Student Blog

Hello 2017 and Hello Spring Semester! ⟩
January 13, 2017, by Raisa

Classes What are OS/OT?

Happy New Year everyone! I hope everybody had a wonderful end to 2016 and a positive start to 2017. The start of the New Year also marks the start of the spring semester, which means new courses and my last semester in the Post-Professional Master’s program.

I am stoked for the spring semester as I will be diving right into my practice area of interest, which is Adult Rehabilitation! Find out more about the USC OSOT courses.

Let me give you a breakdown of the electives I will be taking this semester:

• OT574 Enhancing Motor Control: This class provides an in-depth understanding of the role of OT, the domain of practice and occupation-based approach to adult rehabilitation in upper motor neuron syndromes. In this hands-on laboratory class, students will be able to interact with clients and clinicians for an integrated learning experience of both theory and application in the different approaches relating to Neurorehabilitation.
• OT573 Hand Rehabilitation: Students will be able to build a good foundation of the anatomy and physiology of the forearm, wrist, and hand; incorporating the science and the art of occupation into developing your clinical reasoning skills for occupation-based evaluation and treatment for common hand disorders.
• OT575 Dysphagia across the Lifespan, Pediatricts to Geriatrics: This course will give students a better understanding of the role of OT in the management of dysphagia cases from pediatric to geriatric populations. The class will focus on the OTs domain of practice, which will equip students with a firm foundation in the comprehension and treatment of swallowing disorders.
• OT577 Seminar in Occupational Therapy: This class provides students with an overview of the role and domain of practice of occupational therapy in different clinical settings and contexts. Seminar and class discussions will be done in order to integrate both theory and clinical practice in various healthcare settings.

USC offers a variety of electives which will equip you with the skills you need to become a well-rounded practitioner. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is also a common foundation that all these courses are built on, your future self will thank you for keeping up to date with the latest EBP trends. Some of these courses even go towards a completion of specialization or certification in your future practice.

I hope to grow as an Occupational Therapist with the help of the esteemed USC OSOT faculty and my Trojan Family. I look forward to this semester, and I wish everyone the best of luck in their endeavors! What electives would you want to take in the USC OSOT division? Shoot me an email, I’d love to hear from you!

Fight on!
Raisa

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New Year, Big News! ⟩
January 10, 2017, by Alyssa

Community Living in LA

Happy New Year! I couldn’t be more proud to be a Trojan!

With a big football victory and a kickoff to celebrating the OT centennial with a float in the Rose Parade, things are certainly exciting here at USC OSOT! Not to mention, this week also marks the beginning of spring semester. Now when it comes to football, the Trojans made quite the appearance at the Rose Bowl. It had been a long 8 years since USC had played in the Rose Bowl game and were certainly able to FIGHT ON and win 52-49 against Penn State. What a way for USC to start off a new year!

2017 marks a century of Occupational Therapy, which means our national organization and health profession will turn 100 years old! As we move forward into this New Year, the students here at USC OSOT continue to promote our profession, especially the wonderful people we have met and helped. Check out our AMAZING float and learn more about OT! ☺

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Home for the Holidays ⟩
December 22, 2016, by Kimmy

Life Hacks Living in LA

I never thought that I would be so far from home. As a New York native, California was far from my future plans — both geographically and idealistically. Little did I know, USC would win me over and become my home, 3000 miles away from home.

Admittedly, my first few months were challenging. I came from a small town and went to school with classmates I had known for the past 12 years. But then, slowly but surely, I found myself enveloped in and invigorated by the Trojan Family. I joined a sorority, I participated in student organizations, I buried my nose in the book stacks of Doheny, and I cheered on the football team.

But New York is always my home base. My parents lend their ears when I need to vent. My brother offers advice to guide my way. My friends make me laugh even in the midst of midterms. A simple text message can traverse the vastness of the country, making distance virtually nonexistent.

And the holidays provide the perfect reason to physically traverse the country, enduring the bus-plane-car trio to finally land back in my twin size bed. Though my trips home have become less frequent each successive year, they have not become any less meaningful. It is now my first time home in a year, since I was in Utah for fieldwork over summer break. During these three weeks, I will soak up as much winter cheer as I can.

One of my favorite New York winter sights!

Though leaving home may be difficult at times (as is graduate school), I have no regrets about my decision. With friends that feel like family and an education to prepare me for my future, USC has truly become my home away from home. That being said, of course there is no place like home!

If you have any questions about moving out of state for OT school, please do not hesitate to reach out. 😊

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The End of the Fall Semester ⟩
December 12, 2016, by Raisa

Classes School/Life Balance

I cannot believe it is the end of the fall semester. It feels just like yesterday that I flew in from the Philippines to pursue my masters degree. The last 5 months feel like a surreal blur, but nonetheless, I am happy and ecstatic to be moving forward in the spring! This semester has been nothing short of amazing. I will not lie, it was difficult but it was definitely worth it. 

Through the efforts of our supportive faculty, the program was both challenging and rewarding. The program certainly does live up to its name and I am excited to see what the spring semester has in store for me.

Let me leave you with some pictures of the MA-1 class and our professors on our final classes. With the holidays fast approaching I hope that everyone gets their well-needed rest, enjoy the time you have with friends and family. See you in the spring!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Fight on!

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DIY This Holiday Season ⟩
December 7, 2016, by Kimmy

What are OS/OT?

One of my favorite occupations is holiday shopping, but so is crafting! A homemade present shows loved ones you really care and may even lead to a flow state for you. Not to mention, OT has its roots in the Arts and Crafts movement. In the coming weeks, embrace your inner Mary Reilly and use your hands to create Santa’s little workshop in your own living room to deliver the ultimate dose of holiday cheer

Here are some of my favorite crafts to get you in the spirit:

• Tie blankets will keep you warm and you can use for favorite holiday-themed fabric.
• Stress balls & heat packs are the perfect stressbusters to relax after finals week. Give them to your friends and family to help them stay calm all year, too!
• These peppermint candles will engage all your senses in the holiday spirit.
• Ornaments can be made with materials as easy as an old light bulb and leftover glitter. Or make these mini snowmen using tea lights.
• Reindeer cookies & Santa hat brownies can sweeten up any holiday party.

• A photo wreath is the perfect decoration to commemorate all the good times as the year comes to a close.

For even more holiday fun, try crafting with friends and family. After all, spending the holidays together is the greatest and easiest do-it-yourself present!

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