Student Blog
Beginnings and Endings

Why I chose Occupational Therapy (OT) ⟩
April 16, 2026, by Az

Beginnings and Endings Community

After experiencing a firsthand experience of occupational therapy 4 years ago, I chose to pursue a career as an occupational therapist and learn more about hand therapy after a rock climbing incident. Working at an outpatient hand therapy clinic with an occupational therapist opened up a specialty/focus that I didn’t know existed.

Four years ago, I injured my thumb while rock climbing and found simple tasks such as picking up weights, pens, gripping jars and bottles challenging. Through my recovery, I worked closely with a hand therapist who not only helped me restore my strength and mobility but also showed me how meaningful it is to build rapport with your patients and help individuals regain independence. The experience gave me a deep understanding and appreciation for the complexity of the hand and the importance of occupational therapy’s holistic and client-centered approaches. Experiencing occupational therapy for myself inspired me to follow a path where I can support others through similar setbacks, helping them return to their chosen activities and routines that matter the most to them.

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From USC to Tokyo: My Level IIB Fieldwork Journey in Pediatric OT ⟩
March 11, 2026, by Guest Author

Beginnings and Endings Community Diversity Fieldwork Housing and Transportation International

Hi, my name is Alyssa Prigge, and I am a third-year Entry-Level OTD student at the University of Southern California. I am particularly interested in pediatric rehabilitation, with a focus on motor development and neurorehabilitation approaches such as NDT. Through my international fieldwork experience in Tokyo, I developed an interest in the cognitive rehabilitation approaches used in Japanese pediatric occupational therapy. I am committed to continuing to grow as a clinician and supporting children and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds through culturally responsive care.

As I touched down in Tokyo, I couldn’t help but think about how a moment of curiosity at an international fieldwork info session had turned into a life changing opportunity. My name is Alyssa Prigge and I am an Entry-Level OTD student. For my Level 2B Fieldwork, I was placed at a pediatric day service called Linie Platz Futakotamagawa, where they serve children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The reason why I decided to pursue fieldwork in Japan is due to my personal connection to the country and my interest in learning how occupational therapy (OT) is practiced in a different cultural context. As for my background, I am half Japanese and spent my childhood growing up in Tokyo before moving to the U.S.

Living Logistics

Of course, moving back to Japan for a year of fieldwork also meant figuring out the practical logistics of where I was going to live. Although I had maintained friendships in Japan by visiting every summer, I knew living in a community with others my age would be important for my mental health. I found a company called Social Apartments that offers dorm-like housing for adults seeking social connections and community. This turned out to be the best decision for me, as I have made friends not only from Japan but also from countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, and Thailand. Fortunately, there was a Social Apartment location that was 15 minutes by bicycle or bus/short walk from my fieldwork site. This means I can avoid cramming into trains during the morning and evening rush. In terms of other logistics, my Japanese mom helped me navigate language barriers securing health insurance and setting up utilities for my apartment. Since I hold a Japanese passport, I didn’t have to worry about student visas and I was able to register for the National Health Insurance.

Life Experiences

My favorite experiences living here have been the summer firework festivals where people dress up in kimonos, eating takoyaki or okonomiyaki from street vendors, and walking through neighborhoods that each have their own personality and charm. I love exploring new restaurants that serve Japanese-style Italian food, Taiwanese dishes, and cold noodle dishes like soba and udon. As I’ve settled into daily life in Tokyo, living here has brought up a renewed awareness of my identity. Japan is a relatively homogeneous country, and as someone who is half Japanese, I have often stood out. Reconnecting with old friends from international school introduced me to a community of other mixed Japanese people who share similar experiences and have helped me embrace that difference.

Challenges

In terms of challenges I’ve experienced, I am not natively fluent so keeping up in meetings and articulating my thoughts professionally has been a learning curve. In the beginning, getting used to the constant processing and responding in Japanese was mentally taxing, causing my brain to fatigue more quickly than usual. I often rely on technology to look up unfamiliar words, transcribe and translate faster-paced conversations, and help format professional emails using keigo, the polite form of Japanese. These tools help bridge the gap in language skills that developed after living in the U.S. for over a decade. For students considering international fieldwork, I would recommend having a strong level of experience with the language and culture of the country you hope to train in, as not every site may be as accommodating to language differences as mine has been.

Opportunities

Since beginning my Level 2B fieldwork, I have learned OT practices unique to Japan through conducting small-group interventions. The daily programming blends cognitive and school-based activities (such as hiragana writing, counting, and language comprehension) with movement and balance tasks designed to support body awareness, postural stability, and coordination. Main goals in OT are to address caregiver concerns on their child’s ability to respond appropriately to environmental demands like educational and community contexts where children must function cohesively in groups. Additionally, this experience has also opened the door to opportunities I never expected, such as attending a pediatric OT conference in Yamagata, participate in Linie training conferences, presenting to OT students in Tokyo on differences between OT practice in the United States and Japan, and connecting with numerous OTs and related professionals from Osaka, Tokyo, and Kobe.

One especially meaningful experience was having the opportunity to be introduced to leadership members of the Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists (JAOT) by my supervisor, Saeko Takenaka, the director of Linie. I was able to share about my fieldwork experience in Japan and discuss similarities and differences between OT practices in both countries. Through this connection, I have been invited to observe OT practice in inpatient psychiatry, a setting I haven’t been exposed to in the U.S. Additionally, because Linie is a rehabilitation service provider with multiple locations across Tokyo serving individuals across the lifespan, I had the opportunity during Term 1 to observe a variety of clinical settings, including home rehabilitation, pediatric day services for medically complex children, an inpatient pediatric hospital, and an outpatient orthopedic clinic.

With USC’s unique and extensive global network, I have had the chance to pursue fieldwork in a place that is both personally meaningful and professionally enriching. If you have the opportunity to do international fieldwork in a country you have ties to, I would absolutely take it.

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Occupational Therapy — A Family Affair ⟩
January 21, 2026, by Trinity

Beginnings and Endings Community

At the beginning of the year and just following time with my family this holiday season, I am prompted to reflect on how I got here, now a second year in the occupational therapy doctorate program. When looking back, I started to realize that I have not been on this journey alone. There have been so many people in my corner, and I wanted to take this moment to thank them.

I got to thinking about this topic because of a photo my brother sent me recently:

The caption reads “new pincer grasp practice just dropped,” and he is holding a fork between his thumb and index finger in a traditional pincer grasp. My brother is not an occupational therapist, but he has endured countless nerdy monologues about different grasps and developmental milestones from me. Now, he will always point out when he is using a particular grasp because he knows it is what I study. As we develop as occupational therapy students, we also share what we know with those around us, including our loved ones, which is a method of advocacy in itself.

Not only has my family been subject to lecture — like soliloquies on the ins and outs of occupational therapy, but they have also been my willing guinea pigs as I trial new interventions on them. All members of my family from my smallest cousin to my great grandmother have helped me try some new occupational therapy tricks.

My grandma who was 98 years old at the time of this photo tried my balloon batting activity. I am so grateful for her.

One of the defining features of occupational therapy is the importance it holds for a client’s individual values. In fact, we may walk the client through values checklists in sessions, and as a student, I have participated in the checklist multiple times. For me, family always comes out as one of the most important values. I am grateful for my family and all they have taught me.

I have learned that family is at the heart of occupational therapy. Whether that be a spouse who has taken on the role of care partner, a parent who is worried about their child’s development, a child who is transitioning their parent to a new living situation, or a friend who has been an active listener throughout challenges, family is almost always involved in some way. We have the responsibility to care for our clients, but we can’t forget about the people who love and care for our clients as well. As we appreciate the people who have helped us along the way, it can help us remember to acknowledge the efforts of a client’s family.

Wherever you are on your OT journey, whether you are nearing the beginning or the end, please do not forget the people who have helped you get there. They will be the ones cheering for you when you graduate, when you get your first job, and at every little moment in between. If you feel that you have not found those people yet, I guarantee you that you can find them at USC. The faculty and students here have become my family. It is with them, and with my family at home, that this journey has been possible for me. I invite you to say thank you to those who listened to you and supported you, to those who learned what occupational therapy is because you are pursuing it, those who are on this journey alongside you! We don’t do it alone, and what a blessing that is!

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Finding My “Just Right” at USC Chan ⟩
November 13, 2025, by Angel

Beginnings and Endings Classes Community International School/Life Balance

As occupational therapists, we often talk about finding the “just right challenge.”

It’s one of those guiding OT principles that stays with you long after you leave the classroom or the clinic—that perfect balance between too hard and too easy. It’s the sweet spot where growth happens: not so high that it leads to frustration, and not so low that it leads to boredom or disengagement.

For three years, I lived by that phrase as a pediatric occupational therapist back in the Philippines. Every session, every activity, every goal I created for my kids was built around that idea. I wanted to make sure each child was supported just right—challenged to reach a little higher, yet still confident and motivated to keep going.

Back then, “just right” was something I applied to my clients. I had always reserved it for my clients, never considering my own journey.

When I entered USC Chan three months ago, I was filled with excitement, anticipation, and a little bit of fear. I had dreamed about being part of this community for so long—a place known for excellence, compassion, and innovation in occupational therapy. I was ready to learn, to grow, and to experience what it truly means to be part of the Chan family.

But as the days turned into weeks, I was struck by just how remarkable all my classmates are. In group discussions and reflections, they shared thoughtful insights about OT, ideas that made me pause and think, “How did they come up with that?” Beyond their knowledge, I was inspired by their professional experiences, their expertise in different areas of OT back in their home countries, and their achievements, including international programs like conferences and summer exchanges abroad. Each conversation opened new perspectives, and I often found myself quietly listening, trying to absorb as much as I could.

Soon, that admiration began to turn into self-doubt.

I started to feel small, even a little insecure. I questioned my abilities and wondered if I truly belonged in a room full of such talented and articulate people. I thought, Maybe I’m not as smart. Maybe I don’t have as much to contribute.

There were moments when I stayed quiet, not because I had nothing to say, but because I doubted whether my thoughts were good enough. I began to question myself, my knowledge, my experience, and even my place here.

Then, a quiet realization began to settle in the back of my mind.

This feeling—a mix of challenge and discomfort—was familiar. I had seen it before, not in myself, but in my clients: the look of frustration when a task felt too hard, the hesitation when they weren’t sure they could succeed, and the quiet pride when they finally did something they couldn’t do before.

I realized I was living my own just right challenge.

And in adulthood, that balance can feel even more delicate. Too much challenge can lead to anxiety, burnout, or even trauma. Too little, and we risk staying in places that feel safe but stagnant.

Being a student again after years of practice is not easy. You’re reminded that growth means starting over—being open, curious, and humble enough to say, “I don’t know, but I’m willing to learn.”

Those moments of doubt weren’t signs of failure; they were signs of stretching. Maybe I felt “not enough” because I was being pushed in the best possible way: challenged, but not defeated.

I came here not to prove I’m the best, but to become better. And growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when you’re surrounded by people who inspire you to think differently, reflect deeper, and reach higher.

At Chan, I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s okay to listen more than you speak. It’s okay to be in a season of learning, because that’s exactly what being a student is about.

In occupational therapy, we remind our clients and their families to trust the process. Progress doesn’t happen overnight; it unfolds through small, meaningful steps. Maybe we, as students and future occupational therapists, need to extend that same grace to ourselves—taking things one step at a time, one just right challenge at a time.

Looking back on my first few months at USC Chan, I can see how much I’ve grown, not just in knowledge, but in perspective. I’ve learned to value moments of discomfort because they mean I’m learning. I’ve learned to celebrate small wins: understanding a difficult concept, sharing an idea in class, connecting with peers from all over the world who share the same passion for OT. I’ve learned that being surrounded by people who are “better” in some ways isn’t something to fear, it’s something to celebrate. It means I’m in the right place to learn.

More importantly, I’ve learned to extend the same compassion to myself that I always gave to my clients.

Before leaving for USC, one of my patient’s mother shared a photo of me and her son in a post online as I said my goodbyes. Her words reminded me why I do what I do, and what it truly means to meet someone at their “just right” level. It’s not only about helping someone achieve their therapy goals; it’s about understanding their story, celebrating small victories, and walking beside them through both struggle and success.

So now, whenever that familiar sense of self-doubt creeps in, I tell myself: This is my just right. This is where I’m supposed to be—learning, growing, and embracing both the challenges and the joys that come with this journey.

Because life, like therapy, isn’t about being perfect. It’s about finding that balance—that meaningful middle ground—where growth happens.

And for us as adults, that “just right” isn’t just about skill: it’s about readiness to learn, a sense of safety in trying new things, and having the courage to stretch without snapping. It’s about honoring our limits while still leaning into discomfort, trusting that growth doesn’t require perfection—only presence and persistence.

And here at USC Chan, I’m learning that sometimes, being in that just right space is exactly what I need.

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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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