Student Blog

Climbing, OT, and Me ⟩
July 25, 2025, by Katelyn

Community Living in LA School/Life Balance

Even before starting OT school here at USC Chan, rock climbing was my escape. It was a place where I could disconnect from the noise of my life and simply move. The walls were puzzles, and my body was the solution. I loved the physical challenge, the focus it demanded, and the way climbing left me grounded and at peace.

So, where did my love for climbing come from?

Since I was a child, I’ve always loved the outdoors. My childhood best friend and I spent hours in our backyards. We dug for worms, chased lizards, collected rolly-pollys, and climbed the wall that separated our houses. Once we reached the top, we triumphantly ate unripe fruit straight off a tree. While I cannot pinpoint the exact moment my love for rock climbing started, I know I’ve loved the art of climbing, whether it be a tree, a backyard wall, or even a boulder. Climbing felt like a dance: hauling my body upwards, finding handholds I could trust, and shimmying my toes into the tiniest of footholds. It felt intuitive. Natural. Joyful.

Naturally, as I grew older, I explored opportunities to rock climb. At community fairs, I would scramble up plastic rock walls, catching fair technicians off guard as a scrawny little girl climbed up the wall as if her life depended on it. I loved climbing.

My eyes were opened in my freshman year of undergrad. My RA happened to be an avid rock climber and decided to invite a group of her residents to a rock climbing gym. The irony? We visited a climbing gym in my hometown of Arcadia, CA. I was stunned. My life was changed. Since that instance, I have bought a membership to Hangar18 and have climbed on and off for the last 6 years.

Climbing has become my outlet, a time when I can be fully present in my task. It has become a time for stress relief, to build confidence, and for me to nourish myself. Alongside these wonderful perks of climbing, it has also become a time when I connect with others. Whether it be sharing beta on a route, encouraging newly made friends mid-climb, or just laughing with friends during a bouldering session. I’ve come to appreciate climbing. Like many occupations, climbing holds many layers: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social.

Since beginning my program here, climbing has taken on multiple layers of meaning. In class, we often discuss “occupation” as more than what people do; rather, it’s who they are. Suddenly, I see climbing in a new light, not just as a sport, but rather a powerful occupation that shapes my identity, supports my mental health, and brings community into my life.

I’ve started seeing others at the gym differently. The people I interact with are not just climbers; they’re occupational beings. I’ve noticed how people adapt quickly when they fall, they self-regulate when frustrated, and how the climbing gym fosters inclusion. Ultimately, these are the same lenses I bring to fieldwork as a future clinician, observing, participating, and providing meaning all in real time.

Especially in such a demanding program like USC Chan’s E-OTD program, holding onto meaningful occupations like climbing has reminded me why I chose this path. Because at the heart of Occupational Therapy, there is a belief that what people do matters. And for me, climbing does.

Ta-ta for now!

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What in the world is a Maymester? My time abroad in Spain and Italy ⟩
July 11, 2025, by Avery

Classes Externships

I have always wanted to study abroad in college. I love to travel, experience new cultures, and see the world from different perspectives. However, when I started the accelerated BS-OTD program at USC Chan, I quickly realized that spending an entire semester abroad would be challenging.

In our program, we complete most of our undergraduate credits in just three years, which doesn’t leave much room for a traditional semester abroad. While it is possible, it requires a careful plan from the start of freshman year to squeeze in all required credits. I wasn’t ready to commit to it my freshman year, so for a while, I thought I had missed my chance to study abroad.

That’s when I discovered one of USC’s best-kept secrets: the Maymester.

So, what in the world is a Maymester?

A USC Maymester is a short, intensive study abroad program offered right after the spring semester, usually from mid-May to mid-June (allowing you to return in time for that June 15th internship start date!). These programs count as part of your spring course load and typically last three to four weeks, allowing students to earn academic credit while being fully immersed in a new cultural and academic environment.

Maymesters are faculty-led: a USC professor designs the course content and location and travels abroad with the group. Most Maymester courses are worth four units (the same as a regular semester class) but condensed into four immersive, action-packed weeks. There are Maymesters in a huge range of subjects, from math to storytelling, food and culture, law, and beyond.

Whether a student’s program makes it tough to go abroad for a full semester, or they just don’t want to miss that much time on campus, Maymesters are a great way to gain international experience without the full semester commitment.

I was lucky enough to go on a Maymester of my own this spring. On May 17th, I packed my bags and headed to the airport, ready to learn in a new country alongside peers I had never met before.

I took a class titled WRIT 380: Writing Sustainable Futures. For three weeks in Spain and one week in Sicily, we explored how climate change is reshaping migration across the Mediterranean. We studied how Spain and Sicily approach sustainability, climate policy, and immigration (topics that are becoming more urgent every day) and compared them to what we see in the U.S. We visited Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, and Syracuse, learning directly from local communities, and organizations. For our final project, we created a plan to bring one of these ideas home to Los Angeles.

It turns out that cities like LA have a lot to learn from places like Spain and Sicily. The climate crisis is about more than rising temperatures — it affects people’s daily lives, displaces communities, and changes how we experience the world.

Even though this wasn’t an OT-specific class, as a future occupational therapist, I was especially interested in how sustainable living conditions affect people’s well-being. I had the privilege of visiting countless local NGOs, non-profits, and government groups, learning the work they are doing to protect immigrants, communities, and this planet. I learned that cities designed with nature, walkable neighborhoods, and strong community support help people live healthier lives — values we don’t always prioritize back home.

I left the class feeling inspired to use what I learned to help people and our climate back home. Whether that is through my future practice, advocacy work, or everyday conversations, I can’t wait to put these lessons into action and help build healthier, more sustainable communities.

Outside of class, my peers and I made the most of every moment in Spain and Sicily. We became fast friends, and whenever we weren’t in lectures or writing essays, we were exploring. Beaches, museums, soccer games, ancient ruins, parks, new cities, cathedrals, shopping streets, boats, new foods, paddle boarding — you name it, we did it.

After the program wrapped up in Sicily, I took advantage of being abroad to keep traveling and check a few more destinations off my bucket list, including Rome, Venice, and Florence.

I truly could not be more grateful to have had the opportunity to study abroad in this fashion. The USC Maymester is just one of the countless fabulous opportunities available at this university.

Even if you can’t study abroad or go on a Maymester, let this be your reminder to take advantage of the resources this school has to offer. If you’re thinking about a Maymester, or any opportunity that pushes you outside your comfort zone, go for it. You’ll come back with new friends, new memories, and a perspective that’s worth every minute. If you’re curious about Maymesters, check out the USC Dornsife FLP website or talk to your academic advisor — you might be surprised at how many options there are. And if you have any questions about my experience or what it’s like to study abroad as an OT student, feel free to reach out, I’d love to share more and help you plan your own adventure!

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In My LA Era: I had the Time of My Life ⟩
July 3, 2025, by Trinity

Living in LA

Hey all! Today I will be talking about life in Los Angeles! Coming to USC and the LA area from a small town was pretty daunting. There are less people in my hometown than there are students enrolled at USC! Although I am still close to home, just about two and a half hours away, the difference between Joshua Tree and Los Angeles is vast! They are both in California, but that is where the similarities end. While Joshua Tree is still my first home, Los Angeles has become my home away from home!

LA is AMAZING! The rich history and cultural diversity in addition to the sheer number of activities here make LA a one of a kind place. I have been here more than four years, and I have barely scratched the surface of activities to do here. Still, I wanted to provide some highlights of my favorite things I have done here. I am not a travel blogger or a trip advisor, so I encourage you to do your own research.

To preface, I am a BS-OTD student, so I got my undergraduate degree at USC. I am now getting my graduate degree here too. That is how I have gotten to do so many great things here! During my Freshman year, I got to go on an art tour led by a street artist. LA has some of the most beautiful street art ever including this piece: (Unfortunately, I do not know who painted this. I also took this photo, and photography is NOT one of my occupations. Sorry!!)

On that same adventure, which I did with other awesome OT students, I also went to Urth Caffe for the first time. The food was delicious!

One of the great things about being at USC is that we are right by the LA Metro (at the main campus! The health science campus is different). I ride the Metro, specifically the E-Line right to Santa Monica to hang out on the pier and enjoy the beach vibes. There are also so many other beaches nearby! Of course, in the spirit of honesty, everything in the LA area takes at least 20-30 minutes to get to by car and a bit longer on the train or bus. USC does offer a shuttle right to Marina Del Rey, though, which could be a good option to get to some of the other beaches. Check this link for more information!

USC also has a regular shuttle to LA Union Station from the main campus and the health science campus, and from there, you can get anywhere. I know I was planning on only talking about things in LA, not things to do away from here, but I have to talk about Disneyland. I am a huge Disney fan, and from Union Station, I can get to Disneyland via the train! I regularly go, and while it is not in LA (it is in Anaheim, and people will get upset if you claim Orange County is LA), it is one of my favorite places!

OKAY… Now back to LA. I swear there is more. Griffith Observatory is a must, even if it is really touristy. There are some great hiking options from there. I did not even know there were hikes in LA until I came here. There are also great hikes near the Hollywood sign for everyone with all skill levels. (Remember what I said about my photography skills or lack thereof.)

LA has great shopping and dining, including at Century City (near Universal Studios) and at the Grove. Since I am very food motivated, I recommend Voodoo Doughnuts at Citywalk (they have a location in Melrose now, too!).

I can’t forget Dodgers stadium! There is a shuttle from Union Station that takes you right to the stadium. The games are electric!

One of my favorite things to do here is explore different museums! There are fun ones near the Walk of Fame, but my favorite ones are actually close to USC. Just a quick train ride away is The Broad. Hosting really cool modern art, The Broad is iconic on social media.

I also like the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum, and the California African American Museum. You can walk to all of these from USC’s main campus in less than 15 minutes, and all of them have free admission to the main exhibits for USC students! There is a path through the Rose Garden, another LA beauty super close to USC. (Bones the TV show was filmed here, irrelevant but fun). A few years ago, the California Science Center had the coolest exhibition ever: Lego Art! (I am a Lego nerd!)

Beyond just LA, USC offers a wide variety of fun activities, which I talked about in my last blog. This includes sporting events, plays, dance recitals, showcases, residential hall activities, and of course the iconic LA Times Festival of Books. Something fun happens almost everyday all mainly within the bounds of campus!

Los Angeles is a wonderful place to explore! I am excited to see even more in my last year here! If you have any suggestions for me, I would love to hear them. There is always joy in the journey!

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OT & PT: Same Team, No Games ⟩
June 25, 2025, by Cara

Community What are OS/OT?

One of the most common questions I’m asked at outreach events is, “What’s the difference between OT and PT?” If you’re unfamiliar, there’s a bit of a running joke about the OT versus PT rivalry. It’s something I first noticed while shadowing in an inpatient setting, and now experience personally with my sister, who’s a PT. But what is often overlooked is how OTs and PTs complement each other. So let’s clear up the confusion.

What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
OT empowers individuals to live their fullest lives by improving the fine motor, emotional, cognitive, and social skills needed to re-engage in everyday activities, or “occupations,” that provide meaning. Whether that’s getting dressed, cooking, socializing, a hobby, working, or self-care. The goal is to find alternative ways to maintain a sense of normalcy and fulfillment when adversity affects how they usually perform these activities.

What is Physical Therapy (PT)?
PT, as my sister described, is about the body’s gross motor skills such as ambulation lifting mechanics and balance. The goal is to reduce pain and injury risk while helping individuals move more freely, which in turn supports their ability to do their occupations.

Simply put, PT gets your body moving again, and OT teaches you to apply that movement towards something functional, like feeding yourself or getting dressed.

How do OT and PT work together?
During my time in an inpatient setting, I often observed OTs and PTs do joint treatments. PT would gently stretch the lower body, while the OT assessed upper body motion and strength. The OT also helped with getting out of bed and personal hygiene, and the PT helped them practice walking and standing. In my sister’s experience working in schools, she partners with OTs to address sensory-seeking behaviors she encounters among students, combining their expertise to provide more holistic support.

OTs and PTs may tease each other, but at the end of the day, there’s mutual respect. While we focus on different aspects of care, we share the same goal: supporting individuals in finding motivation, purpose, and direction in doing what matters most to them. So no, neither profession is “better.” We’re just different pieces of the same puzzle, and it’s only through collaboration that the full picture is complete.

 

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For the Adult Rehab Immersion, I Recommend Max Assist ⟩
June 24, 2025, by Katelyn

Classes Fieldwork School/Life Balance

Within the USC Chan E-OTD program, each year is divided into 4 different groups (A, B, C, and D). After a gentle Fall first semester to understand foundations, each cohort transitions into one of four immersions: Adult Physical Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Pediatrics, or Productive Aging and Geriatrics. At the start of our second semester, each cohort participates in a different practice immersion simultaneously.

My cohort, Cohort A, started with Adult Physical Rehabilitation, a class known to be intellectually stimulating and engaging. It was difficult. As the title states, I recommend Maximum Assistance. For those unfamiliar, in Adult Rehab, there are functional levels of assistance that determine the level of assistance a client requires. I required maximum assistance from my community to flourish in the class. It is clear that Adult Rehab is a team endeavour, and now that I have succeeded and have had the opportunity to reflect on my time within the Adult Rehab immersion, I am thankful. The Adult Rehab immersion, while stressful, was invigorating. The material was dense, but applicable. The practicums, while nerve-wracking, shaped us to be better future clinicians. It was fulfilling.

50-plus pages of weekly textbook reading, wading through dense articles, and weekly quizzes that felt like exams — I thought I was in a fever dream going 100 miles an hour in my Adult Rehab Immersion. I could never have gotten through the class without my amazing table group. Shout-out to Angie, Maya, Nicole, Noah, and Taylor. I could not have asked for a better group, and I was so grateful to have been able to work with all of you and divvy up each week’s work for our weekly IRATS (more on this in a second). Similarly, I am so grateful to have been taught by phenomenal professors Dr. Carly Roberts, Dr. Samia Rafeedie, and Jane Baumgarten.

So let’s get down to the nitty gritty. The Adult Rehab immersion, like all other immersions, is broken into three parts. One day of fieldwork and three 3-hour classes each week: two lectures and one lab. To deepen our understanding of Adult Rehab and promote collaboration, this class uses a Team-Based Learning method. Every student takes a weekly quiz, an Individual Readiness Assurance Test (IRAT), before immediately taking a Group Readiness Assurance Test (GRAT). These quizzes focus on collaboration. My group worked as a team, holding each other accountable and enriching our learning. This ultimately helped us hone our teamwork skills, skills we will later employ as practicing occupational therapists working within a healthcare team.

Lectures were insightful. We learned about case applications, how to write SOAP notes, and how to go about applying our knowledge on amputations, lymphedema, and durable medical equipment, and more at our Fieldwork (FW) Level I sites. I had an amazing experience at USC Verdugo Hills’ outpatient hand therapy clinic. I was able to follow my FW educator and apply the knowledge I learned in class to my time at Verdugo Hills. My FW focused mainly on patients with carpal tunnel, pain in the upper extremity, and also patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer. My FW educator was certified in lymphatic drainage and saw many patients to prevent or decrease lymphedema, typically secondary to breast cancer.

And labs. I loved labs. We had the ability to have hands-on experience on the very things we were learning in lecture. Each class focused on a different aspect within the Adult Rehab curriculum. Some of my favorites were: Standardized Patients: Bed Mobility, Wheelchair Mobility lab with Juan Angulo, and Orthotic Selection, Design, and Fabrication. Each had their own difficulties. The standardized patients helped scaffold our learning. They provided lots of feedback and provided us a safe environment to make mistakes (even though those mistakes felt traumatic at the time!), and subsequently learn from them. While the wheelchair mobility lab was fun, it was also eye-opening. From turning around a corner to propelling yourself forward up a hill, each was difficult and had its nuances. While Juan made it look easy, he made it clear that it came with time and practice.

Finally, fabricating orthotics. This might have been my favorite lab, as I have always loved hands-on crafting. I enjoyed the act of refining my orthotic, focusing on minute details in an attempt to prevent blisters or rubbing against the skin. I felt useful applying my creative side to the profession I love.

Ultimately, one key takeaway from reflecting on my time in my Adult Rehab immersion was the importance of balance. While it is important to learn about spinal cord injuries, wheelchairs, and other things of the like, it was equally important to do meaningful activities. Being completely honest, I found it difficult to find that balance. There were weeks when I felt I was swamped by Adult Rehab and struggled. However, there were other weeks I did better! I took up running and ran two 5Ks in the month of March, I had good food and yap sessions with friends, and I even went to Six Flags!

Run With All Your Heart Annual 5k hosted by Keck Medicine Students for #CuringKidsCancer

Six Flags with Az, Shanan, and Diego right after CraZanity!

In the end, I loved my time in Adult Rehab. I am forever grateful for such an amazing cohort and program. I feel like my blog post is only the tip of the iceberg in regards to what Adult Rehab truly entails. Regardless, just remember… take breaks and find balance, even in the hardest of semesters.

Ta-ta for now!

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