Student Blog
Mason

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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Working in College Is Not One Size Fits All ⟩
July 18, 2024, by Mason

Getting Involved Life Hacks School/Life Balance

Throughout my undergraduate and graduate education at USC, I have always had some form of job, and these were often funded by federal work-study. Federal Work Study is a government-funded student aid program that students may be eligible to receive depending on their financial situation as governed by the yearly FAFSA. The full ins and outs of the program can be a bit confusing, but to simplify it, if a student is awarded federal work-study, the government will give an employer money to pay your wage and to incentivize the hiring of you as a worker. In my personal experience, having federal work-study was extremely helpful as an undergraduate student, as many of the on-campus jobs such as working at the library, bookstore, etc. would be much more likely to hire a student with a federal work-study award. That is not to say that there are no jobs for those without this distinction. Many of my close friends and even myself during the years I did not receive this award were still able to find great employment opportunities and jobs that were flexible enough to accommodate a college student’s scheduling needs. The key takeaway from this though is that federal work-study can be a great opportunity and tool in finding employment during college, so make sure to remember to fill out your FAFSA accurately each year and not to overlook the award in your financial aid package.

Now on a more personal note, I’d love to talk about my experience so far as a working college student. I was fortunate to be raised in a very hard-working family, where both my parents worked full-time jobs while raising my two sisters and me. While my parents were working hard in their careers, my sisters and I were taken care of by my Nonno (grandfather). My Nonno immigrated to America from Sicily when he was just 19 years old and it is from him that I owe my work ethic across all of the jobs I have worked so far. No matter what was going on in my life, my Nonno always raised me to be a hard worker. He taught me that if you wanted something in life, that it was your responsibility to work hard to achieve it, and that any aspiration no matter how big was achievable with hard work & determination.

I have worked many jobs in my life such as being a tutor, a beach lifeguard, a resident assistant, and a campus tour guide, and now I enjoy interacting with my community through blogs like this as a Chan student ambassador. For me, work has always brought me a sense of meaning and purpose. The idea of getting a job and working during college was never really a question in my mind, rather, it was more of an understanding I had made with myself to continue to work hard towards my goals. Students choose to work in college for a multitude of reasons, many work hard to pay for things like books, food, and rent. Some students choose to work so that they can have money to support themselves in meaningful activities like sports, exploring LA, or getting dinner with their friends. Finally, many students choose to work because having a job helps them derive meaning and purpose with their time in college. I have often found that people do not simply fall into one of these roles, rather, most students I know tackle every one of these goals simultaneously.

Working in college is not one size fits all. Each and every one of us is a different person, with different goals & aspirations, different finances, and importantly, different needs to succeed during our time here. So when considering whether or not to work during your academic pursuits the best advice I would give is to be honest with yourself and to think about what you need to succeed. Choosing not to work is just as meaningful as choosing to work if a job would jeopardize your success as a student. My advice, be open to trying new things! If a job doesn’t work out you can always stop and you can always try something else instead. Working in college is not perfect for everyone, but it can be a fantastic opportunity to set yourself up for financial, professional, and personal success in your future life and career.

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

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The Transcontinental Bachelor’s to Doctorate Student ⟩
May 24, 2024, by Mason

Beginnings and Endings

If you asked the average 17-year-old kid if they wanted to commit to a 6+ year program and move across the entire country they would probably look at you like you are crazy. This was the exact reaction I received when I told my peers, teachers, and even family members that I had decided to commit to USC Chan’s Accelerated Bachelor’s to Doctorate program as a senior in high school. Of the many concerns that people had around me, the biggest question people asked me was “Are you sure this is what you want to do with your life?” I remember that 17-year-old me would always get so bothered by this question, I couldn’t possibly understand why the people around me had so many concerns about me going into this program. Looking back on these memories almost 4 years later, as a more mature and grown person, I can say that I finally understand why people had these concerns. Choosing to go to college is one of the biggest decisions that people will make in their lives. It is an opportunity that will shape your career and your opportunities, and most importantly it will shape you into a hardworking adult capable of building a life for yourself. So, it’s understandable why those around me were hesitant that I made this decision so early on and so young. However, let me tell you a little bit more about the transcontinental Bachelor’s to Doctorate student and why after 4 years I am still just as passionate, driven, and heart set on becoming the best OT I can be.

I grew up in Sandy Hook, CT, a small east coast town that for most of my childhood life you would probably have never heard about. That is until December 14, 2012, when my town was victim to a historic school shooting that rocked the nation. Although the lived experience of this tragedy is not my story to tell, what I will share is the power and passion of the community I grew up in. I grew up in a town of resilience, made up of families, educators, and activists who set out to better the world around them. In the face of the greatest tragedy one could experience, I witnessed the greatest display of humanity and community that my town could offer. Even now, almost 3,000 miles away, I still remember these values of kindness and community and let them guide my actions.

My mother is an occupational therapist who works in the pediatric setting. Growing up and watching my mother practice taught me not only the importance and value of occupational therapy for children but also the understanding that every individual’s occupations have meaning. Whether it be a child playing with toys, an athlete competing in their sport, or me making my favorite latte in the morning, there is an inherent beauty in the meaning that comes from doing what we love. In the face of disability, illness, and life changes people lose that ability to do what they enjoy. My entire passion in life has always been to help those around me. So why at 17 did I choose that I wanted to be an occupational therapist? Because I know occupational therapy in its simplest form is helping people live their lives meaningfully. Because I know that as an occupational therapist, I can change the lives of my patients for the better.

Looking back, if I had the chance to talk to that 17-year-old high school student, contemplating moving thousands of miles from home to come study at USC, I wouldn’t change a thing. So to all those considering this program or any program for that matter, here is my biggest piece of advice. Find the passion that gives you meaning, and that is strong enough to drive you across the country to achieve your dreams. Although many will doubt you in life, let your passion drive you towards your goals and work hard to achieve them. Fight on!

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