Student Blog

Kid-tastic! ⟩
October 18, 2013, by Clarissa

Fieldwork What are OS/OT?

Last week, I got to spend every day with kids, yay! At USC there’s one full week out of the first three semesters that the students spend at fieldwork and I’m at a school-based pediatric site this semester. I went with my clinical instructor (CI) to several schools for most of each day and then to a clinic for about two treatment sessions before wrapping up. It was really great meeting all the kids that my CI works with, observing her treatments, participating in partial treatments, and also trying out my fine motor toolkit! I practiced documentation too, which wasn’t too stimulating, but I’m still grateful since it’s a necessary part of clinical work.

Anyway, back to the fun stuff! As you read, last week I created a fine motor toolkit and I used it to implement treatments on a few of the kids with fieldwork. My favorite activity was one I call Tennis Ball Monster where I used a tennis ball with a slit cut into it for the mouth and with a face drawn on. I then instructed the child to squeeze the tennis ball so the mouth opens and it can eat pom poms! This is to trick the kid into doing several things on my hidden agenda like hand strengthening, practicing a particular grasp that would eventually help the kid with writing, developing the arches of the hand, and work on thumb opposition which is integral to several types of grasps. Like my pediatrics professor says, “The trick is to outsmart the kid.” Muahaha.

Seriously, though, the creativity is one element of occupational therapy that I love. We’re all motivated in different ways and I love the challenge of tapping into what intrinsically motivates each client.

I don’t know about you, but my fine motor toolkit would be motivating to me, even now! Look at all the animals and colors!

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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

Fieldwork

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

What are OS/OT?

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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