Formula for Success

February 19, 2020
by Marilyn

Life Hacks

Town & Gown of USC is a non-profit philanthropic organization whose purpose is to support USC through scholarships for students, building and campus enhancements, and cultural programs. On February 4th, 2020 the USC Town & Gown Scholarship held its annual Town & Gown Scholars and Donors recognition lunch, in which Dr. Arthur C. Bartner (Director of the USC Trojan Marching Band) was celebrated and recognized for embodying the Spirit of Troy for the past 50 years. During his speech titled “The Man & Legend Behind the Spirit of Troy,”  Dr. Bartner shared with Town & Gown scholars and soon to be graduates 7 tips for the formula to success that I will be sharing in the blog post. As I reflect on these 7 tips for success, I recognize how blessed and grateful I am to learn alongside amazing and talented people. I have decided to share about peers in the program that embody one of the success tips mentioned in Dr. Bartner’s speech.

1. Busy people are successful people

LiShan Wee — “The key is doing something that you are very passionate about.” She currently serves as the Graduate Student Government Senator for the Occupational Therapy and Science Council and is part of the Global Initiatives team.

2. You have to believe in yourself

Nicole Yoon — Selected as a Presenter for the AOTA Occupational Therapy Inventors Showcase at the 2020 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo in Boston, Massachusetts. Nicole perseveres relentlessly regardless of previous rejections that could be deemed as setbacks. She rebuilds her self-confidence by taking on new challenges and always proves how much she can achieve. Her ambitious goals and grit will make her a global phenomenon in OT.

3. Seek out the mentors that can help you

Rachel Kent — After completing my Level II fieldwork with Rachel during summer 2019 at St. Joseph’s Center, I was reminded about the importance of mentorship. She was always open to reaching out to mentors for assistance and feedback, in order to best support her clients. Her willingness to seek out mentors will propel her to make an impact across multiple settings in OT.

4. You have to be ambitious

Janis Yue — Elected as the AOTA Student Representative to the Commission on Education

5. Continue to grow

Daniela Valle — “The key to success is accepting feedback. Aspiring to be the best version of myself is a daily challenge. I am happy to say that I have friends and faculty in the program that I can count on to give me feedback. (They are also more than willing to discuss heavy topics that affect our communities and clients.) By accepting feedback, I can hone my strengths and work on challenges. Receiving feedback on areas that need changes helps me put my ego aside and focus on what can essentially make me a better practitioner. I have learned to not take feedback personally, but rather understand that it is an opportunity for growth.” Feedback provided by a peer, professor, or supervisor can often seem intimidating, however Daniela’s approach to feedback is valuable. Often the individual providing constructive feedback has a genuine desire to help improve your performance, which will ultimately lead to growth!

6. Networking is a way of life

Ellie Bendetson — “Through networking, I have been able to pursue a variety of passions I didn’t know I had! During undergrad, I interviewed Dr. Stacy Schepens Niemiec about the use of technology to promote successful aging. After the interview, I continued to network and pursue opportunities in her lab and eventually gained a position assisting on a variety of exciting projects. I never thought I’d be interested in working with an older population or utilizing technology in my practice, but this networking allowed me to explore new areas of practice and build impactful connections.” I can relate to Ellie given my experience with volunteering in Dr. Schepens Niemiec’s lab on the Vivir Mi Vida pilot study. Networking often does not come easy to students, however it is encouraging to see peers use this tip to gain further research experiences in OT.

7. Be grateful

Kiana Phillips — Grateful people make the world a better place. In my case Kiana has been my gratitude anchor that keeps me present in the moment. Her gratitude can shift the energy of any conversation or clouded perspective whether it be professionally or personally related. I am certain that she will continue to be source of light and harmony in my life, but most importantly for her future clients.

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