USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
University of Southern California
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Kayla

Kayla

Feeling Brand New Going Into Year 2! ⟩
August 30, 2026, by Kayla

Beginnings and Endings Community Living in LA School/Life Balance

It’s hard to believe that I’m already starting my second year of grad school! When I first started this journey, I knew OT school would challenge me, but I didn’t fully understand just how much I would learn not only about occupational therapy, but also about myself. As I get ready to head back to school, I’ve been reflecting on my first year, what I learned, and what I’m looking forward to during this next chapter.

My first year of OT school was filled with new friendships, new experiences, and a boat load of caffeine. One of the biggest things I learned was being grateful to be able. Able to be independent but also learn how to help others be independent as well. There were definitely moments when I was questioning if I could even make it out, but those experiences taught me resilience and I didn’t come this far to only come this far.

One of my favorite memories from my first year was attending the LA Kings game together as a cohort because it was my first hockey game but also a great way for us to get to know one another outside of the classroom. Looking back, I’m proud of myself for surviving in a completely new city and just finishing out the year successfully.

Group photo at the LA Kings game

At the LA Kings game!

If you’re starting your first year of OT school, here are a few things I wish I had known:

  1. You don’t have to know everything right away. OT school is a learning process, and it’s okay to ask questions and make mistakes.
  2. Find your people. Having classmates, friends, professors, or mentors who understand what you’re going through can make a huge difference.
  3. Give yourself grace. There will be difficult exams, long assignments, and days when you feel overwhelmed. One difficult day doesn’t define your ability to become a great OT.
  4. Remember why you started. When school gets stressful, reconnect with the reason you chose occupational therapy in the first place.
  5. Celebrate the small wins. Getting through a difficult exam, mastering a new skill, completing a project, or simply making it through a busy week are all accomplishments worth recognizing.

As I start my second year of OT school, I’m feeling excited, nervous, motivated, grateful, a combination of them all.

There’s still a long way to go before I can officially call myself an occupational therapist, but I’m proud of how far I’ve already come. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, making memories, and getting one step closer to becoming an OT!

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

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