, who captured film of his own life as well. The element of surprise when I review my developed film is what makes film photography so enjoyable because it is not viewable in the moment, so you never know what to expect or how one moment of my life was captured. Over the years I have acquired countless photographs, from when I was little up until now, that have captured candid memories that can take me back to a brief moment in my life whenever I reflect upon them.

My practice of shooting film photography contributes to my own identity, as I am a very sentimental person. This extends into my collection of photos, shirts, and other trinkets that are reminiscent of enjoyable past experiences. As a result, this trait can manifest in how I interact with people or people I had known previously, acknowledging our prior experiences or history of knowing each other before. I always come back to photos and these memorabilia to reflect on how I lived out those experiences and how different a person I was.

Additionally, creativity is central to my identity, as I capture photographs stemming from my inner imagination to craft the best representation of the important events in my life. A photo never changes, even when the people in it do. With a few clicks of a button, I embrace the side of me that never wants to stop crafting and creating the perfect shots while having tangible items to be remembered by.

In this current day and age, while it is easier to use your phones in capturing photos of much higher quality, I see using film photography as preserving tradition, and I believe that there is power in raw memories when you cannot see them right away. I recognize how associations from the past are able to reinvoke new meanings through a present lens. I realize that longing for past memories is a mark of a life well-lived, and in the face of life’s ups and downs, these memories serve as a reminder that better days are to come with different people, places, and contexts.

Going to the beach is another occupation that has supported my identity, and this entails riding my bike on the strand, walking my dog, sharing a meal with a friend, tanning on the sand with a good book in hand, celebrating birthdays, or swimming in the ocean’s waves. Because I live close to the beach, it has become central to my identity, as it contributes to my sense of leisure through relaxation and rejuvenation, while other times it offers me physical health benefits through exercise and vitamin D. My participation at the beach contributes to my identity as a Southern California native because when I gaze upon the beach, I recognize what a privilege it is to savor these moments and be able to share the beauty of nature with so many close friends, relatives, and fellow beachgoers as well. Participating in different activities at the beach contributes to my identity as a nostalgic and introspective person, where I can prioritize my mental well-being while basking in nature’s solace, as well as recognize how many different versions of myself have been to the beach for different capacities.

Attending concerts is an occupation that has supported my identity, and this activity involves seeing a musical artist’s performance at a venue while I am accompanied by friends or family. The concert experience for me can include dressing up, buying merchandise, and singing along to the musical artist that performs. Seeing a musical artist in person is a surreal experience for me because I am able to reflect on the moments where I am listening to them in my own day-to-day life. Seeing them before my eyes, singing live, is exciting and a full-circle experience to me. My participation in concert-going is reflective of my musical expressions that are central to my identity, as I feel deeply compelled by the emotions and song lyrics that the musical artist sings.

Participating in the collective effervescence of the concert experience contributes to my sense of social closeness, and these experiences, alongside other music fans, contribute to my identity in belonging, community, and deep emotional connection through musical curation. Collective effervescence at a concert entails synchronized singing, dancing, clapping, or cheering that follows concert norms and social etiquette. Concert-going is not only an occupation for community gathering, belonging, and mutual appreciation for artistry and culture, but it also reflects life’s realities and experiences around us.

Throughout my experience, I created a film to encapsulate the entire Mural Therapy process, documenting this past year’s murals’ impact on the students, mural artists, and surrounding communities alike. I had the pleasure of having attendees experience my film, where I shared interviews from key players of this project who are challenging stigmas surrounding disability, people of color, and graffiti. By introducing culturally sustaining, disability-inclusive creative practices that promote mental health, belonging, and student freedom and agency, I sought to reframe and affirm public art as a legitimate pedagogical and occupational therapy tool.

Throughout our session, we invited participants to doodle or color on our provided coloring sheets that depicted some of the mural artists’ pieces or graffiti alphabet. While doodling for learning, this practice helped them engage with our material and learn about how educators, community leaders, and students can co-create learning environments that challenge deficit-based narratives surrounding disability, migration, and graffiti cultures. Additionally, we led an intergenerational panel discussion featuring our team examining our lived experiences of implementing Mural Therapy, and closed with a Q+A that facilitated dialogue about transferring these strategies into other institutions. In doing so, attendees left with actionable strategies for building collaborative, human-centered learning environments that advance racial equity, disability justice, and immigrant community advocacy.

This was my first time at an academic conference, let alone presenting, and I was very nervous at first simply being in the room full of highly educated people. However, over the course of the conference, I was able to attend some very insightful sessions that helped ease my nerves, such as attending breakout sessions, panels, affinity breakfasts, networking receptions, and listening to keynote speakers.

Here are some highlights from the sessions I attended:

1. From Harm to Healing: Participatory Design for Just AI Futures

Here, I participated in an interactive design workshop investigating how AI increasingly shapes the education landscape, while reinforcing inequities, particularly for Black, Brown and low-income communities. I learned how centering cultural and embodied knowledge as a core design tool is imperative in using AI and education for true engines of innovation.

2. Designing Schools for Human Nervous Systems

In this session, I heard student testimonials about co-regulating classroom structures and how healing-centered practices, nervous system regulation, and relational safety can be embedded into school culture rather than just isolated within counseling spaces. I learned from a school’s empowerment team on how they use joy as resistance and focus on restorative justice systems that replace punitive discipline.

3. AOCC Founders Panel and Keynote Address

I learned about the sacred art of teaching and how, in education, we must treasure the spirit of our students and must not fall into spiritual bankruptcy. Every soul is worth saving, even with individuals that we may find challenges and hardship. Radical vulnerability and rich dialogue take patience, not just working with the ecosystem we are embedded in.

Additionally, I got the opportunity to immerse myself in the art scene that Harvard and Boston uniquely offered. I got to visit the Harvard Art Museum, where I got to meet contemporary Nepali artist, Sneha Shrestha, known artistically as IMAGINE, whose art installation was recently acquired by the Harvard Art Museum. Alongside the student volunteers, we learned about the architectural elements of her piece that were inspired by her hometown and how the latticed and arched shapes echo the doorways of many South Asian revered spaces. It was so enlightening being able to learn from this Harvard alumnus, and the work she has done in starting the Children’s Art Museum of Nepal and curating art programs and exhibits of South Asia across the world.

This day was especially special because it was International Women’s Day, and to be in the presence of strong women on this day served as such a great reminder for the wonderful work that raises the standards for our future generations and is continually being done to advance our communities and world at large. Here, I am pictured by two strong USC Chan alumni, Serena Au and Dr. Natalie Palencia, who was also a USC Chan student ambassador like myself.

Also, I got to explore the Harvard Art Museum’s Forbes Pigment Collection that houses rare and historic pigments actively used by conservation scientists at the museum. While recalling the Dodgers mural from this past winter that we worked on, it is interesting to learn about the intentionalities and the rich histories that pigments carry beyond the paint at our fingertips. Here, I learned that the very pigment that is used to create the iconic Dodger Blue pigment (Lapis Lazuli) is primarily and historically sourced from Afghanistan.

Lastly, I got to explore the Boston area with the team before I headed back to sunny, Southern California. I got to visit Faneuil Hall for some Boston clam chowder and even got to squeeze in a visit to see my cousin for dinner and check out Tufts University.

Attending Harvard AOCC was one of the first academic conferences that I have been to, and I was just so appreciative that I was able to inhabit the same space as so many knowledgeable and intelligent people. In the midst of so many hardships in the news and around our communities, it is reassuring to know that the work is still being done by so many dedicated individuals who continuously push the bar to advance education for all.

Since then, I have returned back to OT volunteering at the special education center — where Mural Therapy all started — and my film has been considered into the Harvard Film Archive. I have since presented about Mural Therapy in Dr. Gabe Craven’s OT310 course, Exploring Creative Occupations with OT Serena. I am so honored to share this amazing experience not only with Harvard, but also bringing it back to USC Chan. It is such a full-circle experience, as I previously took Dr. Gabe Craven’s OT310: Exploring Creative Occupations course this past semester, right when I first started participating in Mural Therapy as well. Being able to come back to Dr. Gabe Craven’s class and seeing the exact same excitement and curiosity this project gave me in the fellow undergraduate students engaged in the presentation gave me a deep sense of gratitude, purpose, and hope for the future.

During my pediatric OT work in the Philippines, I’ve learned that progress often shows up in the smallest, most meaningful ways.

I once worked with a young girl who wanted to tie her own hair at school. What seemed like a simple routine was actually a complex task that challenged her fine motor skills, executive functioning, motor planning, and visual perceptual abilities. Each attempt required coordination, sequencing, and persistence, but also patience, resilience, and courage to keep trying.

At school, this was not just about her appearance. It was about independence. There were times when she did not have a caregiver or teacher available to help her, and something as routine as tying her hair became a barrier to her participation and confidence.

So we practiced again and again. We broke the task down into manageable steps, used repetition, and built strategies that worked for her. Progress was not immediate, and there were moments of frustration. But then one day, she did it. She tied her hair on her own.

That moment may seem small to others, but it was everything to her. It meant she could take care of herself at school. It meant confidence, autonomy, and a sense of accomplishment she could carry into other parts of her day.

Experiences like this remind me that occupational therapy is not just about teaching skills. It is about creating access to everyday life. In my journey from practicing internationally to continuing my training in the United States, I have come to appreciate small wins in my own life. As a student, it may look like understanding a challenging concept, communicating with classmates despite language barriers, or building confidence in clinical reasoning. As a person, it can be as simple as adapting to a new environment, finding my voice, or continuing to grow through change.

This Occupational Therapy Month, I invite you to look closer at the small wins. Whether it is tying hair, buttoning a shirt, returning to work, or simply getting through a difficult day, these moments build toward something bigger.

Because in occupational therapy, small wins create lasting impact.

As a result, I thought that it would be both beneficial and fruitful to shed light on the importance of DME and how they are the real MVPs.

Looking at DME through an occupational therapy (OT) lens, the use of DME enhances independence, participation in day-to-day activities, and can address a wide spectrum of needs. These needs can relate to someone recovering from an injury, managing chronic conditions, or simply aging into some physical challenges. The very core of the OT profession focuses on meaningful daily activities such as getting dressed, eating, bathing, and engaging in significant hobbies. However, when everyday tasks or empowering tasks become difficult, it affects more than just independence. It can lead to a loss of identity, purpose, confidence, and overall well-being. Adaptive equipment ultimately can bridge the gap between what a person wants to do and what their body allows them to.

One example would be dressing! Individuals who may be limited by mobility, varying levels of pain, or even decreased fine motor skills can find the act of putting on socks or fastening up clothes frustrating. Adaptive equipment such as sock aids, long-handled shoehorns, or even button hooks can all restore independence quickly. When looking through an OT lens, this equipment isn’t just about increasing convenience or efficiency; it’s about preserving dignity and improving independence.

When puttering around the kitchen, adaptive equipment can transform an exhausting activity into something more manageable and even enjoyable! Rocker knives, jar openers, or built-up handles can reduce the amount of strain or grip that an individual will need. Tools like these can mean the difference between feeling the need to skip a meal and feeling confident in prepping food. As OTs, we not only assess any individual’s physical abilities, but also take into consideration their roles, routines, and environment before recommending tools. This way, the tools we recommend align with their habits and goals.

When using the bathroom, adaptive equipment can play a major role in assistance. Shower chairs, raised toilet seats, or even grab bars are not simply “add-ons” for an individual’s home. In reality, they can be a preventative measure and reduce the risk of falling and can increase confidence in the bathroom.

Some individuals may resist the change or transition towards DME and adaptive equipment, associating them with being weak and frail. In reality, DME simply supports enabling independence by creating a safer environment. What makes OTs especially unique is our individualized approach to selecting adaptive equipment for each individual. Rather than handing out DME willy-nilly, OTs carefully consider the wants and needs of each individual. We carefully ensure proper fit, educate intentionally, and help with seamless integration of DME into daily routines. DME that is chosen incorrectly or DME being used improperly can cause frustration and even pose safety risks.

Something that is especially worth noting as I rave about DME’s versatility and the expansive types there are: Adaptive equipment isn’t always high-tech or expensive! Sometimes the most impactful are the simplest, like simply putting a non-slip sticker under a slippery rug. As OTs, we are trained to think creatively to find low-cost solutions to make significant differences.

So ultimately, adaptive equipment and DME aren’t about the limitation. It’s about possibility. We want individuals to continue engaging in activities they find the most meaningful on their own terms. That’s the goal: to help people function, but also to help them live safely, fully, and with autonomy.

Ta-ta for now!

Four years ago, I injured my thumb while rock climbing and found simple tasks such as picking up weights, pens, gripping jars and bottles challenging. Through my recovery, I worked closely with a hand therapist who not only helped me restore my strength and mobility but also showed me how meaningful it is to build rapport with your patients and help individuals regain independence. The experience gave me a deep understanding and appreciation for the complexity of the hand and the importance of occupational therapy’s holistic and client-centered approaches. Experiencing occupational therapy for myself inspired me to follow a path where I can support others through similar setbacks, helping them return to their chosen activities and routines that matter the most to them.

At USC Chan, that versatility is embraced with the immersion model of the Entry-Level OTD program. By the end of my education at USC Chan, I will have had opportunities to learn about and work in the populations of mental health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and adult rehabilitation. This has helped me understand what I want to do and also what I do not want to do as an occupational therapist.

For this blog, I want to share a brief lesson I learned from each immersion about occupational therapy, and a bit about being human too, with a few vignettes from my time at my immersion fieldworks. Any details shared about specific encounters have been changed to protect identities. Please take care as themes of addiction, death, and hardship are explored or alluded to. I will be sharing the stories in the order I went through the immersions: mental health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and finally adult rehabilitation rather than sharing in a chronological life span format.

In my mental health immersion, the greatest lesson I learned was to lead with empathy rather than judgement. We all have occupations (or activities, habits, things we do) that we wish we did not do. Some of these are less socially acceptable than others, a theme that is explored in depth in the Theoretical Foundations course in the first semester of the program. During this immersion, someone shared with me that although they wanted to stop a certain occupation, it was also the only thing that had been consistent throughout their whole life. This changed my perspective. While occupational therapists should promote health, it is important to remember that giving up certain habits is very difficult. Even if we can’t relate to the individual occupation or behavior, we can relate to the challenge that comes with making change. The empathy that I learned in mental health immersion is a trait I hope to take with me to every future client interaction. Judgement does nothing to promote meaningful action, so start with genuine care instead!

Pediatrics taught me the importance of keeping therapy fun! The number one way to build rapport with a child is to play tag on the playground, build a Lego tower, or race them in an obstacle course. Children need to know that I am an adult that cares about them, who would go the distance to advocate for them, and I found fun to be a way to show that care in a way that is easy to understand. It may seem like a waste of time occasionally, but nobody cares what you know unless they know that you care. A child knows you care when you take the time to speak their language, the language of play and carefree fun. I think this helped me prevent burnout too. When we were having fun together, it was not hard to want to do it forever.

While geriatrics is not always considered a traditional immersion or practice setting, the older adult population is growing, and I feel there will be many opportunities for occupational therapy as we do our best to care for our elders. Although unexpected, I found geriatrics to be my favorite immersion of all. This is truly because of the connections I made with clients and the kindness I experienced at my fieldwork site. I developed a special friendship with one client. My first week at fieldwork, this client took me under their wing and showed me the ins and outs of the facility. They told me that there was something to learn from everyone I interacted with. Every week, I would look forward to seeing this client and learning about their life, their love story, and their career. In short, this was one of the best people I have ever met! About half way through the semester, I learned that this client had passed away. Although this was devastating, it also made me profoundly grateful that I could meet them. If I had geriatrics even a semester later, I would never have met them. This really taught me that we are meant to meet the people we meet, even if it is just for a short time. In OT, there will be clients I only know for a brief period, so I have to do my best for them while I can.

Adult rehabilitation is truly the immersion in which I felt I experienced the most growth. I was at a non-traditional placement for this fieldwork experience. It reinforced the lesson I had learned in geriatrics: you can learn something from everyone. It is beyond helpful when you let a client be the expert on something! One client that I developed a strong bond with is a fashion guru and interior designer. They helped me understand what colors look best on me. In return, it became much easier for this client to take my advice, and together we built a lasting rapport!

I am grateful for the experiences I have had in this program. The immersions allowed me to get a feel for what I want to do as an occupational therapist, and they taught me skills that will help me be a better care provider. Many of the skills of a good occupational therapist are also traits of a good person. I hope to continue to develop and embody these skills as I continue in my career!

I begin my day as an occupational therapist in an inpatient hospital setting in the rehabilitation office, where magnets with patient names shape my caseload of the day. I see patients who have just been admitted from a range of specialties—orthopedic surgeries, neurological conditions, and acute medical events. Before seeing anyone, I review medical charts to piece together each patient’s story—who they were before hospitalization and what independence looked like for them. At the same time, I assess their current condition—vital signs, precautions, and risks—to ensure therapy is safe.

There is no fixed schedule—the expectation is to meet visit targets while maintaining strong clinical care. Planning the day feels like solving a constantly changing puzzle. Some patients need pain medication before I arrive, while others are preparing for discharge and require urgent evaluation. Even with a plan, things shift. A patient marked “ready” may not be in their room, and I adjust in real time. Balancing in-person therapy with documentation is essential to stay on track with productivity while ensuring safe and effective care.

Once the nurse confirms the patient is stable and the patient consents, I enter the room to begin therapy. Each session is tailored to the patient’s condition and needs. For instance, a patient recovering from lumbar spinal surgery is often in significant discomfort, even with pain medication, and surrounded by IV lines and drains. Together, we work through the basics—learning how to log roll out of bed, wear a back brace correctly, stand at the sink without bending, and use adaptive tools to get dressed. I remind patients of spinal precautions—no bending, lifting, or twisting (BLT)—guiding each movement carefully to protect the healing spine. What seems simple—brushing teeth or using the restroom—becomes a meaningful step toward independence.

I often notice how meaningful these small moments are for patients. Some have not been able to brush their teeth for days, and even a clean, warm towel to wipe their face can bring a sense of relief. Moments like these are a reminder that the small, everyday activities we often overlook can mean everything when someone is trying to regain their independence.

By 4:30 PM, the day winds down, but what stays with me are these small moments. Occupational therapy is not just about recovery—it’s about helping people return to living their lives, one everyday activity at a time, and ultimately supporting a meaningful and healthy life.