Student Blog
Beginnings and Endings

Bridging Cultures, Building Futures: Our PP-MA Journey ⟩
October 2, 2025, by Global Initiatives Team

Beginnings and Endings Classes Community Diversity Getting Involved Housing and Transportation International Living in LA School/Life Balance What are OS/OT?

Hi everyone! We’re Angel and Haemin, international students in the 2025-2026 Post-Professional Master’s (PP-MA) program at USC. Coming from the Philippines and South Korea, we are starting this new chapter in Los Angeles! We’re excited to meet new people, explore new places, and grow together as OTs.

Angel’s Journey

My name is Angel, a pure-blooded Filipina and current PP-MA student for 2025–2026. I earned my OT degree in the Philippines and worked as a pediatric occupational therapist for three years—a role that brought me so much joy working with children and their families. In 2023, I got married, and by 2024 I had moved to the U.S. to be with my husband, first living in Chicago before deciding to continue my OT journey here in LA.

When I began exploring further studies, USC stood out immediately. Its Post-Professional MA is one of the few programs in the U.S. that can be completed in just one year, allowing internationally trained OTs like me to deepen our skills, discover new ideas, and connect with people from around the world—all while returning to practice sooner. I also heard wonderful feedback from colleagues who studied here, describing supportive faculty, a vibrant community, and an environment that pushes you to grow. Most of all, I was inspired by USC Chan’s mission to optimize people’s engagement in the ordinary and extraordinary activities of life—a statement that perfectly reflects why I chose OT in the first place.

Life in Los Angeles has been a big adjustment after Chicago and the Philippines—new city, new culture, and no familiar faces. At first, it was daunting, but having my husband’s support made the transition easier. Together, we’re slowly building our rhythm, exploring neighborhoods, and enjoying small routines that make LA feel like home. Lately, we’ve started visiting local cafés for matcha and coffee, and Little Tokyo has quickly become a go-to spot for food and culture.

So far, the PP-MA program has been both exciting and humbling. One of my favorite courses is Foundations in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, where we explore and challenge diverse perspectives on both OS and OT. Because our cohort includes students from many different countries, I have gained a deeper understanding of how culture and society influence a person’s occupations. I have also come to appreciate the importance of language in our work as occupational therapists when connecting with patients.

What I value most about this program is how it encourages us to think critically about OT while equipping us with practical tools to grow as clinicians and leaders. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about shaping how we want to contribute to the future of the profession.

Looking ahead, I see this year at USC as a stepping stone. My immediate goal is to gain licensure in the U.S. so I can continue serving people in healthcare. Beyond that, I hope to bridge what I learn here with my roots in the Philippines, finding ways to give back and strengthen OT globally.

Haemin’s Journey

My name is Haemin, and, like Angel, I’m a PP-MA student, class of 2026. I graduated from my home university in South Korea this year and moved to LA to attend USC Chan’s Master’s program. Being a PP-MA OT student at USC has been one of the most exciting chapters in my life. When I arrived in LA to start my journey, I had mixed feelings of both excitement and being overwhelmed. I moved into a new apartment, met new people and classmates, and tried to make a new daily routine. Even though there were a lot of things to take in on my own, I found myself becoming more independent and confident.

Back in 2022, I joined the Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion (SOTI) program as an exchange student. It was such a memorable time to interact with people from all over the world with warm and supportive instructors. I loved exploring various OT fields through guest lectures and field trips, and it made me want to reflect more on the kind of OT I’d like to become. These experiences inspired me to deepen and broaden my own view of occupational therapy and to find the areas of practice that truly align with my interests and passions. Finding that USC provides strong support and resources to help international students achieve these goals gave me the confidence to come here for my master’s program.

Even though I have experience of living in the US before, moving to LA for graduate school was still a new adventure. I set up a new apartment and established daily routines like meal prep, errands, and transportation to balance my work and studies. It took time to adapt to a new environment, but I was able to figure it out thanks to so much support from my family, friends, and professors at USC Chan. As I figure out step by step, I find myself having done so many things, which makes me feel confident and mature 😊

One of the best parts of the PP-MA program is having classmates from all over the world. We share our OT experiences and cultures from our home countries, which makes every discussion richer and exciting. The atmosphere is so friendly and supportive, and the Global Initiatives team always makes me and other international students feel welcomed and connected. Working as a GI team member, I’m supporting students who want to celebrate their meaningful holidays, which is especially valuable in that I can learn about important cultural meanings from my classmates.

As for classes, Foundations of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy has been my favorite! At first, OS felt a bit philosophical and abstract, but it helped me see what occupation truly means and what the OT’s role is from a global perspective. Having discussions with international classmates adds so much fun and depth 😊

Even though we may have grown up in different countries and started OT in different ways, the PP-MA program at USC has brought us together. We’re learning, growing, and cheering each other on as we chase our own unique dreams as future OTs.

Outside the classroom, I love spending time at Hoose Library, which has a Harry Potter vibe. It’s so aesthetic and makes me focus on studying better.

Preparing for what’s next, one of my biggest goals during this program is earning the Sensory Integration (SI) certificate, which will be valuable for working with children. After graduation, I hope to continue working in pediatrics, especially with children and adults with ASD, and to expand into community-based practice. I’m excited to face my future clients with a richer perspective on occupation by everything I learned and grew from my time at USC.

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Becoming in the Space Between: Navigating Life After Undergrad ⟩
June 23, 2025, by Tobechi

Beginnings and Endings

When I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Health Science from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in 2021, I thought I had my next steps all figured out. The plan was to take the MCAT, apply to medical school, and begin the long but fulfilling journey toward becoming a doctor. But somewhere along the way, I realized that path wasn’t mine. Letting go of that original plan was both a relief and a fear I hadn’t prepared for. The relief came from listening to my intuition. Something inside me knew medicine, in that traditional sense, wasn’t my calling. But the fear? That came from everything else — the pressure of the unknown, the sudden lack of direction, and the uncomfortable silence that replaced the structure I sought out in my day-to-day life.

Before I discovered occupational therapy, I went through a season of feeling lost. I was constantly questioning myself: What am I doing? Where am I going? Did I just waste all this time preparing for a future I no longer want? This didn’t just affect me, but my family as well. My parents had a hard time understanding what was happening. They were worried, confused, and, at times, frustrated. At the time, I saw their reaction as pressure, but in hindsight, I know it came from a place of love — and fear. When someone you care about is stuck in limbo, it’s natural to want answers, even if they aren’t ready to give them. Being on that side of things — feeling uncertain and misunderstood, gave me a deeper understanding of how hard it can be for others to sit with someone else’s unknown. Sometimes fear can lead to urgency, and the people closest to you might struggle to support you when they don’t have control. That experience gave me a new perspective on how complex it can get trying to navigate supporting someone when it can look like there are no clear answers.

I then discovered occupational therapy after completing my first degree, thanks to a family member of mine who was pursuing a PhD in Occupational Science here at USC. That initial exposure led me to explore occupational therapy. The more I learned, the more I felt drawn to the profession. As I became more drawn to OT, I started to feel some relief wash over me. But the next obstacle I faced after finally deciding what I wanted to do was having the courage to share this with my family. At the end of the day, this is my truth — and it always will be. However, opening up about the instability I felt after graduation and presenting a new, unfamiliar plan to my parents made me incredibly anxious. It wasn’t a straightforward path to helping them understand that I was choosing a promising career — one they hadn’t heard of before — but eventually, I got to a place where I could reassure them that I was going to be more than okay.

A quote that really resonates with me when I think about this period of my life comes from Michelle Obama’s Becoming. She writes:

“Now I think it’s one of the most useless questions an adult can ask a child — What do you want to be when you grow up? As if growing up is finite. As if at some point you become something and that’s the end.” 
— Michelle Obama, Becoming (2018)

This quote reminds me that there’s no final version of me I must hurry towards. Looking back, I realize that post-grad can be one of the most pivotal times in a person’s life — not just for making career moves, but for becoming. It’s the space between who you were and who you’re growing into. And while that space can feel empty, slow, and terrifying, it can also be the beginning of deep clarity, alignment, and growth. That’s something I now give myself permission to keep doing, even as I grow in my identity as an OT student and future clinician.

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14 days of Summer: An OTD Student’s Summer before Summer Semester ⟩
June 3, 2025, by Az

Beginnings and Endings

Hi! I’m Az and I am a current E-OTD student. To preface this post, I would like to tell y’all about my favorite occupations outside of school. My favorite occupations include hiking, weightlifting, camping, reading, and building model kits and Legos. I am also a huge fan of Star Wars and would like to build the giant Lego Millenium Falcon in the future!

After a whirlwind of finals and finishing up my second semester, I had exactly 14 days to breathe. No studying. No driving in LA traffic. No due dates. Just a quiet 14 days of relaxation and nothing. In this post, I’m going to focus on what I did in my 14 days of summer break.

Right after finals, I drove with my friend Kat to Sacramento from LA. During our drive, I realized that Kat and I did not get the chance to spend time together given our busy schedule and us being in a different cohort. Spending time with her in the car for 6 hours was full of fun conversations and sing-alongs. We got to make a playlist called “A-Z with Az” for the car ride. This playlist is organized alphabetically by song titles.

The first 4 days of my 14 days of Summer was with my friend and spending time up in Northern California. The last time we saw each other was about a year ago and seeing them again in person was such a wonderful experience. While planning for this trip, I realized that both Sam and I love outdoor activities and being one with nature. So, we decided to go camping and unplug from the world. Our campsite is known for its views of the Golden Gate Bridge and The Bay. After getting to the campsite, we unpacked our camping gear and explored a trail nearby. During our walk, we got caught up in each other’s life and was able to walk around together just like the old days.

Our campsite

View of The Golden Gate Bridge

For the rest of my 10 days of break, I recently downloaded an app called StoryGraph where it tracks and focuses on an individual’s reading statistics. Over break, I was able to disconnect from social media and regain my love for reading. I read a total of four books over the course of 6 days and I honestly forgot about how much I loved reading until I got back on it. The four books that I read were The Silent Patient, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, All about Love, and Normal People.

Anywayyy, that’s it for now!

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Two Letters, One Enlightening Minor ⟩
June 2, 2025, by Cara

Beginnings and Endings Community What are OS/OT?

Though it’s been a few weeks since graduation, I find myself constantly reminiscing. My undergraduate experience was nothing short of exhilarating and transformative. A large part of that was due to being part of the OS Minor. The below is a love letter to the program and everything it gave me. 

Dear OS Minor,

It’s not often you find an environment that makes it worthwhile to show up to class. But you were one of those hidden gems. You arrived when I needed it most, turning the fear that comes with transferring into a sense of community, direction, and opportunity.

The courses themselves weren’t just theoretical — they were opportunities for self-expression, connection, and catharsis. I gained practical skills both for my OT toolbox and to thrive in life. Whether it was intimate class discussions, creative group work to understand OT across the lifespan, or service-learning like beach clean-ups and interacting with shelter animals, I learned to build meaningful connections and approach every space I occupy with open-mindedness, humility, and inclusivity. Additionally, I better understood who I am and what matters to me. Embracing the power of personal narrative allowed me to express my values to inspire others in my community, like Thrive Pod, a newsletter column for USC’s AAPI community, encouraging students to break the stigma and prioritize self-care.

But what truly makes the program valuable isn’t fun, unique courses that merely fulfill credit. It’s the professors, some of the most wholesome and remarkable individuals I’ll ever know.

To the faculty: there will never be enough words to do you justice. From the start, you created a welcoming and nurturing space, where every student was on a first-name basis with you all and going to office hours didn’t feel formal or intimidating. I’ll never forget Ashley’s sweetness and natural talent for breaking the ice, Diego’s childlike energy, Arameh for being the ultimate girl boss, Gabe for being down-to-earth, and Kate who, put simply, is the epitome of “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Thanks to all of you and the comfort you provided, I found the reassurance I needed that USC was the right place for me, and that I’d be supported with the quality education and support concomitant with my aspirations. 

Besides your personalities, what sets you apart from other professors is the way you constantly enhance learning. It’s not just in your thoroughly written syllabus, but rather through the compassion you give so sincerely and freely. You took the time to understand my interests, offered mentorship, helped me get involved on campus, guided me through graduate school applications, and believed in my potential as an OT. I greatly appreciate your investment in me as more than just a student and hope to embody that same warmth, empathy, and dedication for my future patients.

Oh — and I can’t forget about being an Undergraduate Student Ambassador. From outreach efforts to filming faculty doing the silliest social media trends for recruitment, this was one of the highlights of my time at USC. It gave me the opportunity to give back to the program, promote OT, support prospective students, and become more connected to the Chan OSOT community. To everyone I’ve worked with this past year — thank you for the wonderful memories and friendships.

While part of me wants to freeze time, I’m eager for what’s next. This isn’t goodbye, OS Minor, for you were the foundation for everything to come. Sometimes I wonder what my college experience might’ve been like without the minor, but I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.

✌️
Cara

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A Great Adventure with Great Friends ⟩
May 23, 2025, by Trinity

Beginnings and Endings Community

Hi! My name is Trinity, and I am a current BS-OTD student. Essentially, I am getting my undergraduate degree and doctorate of occupational therapy in six years here at USC. (Take a look Here on the website for more information on this program!)

I am just starting my first summer in the OTD program, and I am beyond excited. Some of my favorite occupations include watching sports, reading and baking. I am a huge Lego fan too! Originally I am from Joshua Tree, California. I absolutely love USC and occupational therapy!

Four years ago, I chose to come to USC to study occupational therapy, and just last week, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree! It was the fastest four years of my life, but it was filled with so many incredible memories and experiences. When I committed to this program, knowing I would be here for six years, I did not realize how quickly each day would pass and how much I would learn about myself along the way. Now I am over halfway through the program, and I am trying to cherish every moment.

One aspect of this program that is definitely worth cherishing is the group. During the doctorate program, there are about 40 people in each group who I take the majority of my classes with. I met all of these amazing individuals last fall when I started taking graduate courses full-time. I have realized that people who decide to pursue occupational therapy have a lot in common, and that makes us get along famously. When you have similar goals and outlooks, it becomes easy to make friends and build connections. Occupational therapy is great, and the people who want to be occupational therapists are pretty fantastic too!

Beyond my group in the OTD program, I have had a cohort of 10 BS-OTD students who have been with me since freshman year (all the way back in 2021) and who are still in the OTD program with me now. I am beyond grateful that I have such amazing people on this journey with me. Every one of them has become a wonderful friend, and they are a big reason why I have loved my time here.

Sneak a peek at us in 2021. It feels just like yesterday and also so long ago!

I remember meeting them all during the first online information session, not knowing how close we would become. Then, we were all unsure about what the future would hold. Now, we have graduated!

The first time we rode the shuttle from USC’s main campus to the Health Science Campus when we took anatomy was something I will always remember. We got there very early because we were so nervous. When we wore scrubs for the first time in that class, it felt like we were Real Adults.

Every year, we make time for a holiday party and gift exchange. Coordinating 10 schedules isn’t easy — especially close to breaks — but we always make it happen. Those evenings filled with food, laughter and conversation are among my favorite memories. Whether it’s having class in the iconic OT house, grabbing dinner or coffee after class, or showing up to support each other at events, my cohort has made this journey unforgettable.

Last week, my cohort and I graduated together. This commemorating event has allowed me to reflect on my experience in college, and I am realizing how important the people I have met at USC were to my experience. I am so grateful we could take graduation pictures together, so I can forever remember the cohort who got me through school.

Thank you to Alvin, Berenice, Cristina, Daniel, Joseph, Kyra, Lauren, Lexee and Manny!

USC is great, occupational therapy is wonderful, but it is the people I have met who have made this experience the absolute best it could be!

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