Student Blog
Mason

What Kind of OT Do You Want to Be? ⟩
April 9, 2025, by Mason

Classes

Everyone goes to OT school for different reasons. Everyone has a unique and passionate dream for their future that drives them to work hard. I think one of my favorite parts about being a USC Chan Student Ambassador is hearing just that: having the opportunity to interact with prospective students and to listen to their unique dreams and goals of becoming future clinicians. No one occupational therapist is alike, and one of the coolest things about meeting a prospective OT student, current OT student, or practicing occupational therapist is that you never know what kind of OT they will be. What makes our profession so fascinating and so impactful is our ability to flexibly adapt to serve a never-ending variety of patient populations. What I love most about occupational therapy is that we never stop asking ourselves where our profession should end; instead, we ask ourselves how we can grow, how we can learn, and how we can increasingly serve those around us.

So, when facing the never-ending horizon of a holistic, flexible, and growing healthcare profession, one of the biggest challenges and fears of a current OT student is trying to figure out what kind of OT they want to be. I mean, come on, how many other professions can you name that could simultaneously teach handwriting skills to children in rural areas, rehabilitate hand injuries in an acute burn unit, support babies’ feeding skills in the NICU, develop lifestyle changes to manage chronic diabetes, train self-dressing skills to adults after a spinal cord injury, and so on, and so forth. Let’s just say, when trying to pick a specialty area…it gets complicated.

So, how do you navigate it? Well, to start, what has always helped me has been to embrace every semester, every class, every fieldwork, and every opportunity with an open mind. USC Chan’s OT program was cultivated by OTs working across dozens of unique and diverse specialties. So, rather than have students engage solely in the standards and learn in an academic program focused on just the basics, USC Chan enables students to also learn about the “why not’s”. Our 4 key practice immersions (adult physical rehabilitation, pediatrics, mental health, and geriatrics) teach students the most fundamental skills of how to be an OT across our most historic practice settings. But rather than stop just there, each semester, students take additional classes that begin to teach them to branch out beyond the basic levels of their education. These classes offer students an opportunity to see inside the window of more unique specialty areas of OT (such as preventative medicine, acute care, and non-traditional mental health), and importantly, give them the ability, if they choose, to take hold of their education and explore more niche topics further.

As students enter the second semester of their second year in the program, they gain the opportunity to take elective classes through the division. These classes are often taught by adjunct specialists and experts in their fields and allow students to experiment with new speciality areas they may be interested in. This semester, I had the opportunity to take an elective class that explores the role of occupational therapy in comprehensive adult neuro-rehabilitation, which involves working with patients experiencing spinal cord injuries, stroke, and traumatic brain injuries. I took the class because throughout the program, I had begun to have a real interest in these patient populations and wanted to explore the role of OT in supporting them.

Choosing what kind of OT you want to be is no easy task, and I would bet that even after finishing OT school, many new graduates still aren’t completely sure. But I would argue that when looking across OT programs, make sure to find a program that supports your curiosities and gives you the opportunities to explore them. I think finding learning opportunities after college can be a bit more challenging, so make sure to soak up all the knowledge and information while you can!

That’s all for now, and Fight On!

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Expanded Horizons, Open Ambitions ⟩
February 27, 2025, by Mason

Beginnings and Endings Fieldwork

In occupational therapy school, students have the opportunity to take part in a plethora of fieldwork experiences, and students engage in both level 1 and level 2 fieldwork. Uniquely here at USC Chan, level 1 fieldwork is integrated within the 4 practice immersions in which students learn: Adult Physical Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Pediatrics, and Geriatrics. In level 1 experiences, students have the opportunity to shadow clinicians and interprofessional teams out in their practice settings and gain valuable experience in interacting with the select patient population in which their current immersion is focusing. Level 2 fieldwork, on the other hand, takes students a step further. Rather than simply observing clinicians in practice, students begin the transition of becoming entry-level practitioners through hands-on clinical application and mentorship. By the end of a student’s level 2 fieldwork, they will have the skills and experience to enter the vast clinical landscape as a new practitioner.

This summer, I will take on the challenge of my first level 2 fieldwork experience. I was fortunate enough to be placed at an outpatient pediatric clinic where I will work full time 5 days a week for the entirety of the semester to gain the skills of an occupational therapy practitioner. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but I am also beyond excited to begin this new chapter in my education. One unique component of my story is that I will be completing both of my level 2 fieldwork experiences Out-of-Area (OOA).

But what exactly is Out-of-Area (OOA) fieldwork? To answer that question, let me first give you a little background on how our standard system works. Students within the USC Chan’s occupational therapy program are all guaranteed to be placed in a fieldwork setting for both of their level 2 experiences. However, not all fieldwork sites are the same, and not all students take the standard path towards finding their fieldwork placements. Each year, USC Chan’s designated fieldwork coordinators work hard to curate a comprehensive fieldwork “wishlist” of clinical sites in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Students have the opportunity to rank their preferences through an online portal and are eventually matched with a fieldwork site, where they then may have to interview to secure a placement.

However, if you are an avid out-of-state student like me, you may plan to return after you get your degree and also may want to conduct fieldwork a little closer to home or the area where you plan to lay your roots. That is exactly where Out-of-Area (OOA) fieldwork comes into play. In OOA fieldwork, students work closely with the fieldwork coordinators to locate, research, and connect with clinical sites in different states and even potentially internationally in different countries. Students have complete freedom to engage in fieldwork outside of LA, and when the time comes, USC Chan specifically offers virtual class options so that students may finish the entire last year of their degree remotely. OOA fieldwork does come with its own unique challenges. Rather than have a curated list of fieldwork sites already ready to accept a student, in OOA, students take on the burden themselves of researching & locating potential clinical sites where they would like to study. Moreover, even after a site is located and contacted, there is no guarantee that the site is interested or has the availability to take on a student.

Engaging in the search to find OOA opportunities for my level 2 fieldwork has certainly been time-consuming and stressful; however, for me, the benefits of these opportunities outweigh the additional work. What I love most about the OOA process is that it allows students like me to find fieldwork in the area they plan to practice after graduation. Fieldwork is not only a fantastic learning opportunity but also a strategic opportunity for networking and future employment. Many occupational therapy students get offered their first job post-grad from one of their fieldwork sites. Therefore, by conducting fieldwork where you call home, you are keeping yourself open to those possibilities and setting yourself up for a successful career post-graduation. Additionally, if you know me, you know I like saving money. Almost every decision I have made so far academically, professionally, and personally has been to set myself up for a successful financial future that aligns with my ambitions. The OOA process will enable me to move back home with my family for my entire last year and half of the graduate program. Of course, I am excited to be back with them, but in addition, this will save me all of the money I would have to spend on rent, and hopefully a little on food too. In graduate school, every penny counts, so when you are looking at your opportunities across any program, I would also recommend creating a plan for your ambitions and then working hard to make them a reality. You will certainly not regret it!

That’s all for now, and Fight On!

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A Story You Won’t Forget ⟩
November 8, 2024, by Mason

Admissions

College admissions can be stressful, in fact when I think back about my high school years I can say without a doubt that the college search and application process was one of my most stressful moments. One of the hardest parts about it, at least for me, was the sheer number of people telling me different things to focus my energy and attention towards. I had my parents whom I desperately wanted to make proud, my older sister who was already succeeding in college, high school ‘college counselors’ who thought I shouldn’t tunnel vision my aspirations solely on occupational therapy, and of course all of those supposed “admission experts” on youtube describing ground breaking news on how to get into a top school. Everyone always had something to say, some magical advice, and having to sift through all of it was exhausting. College applications often force you to define yourself in a few short pages, and I for one was often left feeling inadequate putting my whole life down on a page.

A little about me, I had the privilege of earning a paid work study job at USC’s Office of Admissions. There I served as a student ambassador and tour guide for all 4 years of my undergraduate education. There were many great benefits and takeaways from my experience in the position, but for the sake of staying on topic I will stick to what’s relevant. Across my years in the role I was able to work directly under several fantastic admissions counselors who not only acted as my bosses and mentors, but also openly shared with me an honest window into the college admissions process at USC. My supervisors were some of a large number of USC counselors who directly read applications and played a key role in the admissions process. I cannot speak for other universities, but I think the most interesting thing I realized throughout my time learning from them is how human the college application process really is. When you are in high school and applying to these big trailblazing universities it’s easy to forget that at the end of the day there is a human being reading your application. A real person who feels, empathizes, and hopes to connect with each and every student they learn about. When any of my co-workers or myself would ask our supervisors what is the best advice we should give to prospective USC students on an application or college essay, they would always tell us the same thing:

Tell us a story we won’t forget.

So what is my magical advice you might ask? What secret golden ticket am I offering to you today. The best advice I can give to anyone about applying to USC or any college for that matter, is to be your most honest and authentic self. It’s so easy to get swept up in the narrative of trying to make yourself into a person that college’s “want” to see. Whether it be through the extracurriculars you engage in, the classes you take, or the essay you use to paint a picture of yourself, let your true narrative and story guide your application. If you take the time to create something that reflects the beauty and passion of your unique human experience I guarantee you it will stick with a person better than trying to model some unattainable paradigm.

My favorite thing about occupational therapy is that each and every patient you see has a different story, a different meaning that they derive from the activities that fill their life. Let your meaning shine through your work, and always remember that there is never just one path to your future goals. If the first path you choose closes, take a deep breath and head down the next one that comes your way.

That’s all for now, and Fight On!

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A Legacy of Hard Work, Perseverance, and Occupation ⟩
September 27, 2024, by Mason

Beginnings and Endings School/Life Balance

Hi everyone! In my introductory blog post, I talked to you all about why I chose to take on the challenge of becoming an occupational therapist. In case you missed it, let me give you a refresher. My mother is a pediatric occupational therapist and has served various populations of children with special needs and developmental disabilities for over 30 years. Growing up around my mother and watching her treat and impact the lives of the children she worked with sparked my passion and lifelong goal to help others. My mother always taught me that no matter what you do, you should leave the world better than you found it, and use your energy, health, and opportunities to help those who have less or do not have the same luxuries. Throughout this program, there have been many times when I doubted myself and my abilities to succeed as a student, clinician, and overall individual. But in those moments I have always had my mother and her lessons to support me.

My mother has always been a key pillar of support in my life. However, my mother was also not shy about pushing me to do my best. Growing up, my mother always had one rule: it was okay to fail as long as you tried your best. In every moment of failure or setback throughout my college years so far I always tried to remember that simple lesson because I knew that my best was within reach if I worked hard and put in the effort. It wasn’t easy to move across the country to a state I had barely visited, work multiple jobs to support myself throughout my education or start a full graduate course load while my friends moved on to full careers after their undergrad. College is not an easy challenge, and it’s not meant to be. After 4 years of strong effort, I still find challenges and overwhelming moments every other week. But I know I can get through it because I have the people around me that make me feel supported.

In a funny way life always comes full circle. This year to my utmost pride, pleasure, and enthusiasm my mother started a new journey of her own and returned to school to earn her post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy. Despite not being in school for almost 30 years and diving into an educational landscape that has changed fourfold, she’s taking on this challenge to grow and better herself, and I couldn’t be more proud. As children, you always view the relationship you have with your parents as a one-sided transaction. They teach you, they support you, and they help you grow to dreams and goals they know you can accomplish. However, as you inevitably grow up and expand in your ability to understand those around you, you begin to realize how much you impact their lives as well. We can teach our parents, we can help them grow, but most importantly we have the ability to support them amid the vulnerability that makes change so scary.

My mother inspired me to become the person I am today, and today I’m lucky enough to inspire my mother to reach the exact same potential she has always seen in me. So when you’re reflecting on the challenges and obstacles that stand in your way, don’t ever forget about the people in your life that lead you to greatness. Cherish those who have always supported you and take any opportunity you can to return the favor by supporting them.

That’s all for now, and remember to Fight On!

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My First Summer Semester, What a Ride! ⟩
August 22, 2024, by Mason

Living in LA School/Life Balance

Completing finals this past week marks the end of my first-ever summer semester in college, and I can confidently say that it was not the experience I expected. Now let me be honest with you all, when I first found out that I would have to take classes for the majority of the summer I was not too pleased. The summer had always been my time to let loose amidst busy semesters of OT courses and I was scared that the lack of a break would feel overwhelming. My first summer semester also happened to be my first semester as an official graduate student. It was quite an interesting experience having my entire family fly down on a Friday afternoon for the pomp and circumstance of my undergraduate graduation only to then have my first day of class bright and early the next Monday morning. Despite being a full-time student throughout the summer I still ended up having quite an enjoyable experience. For me personally, I always get a certain feeling or mood when the summer comes around. I don’t know if maybe it’s the warmth or the opportunities to get out into the sunshine, but summer always brings me a feeling of joy and endless possibilities. Even though I was on my way to class in the morning, I couldn’t help but smile in the sunshine, sunglasses donned, and iced coffee in hand.

For me, I took my summer semester as an awesome opportunity to explore a new season in Los Angeles for the very first time. I chose to embrace being a California college student and had a great time while doing it. Initially, I thought having class would take away from my opportunities to engage in the activities I enjoyed, yet I found quite the opposite happening this summer. In fact, I was actually able to explore and try many new things I never expected. One of these activities was biking. I have always loved biking, but I have also always wanted to take the activity from simple fun to a serious sport I could enjoy. This summer presented me with the awesome opportunity to do that. I explored new areas of LA I had never experienced like scenic coastal roadways, surprisingly lush river canal trails, and open northern landscapes. I was even able to create and develop new meaningful relationships and friendships with my classmates who shared my passion for the activity.

OT school can certainly have its ups and downs, and there are definitely some overwhelming moments, but for me what gets me through it is making the time for all the things I enjoy. Balancing the workload and making time for other meaningful occupations can take time. It is an intricate dance that only experience can teach you to master. But once you get in the swing of each semester, you’ll find all of your responsibilities get gradually easier to manage. Our meaningful activities are what drive us as passionate and independent individuals. They are the reason we get up each morning, and they are the reason I continue to work hard towards my dream of becoming a clinician. My biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to join our OT program or any other program like it is to make time for the little things that bring you joy. I strongly believe that when you do you will concentrate better, learn better, and grow as a person throughout your time here.

That’s all for now and Fight On!

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