Will I Have a Life in Grad School? (the answer is yes)

September 2, 2016
by Erwin

I find that many prospective students worry about the demands of graduate school. One of the most common questions I get being a student in the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is, “Do you even have a life outside of graduate school?” While our program is intensive (which is why it is ranked #3 in the country), it is certainly manageable.

Given my school schedule, I still have plenty of time to be involved in things that are important and meaningful to me. When I’m not in the classroom, I work as a student ambassador within the division, as USC’s Student Delegate for our state organization (OTAC), play in an intramural basketball league, spend time with family and friends, go to the gym, and of course watch Netflix! So believe it or not, my classmates and I have lives outside of graduate school.

Occupational therapists understand the importance of balance in people’s lives. After all, a balanced life is a healthier life! As students, we all work hard to ace our tests and gain the skills to be competent practitioners. With that being said, our professors urge us to practice what we preach and add balance to our own lives. That’s why my classmates and I make sure to set time aside for our own leisure and personal care. A doctor at the Keck Hospital of USC once joked with me that the occupational therapy students are the only students on the Health Science Campus that smile. While I’m sure the other health professions also smile, there’s just something special about occupational therapy’s perspective on health and balance that has us smiling a little more. 😊

Here are a few pictures of my classmates and me participating in meaningful activity outside of the classroom (just in case you don’t believe me).

USC OT tailgate fun