Student Blog
Planning for the future ⟩
October 17, 2013, by Rob
Classes Fieldwork What are OS/OT?
This is an exciting time to be a second-year student. After getting back from our full week of fieldwork on Monday, my Inbox started filling up for future things to do. First, I had to submit my application for the OTD program. After a lot of thought and consultation with faculty and fellow students, I decided it was the best decision for myself and my future in the profession. I’m looking forward to exploring possible residency sites in the next few month as I try to work out a fun and educational yearlong experience. Find out more on the OTD here.
I’m also starting to plan the elective courses I will be taking this spring. We have two required classes and then up to 12 additional elective units. The program is very structured for the first three semesters, but the final semester is exciting because it gives all of us students the chance to specialize in an area of interest. I’m going to be taking the Universal Design class as well as an independent study on disability studies in occupational therapy. The only sad part is that our cohorts (the three groups that we were divided into at the beginning of the program) will be splitting up. I have made some really good friends in my cohort — spending hours playing on the pediatric equipment, making splints, studying, eating lunch and basically living together for a year and a half has created tremendous camaraderie, and I’ll miss it. But that just means we will have to get some potlucks and themed parties going to bring us back together!
The last big decision on my plate is where to do my Level II Fieldwork next summer. Since I was a teaching assistant this past summer for the foundational courses the first-year’s take, I will be doing both my Level IIs back-to-back after I graduate in May. I’m going to Philadelphia for my second Level II to work on an interdisciplinary program for older adults that focuses on aging in place, something I am very passionate about. I’m still exploring places to do my first Level II here in LA. I’m leaning toward mental health, but I still have a few more weeks to get things figured out.
Whatever I choose will shape the future of my next few years in the program. But no pressure, right?
Also, a big round of applause to fellow Ambassador Jen! She has posted a whopping eight blog posts thus far. I’ll have to step up my game in the second half of the semester!
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A full week of fieldwork ⟩
October 16, 2013, by Jen
This past week I did not have any classes, because I had a 40+ hour week of fieldwork. My fieldwork took place at a pediatric clinic. The purpose of fieldwork is to provide occupational therapy students to incorporate what we have been learning in the classroom to what really happens out in the field. I know I am a kinesthetic learner which means I learn best when I carry out a physical activity (as opposed to listening to instructions or observing a demonstration). This is why it has been so important for me to have as many hands-on opportunities as possible during my education. I also think that because occupational therapy is typically such a hands-on profession, it is important for everyone in the field (whether they are kinesthetic learners or not) should get as much hands-on experience as possible!
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Midterms!!! ⟩
October 15, 2013, by Kate
Life Hacks School/Life Balance
There’s always that time during the semester when I feel like I don’t have enough time to do all the things on my to-do list, including stuff for my personal life (like buying deodorant). And this week, my friends, is just that time. With a paper due Monday, a big test today, and a 10-page paper/15-minute presentation on Thursday, suffice it to say, I am BUSY. How can I get all the things done that I need to get done, and not breakdown?
How about this: do a little occupational therapy on yourself, Kate! Yep, that’s right. I got myself a giant dry-erase board calendar to help me visualize my schedule and prioritize my to-do list. This way I can hold myself accountable for what needs to be done and show me my timelines. I’m really proud of myself for putting this to use and for helping myself prepare for the next time when I feel pressure on my time (whether for school or longer down the road with a job). I know the importance of taking time to be productive, to rest, to care for yourself and to play.
Hopefully, this tool will guide me to being a better me, especially when it comes to school. I’m excited!! And just as an FYI, I bought deodorant. Don’t worry. 😉
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Explaining Occupational Therapy ⟩
October 5, 2013, by Jen
When someone asks me “What is occupational therapy?” I want to respond “Do you have a minute or an hour?” Occupational therapy is an amazing field, but defining occupational therapy can be a challenge at times. Occupational therapy is a health profession that focuses on the meaningful activities that OCCUPY a person’s day. For example, the meaningful activities that occupy my days typically include waking up and preparing breakfast for myself, driving to school, learning from my professors and peers, working as a student ambassador after class, and engaging in social events with my friends in the evening. If I suddenly was unable to complete these various occupations independently (whether due to an illness, disease, stressful event, etc.), I might seek out the care of an occupational therapist who would evaluate and treat me so that I may participate more fully in my life. For more information on defining occupational therapy, I recommend checking out the American Occupational Therapy Association website.
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Whirlwind Week ⟩
October 4, 2013, by Clarissa
Oh, what a tornado of a week! We started off with a midterm on Monday for Health Promotion and Wellness, I made and brought in a fine motor toolkit and took a midterm yesterday for Pediatrics, and the write-up for the fine motor toolkit is due midnight tonight! Of course, I miscalculated my exams and assignment due dates and bought tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland the weekend prior to this craziness. It’s my planner’s fault really.
On a positive note, making my fine motor toolkit was such a fun project! I had a great time creating activities with toys and objects to help kids at my fieldwork site develop fine motor skills. I can’t wait to try out my toolkit on them during our full week of fieldwork next week. I also worked at a launch event last week for Interacting with Autism, an online resource with documentary-like videos that invites website visitors to interact with various topics. The launch event was so cool! There were various poster presentations, lectures, and musical performances by the Miracle Group which is a fine arts program for children with autism. I was so impressed with their musical abilities!
All right, it’s time to go back to the grind. The important thing is that that I’m somehow surviving this madness, thanks to caffeine, great study buddies, fun assignments, and epic study breaks. Now, if only those study breaks didn’t include running into my nemesis yet again.
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