Student Blog
Beginnings and Endings

Final Post! ⟩
April 29, 2013, by Amber

Beginnings and Endings Getting Involved School/Life Balance

After an action-packed year serving as a student ambassador for this wonderful Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, I am excited to say that today is my last day! I came into the office this morning happily exhausted from spending the past five days in San Diego at the AOTA Annual Conference. Over 200 individuals from USC OT traveled to the conference to learn, network, and celebrate our wonderful profession. It was an impressive turnout, contributing to this being the 2nd largest AOTA conference in history! There was so much to see and do that at many times it felt overwhelming. The sheer number of educational sessions provided something for everyone in every practice area. The networking opportunities were fantastic, and the addresses were inspiring. The keynote speaker this year was Aaron Ralston, the adventurer who amputated his own arm to free himself from entrapment in a remote canyon in Utah. He was introduced by his OT, who spoke about her treatment of this unique case. When Mr. Ralston came to the stage, he said that he truly loved occupational therapy and unveiled a USC OT pin which he wore throughout his speech! It was very special to be present for our own Dr. Florence Clark’s farewell address as AOTA President, and to feel the pride of hundreds of Trojans at the USC Alumni Party.

Although I am continuing on at USC to pursue a doctoral degree, I still feel that this moment is an enormous milestone. This is my last week of classes, and I have a major project due in each one. Finishing up these tasks will keep me very busy this week. Then, this weekend I will immerse myself fully in studying for our comprehensive exam, which covers the foundational coursework from the entire program. After Monday’s comprehensive exam, I will gear up for my last final examination on Thursday and our Division’s end of the year celebration on Friday. I have spearheaded the planning of this celebration, which will take place on a privately chartered boat in Long Beach. After the boat celebration, I will spend a long weekend away in beautiful Ojai with special friends I have made in the program that are moving away right after graduation. I will return from Ojai just in time for my family to arrive from Northern California. I graduate with my wonderful class on Friday, May 17th, and start fieldwork the following Monday.

It has been wonderful holding this position over the past year, and I feel grateful for all the wonderful people I have met and the opportunities I have been given. To everyone that has read this blog, thank you for your support!

Your student ambassador Amber signing off!

⋯

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun! ⟩
November 5, 2012, by Amber

Beginnings and Endings

Today I ran into family friends that I haven’t seen in 3 years. When I last saw them, I had not even learned about this career called occupational therapy. I didn’t know it existed. It’s impossible to imagine, now that I am so immersed in my studies. Needless to say, the explanation of what I am doing now took a very long time! It was very striking to consider how much my life has changed in the last three years. At that time I was a working professional in an entirely different field, and had a vision for my life that did not include going back to school or changing careers. The conversation also made it very clear how quickly time has passed since I decided to pursue occupational therapy. I was excited to tell them that I will graduate in May. In what seems like the blink of an eye, I have achieved something great. I can’t wait to take that licensing exam!

⋯

Almost Done . . . ⟩
May 1, 2012, by Alix

Beginnings and Endings School/Life Balance

I can’t believe that the year is almost finished. It’s flown by so quickly! We’re only one little comprehensive exam away from a Master’s Degree.

On my to-do list:

1. Take comps
2. OT Prom (annual end-of-year soiree for students, faculty, and staff)
3. Get married (nbd)
4. GO TO HAWAII FOR HONEYMOON!
5. Fieldwork all summer
6. OTD

It’s been a pleasure guest-blogging on behalf of the Division for the past few months. Get excited for a brand new batch of Student Ambassadors to start blogging for the next year.

⋯

My Last Semester ⟩
January 17, 2012, by Floyd

Beginnings and Endings

Gosh, I can’t believe that this will be my final semester of graduate school. I feel like it flew by so fast. As I think back, I am happy to say that I do not regret the path I have chosen for myself in becoming an Occupational Therapist. I am glad that I always took the initiative to be part of every opportunity USC has to offer. Such like this position as a Student Ambassador. This position gave me the opportunity to work in the area of recruitment where I get to interact with new and promising faces of OT and talk to them about what I am passionate about — Occupational Therapy.

I can’t believe 2012 just started and I am already thinking about my new adventures after I graduate. I wonder where I will be in 5 to 10 years. Hopefully doing something I am happy and proud of. Since I know it will be in OT, I know confident that my goals and aspirations will follow.

⋯

End of the MA program ⟩
June 2, 2011, by Pierre

Beginnings and Endings

Much has been accomplished these past few months . . . research, papers, tests, comprehensive exams, celebrations, graduation, and now, my last fieldwork internship. I can honestly say, these 2 years in the MA program have flown by so fast and I’ve become the better for it. There was much pressure, lack of sleep, deadlines to meet, relationships to uphold, and future plans to be made . . . and, I’m still alive. My educational experience here at USC has really proved to be valuable. I find myself really applying everything I’ve learned in my treatment sessions, attempting to ‘grow’ my clinical reasoning skills, and above all, advocating for our profession in my practice area.

I always heard of USC being the leader in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, but I didn’t realize how well they equip you to become an emerging leader as well. I am very happy to have come out of this program feeling that I can take on any challenge posed before me in the various clinical settings.

So, what else lies before me? The OTD.

Fight on USC OT!

⋯