Grad School: Growth, Gratitude, and Group C

May 1, 2025
by Dana

Beginnings and Endings Community Fieldwork

From foundational courses, to Pediatrics, to Geriatrics, to Adult Physical Rehabilitation, and lastly Mental Health, I have gone through all didactic courses and the 4 immersions of the E-OTD Program! Throughout the last 1.5 years, I have gained so much knowledge and hands-on experience that prepared me to take on the next part of my OT journey. The interactions that I have had the privilege to make in my Level I Fieldwork experiences with individuals from across the lifespan were so inspirational because not a single encounter was the same. I learned from their stories and how they make meaning from it. As OTs, we actively listen to our clients’ needs when other healthcare professionals don’t have the time to, which makes this profession more meaningful in the sense that we get a full scope of people’s narratives. The fieldwork sites, immersions, and classes not only focus on what to do with clients, but they really encompass how we develop our time with the clients that is meaningful and worthwhile to their goals and overall quality of life.

So, from the jitters of heading into my first Level I Fieldwork to now about to start a full-time Level II Fieldwork experience with my own caseload by the end of it, it’s been a whole whirlwind of emotions, but the amount of support and guidance from professors, teaching aides, and other students have been immeasurable. When there were times of doubt and disappointment, the community at USC Chan provided one another reassurance and motivation to continue because we believe in each other’s successes. As I look ahead to my Level II Fieldwork, I carry with me the lessons, values, and unwavering support that shaped this journey so far. The E-OTD program has not only equipped me with the clinical skills needed to be an effective occupational therapist—it has also deepened my empathy, strengthened my resilience, and affirmed my commitment to advocating for and empowering others. I’m incredibly grateful for every challenge, every connection, and every moment that has brought me to this point.

Lastly, getting through all these immersions and classes was thanks to the best group I could ask for. Because USC is a larger program, when we start the E-OTD, we are split into 4 groups - A, B, C, and D. We still have the larger network, but we really get to know our smaller group. So to my group, Group C, throughout our time together, we have gone through the highs and lows of each course, and despite all of it, we were there to support one another, making the process less lonely. We tried to understand each other and bounced ideas that added to our learning and humility. We voiced our opinions and advocate for each other as well as the profession as a whole because at the core of it, we unanimously want to spread what OT is and provide meaningful services to all populations. Because of this group and everyone’s unique experiences, I gained so much more than knowledge. I learned what it’s like to work as a team and how collaboration plays a strong role in building meaningful relationships, not just between colleagues, but also to my future clients. Additionally, I learned how developing friendships as an adult is not as daunting as I initially thought it was. Grateful is an understatement, but thank you, Group C. Let’s rock in our Level IIs!

⋯