My OS Minor Recommendations

November 13, 2024
by Cara

Classes Life Hacks School/Life Balance

Spring course registration is already underway, and if you’re still on the hunt for classes to fill up your schedule, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re considering a minor in OT or just looking to create a healthier and happier lifestyle for yourself — here are my recommendations.

OT 101: Caring for Your Self: Engaging in Healthy Habits and Routines

OT 101 is all about YOU! This course helps you learn about self-care practices to incorporate in your everyday life, like mindfulness, setting goals, and time management. Throughout the course, I was paired up with another student for weekly meetings where we reflected on our self-care experiences and feelings. Sometimes we did activities together, like yoga, drawing our breath art, or eating. It was a great experience that helped me improve self-awareness and also built a lasting friendship. Since taking this class, I’ve realized how self-care is not a luxury — it’s a necessity for overall wellness. I’ve noticed improvements in my productivity, calm mindedness, and greater self-acceptance by making time for myself. College can often feel like an endless race where we neglect our health and personal needs, but taking time for self-care can make all the difference.

OT 251: Across the Lifespan: Occupations, Health, and Disability

In OT 251, I learned about how people grow and change as they go through life and how this affects the activities they find meaningful. We explored human development by looking at different factors like biology, psychology, society, and culture, and how these all connect to shape what people are interested in and value in their lives.

What made this class really fun was the emphasis on building a positive and engaging learning community through peer learning. I often worked in groups on case studies, role-played different stages of development, and did discussions where my group mates and I reflected on our development and how it affects what we do. I really connected with my peers through both our shared experiences and differences, deriving new insights on how development is nuanced. And I still keep in touch with them to this day!

OT 340: Animal and Human Interconnection in Daily Life

If you love animals, OT 340 is a must! This course explores the relationship between humans and animals. I learned about K9s, therapy dogs, foster animals, among many others. Occasionally, some furry friends came to visit too. As part of the course curriculum, I spent 8 hours interacting with animals to further understand how humans and animals affect one another. I volunteered at a local shelter, walking German Shepherds for two hours each week. The experience was rewarding, teaching me about humility, compassion, and loyalty. I also found it amazing how animals still love us no matter how we treat them, and continue to persevere to live a better life than before. If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will!

These courses are just a taste of what the OS minor has to offer, and I encourage you to consider them as you finalize your spring schedule. They will deepen your understanding of both yourself and others while providing practical skills you can apply in your everyday life. Check out our other OS courses here!

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