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Occupational Therapy: A Lifespan Science ⟩
April 16, 2026, by Trinity

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Occupational therapy is a unique profession because it provides the opportunity to work with individuals across the lifespan. From a preterm infant in the NICU or an older adult approaching the end of life, there is a place for occupational therapy. That is, of course, a positive because it means there are versatile options for employment, but it also means that you can learn from clients and patients in every age group.

At USC Chan, that versatility is embraced with the immersion model of the E-OTD program. By the end of my education at USC Chan, I will have had opportunities to learn about and work in the populations of mental health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and adult rehabilitation. This has helped me understand what I want to do and also what I do not want to do as an occupational therapist.

For this blog, I want to share a brief lesson I learned from each immersion about occupational therapy, and a bit about being human too, with a few vignettes from my time at my immersion fieldworks . Any details shared about specific encounters have been changed to protect identities. Please take care as themes of addiction, death, and hardship are explored or eluded to. I will be sharing the stories in the order I went through the immersions: mental health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and finally adult rehabilitation rather than sharing in a chronological life span format.

In my mental health immersion, the greatest lesson I learned was to lead with empathy rather than judgement. We all have occupations (or activities, habits, things we do) that we wish we did not do. Some of these are less socially acceptable than others, a theme that is explored in depth in the Theoretical Foundations course in the first semester of the program. During this immersion, someone shared with me that although they wanted to stop a certain occupation, it was also the only thing that had been consistent throughout their whole life. This changed my perspective. While occupational therapists should promote health, it is important to remember that giving up certain habits is very difficult. Even if we can’t relate to the individual occupation or behavior, we can relate to the challenge that comes with making change. The empathy that I learned in mental health immersion is a trait I hope to take with me to every future client interaction. Judgement does nothing to promote meaningful action, so start with genuine care instead!

Pediatrics taught me the importance of keeping therapy fun! The number one way to build rapport with a child is to play tag on the playground, build a Lego tower, or race them in an obstacle course. Children need to know that I am an adult that cares about them, who would go the distance to advocate for them, and I found fun to be a way to show that care in a way that is easy to understand. It may seem like a waste of time occasionally, but nobody cares what you know unless they know that you care. A child knows you care when you take the time to speak their language, the language of play and carefree fun. I think this helped me prevent burnout too. When we were having fun together, it was not hard to want to do it forever.

While geriatrics is not always considered a traditional immersion or practice setting, the older adult population is growing, and I feel there will be many opportunities for occupational therapy as we do our best to care for our elders. Although unexpected, I found geriatrics to be my favorite immersion of all. This is truly because of the connections I made with clients and the kindness I experience at my fieldwork site. I developed a special friendship with one client. My first week at fieldwork, this client took me under their wing and showed me the ins and outs of the facility. They told me that there was something to learn from everyone I interacted with. Every week, I would look forward to seeing this client and learning about their life, their love story, and their career. In short, this was one of the best people I have ever met! About half way through the semester, I learned that this client had passed away. Although this was devastating, it also made me profoundly grateful that I could meet them. If I had geriatrics even a semester later, I would never have met them. This really taught me that we are meant to meet the people we meet, even if it is just for a short time. In OT, there will be clients I only know for a brief period, so I have to do my best for them while I can.

Adult rehabilitation is truly the immersion I felt I experienced the most growth. I was at a non-traditional placement for this fieldwork experience. It reinforced the lesson I had learned in geriatrics: you can learn something from everyone. It is beyond helpful when you let a client be the expert on something! One client that I developed a strong bond with is a fashion guru and interior designer. They helped me understand what colors look best on me. In return, it became much easier for this client to take my advice, and together we built a lasting rapport!

I am grateful for the experiences I have had in this program. The immersions allowed me to get a feel for what I want to do as an occupational therapist, and they taught me skills that will help me be a better care provider. Many of the skills of a good occupational therapist are also traits of a good person. I hope to continue to develop and embody these skills as I continue in my career!

 

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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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Surviving (and Thriving) During Finals Week: My Personal Study Tricks ⟩
November 6, 2025, by Ciara

Classes School/Life Balance

With midterm season finally ending and finals being a few weeks ahead it is officially the marathon portion of the semester. Between group presentations, essays, and late-night cramming for exams, I know firsthand how hard it is to balance studying for all your courses while also trying to keep your sanity unscathed or to put it plainly not “crash out”. Those 24/7 Leavey Library cram sessions don’t have to be the way you study for this upcoming exam session. I like to apply the “work smarter, not harder” saying to my study methods, so if you are a little stressed for this upcoming final exam period and are on the prowl for some study tips then follow along:

Have an Idea of Yourself:

My biggest advice is simpler than one would think: know yourself. This can mean various things in the study context, but I like to think about this in terms of knowing what environment works best for you. For instance, coming into my freshman year, I didn’t exactly know what environment worked best for me but through trials, I quickly learned that I don’t work best in a group studying environment. It’s not beneficial for me to spend a chunk of my study time in groups when I usually find myself getting distracted or having my mind wander amongst the different personalities in the group.

On the flip side, if you work better and are more motivated in groups, then try to organize study sessions with classmates; a great way to truly comprehend content in a group setting is trying to teach it to your friends.

Leavey Library offers study rooms that you and some friends can book; this environment is the perfect mix of group work while also not having too many distractions, so if you’re interested, you can reserve study rooms (or study pods if you like to go solo) here. Whether you like group studying or solo studying, it’s good to stick to your strengths during this final period especially with how many exams you may have during a rather short period.

My Dear Friend: Quizlet

After quite a few exam periods, I don’t know how I would survive without Quizlet. I love studying with Quizlet for a few reasons.

First, you can use it wherever you have the app. When I have downtime such as waiting in line in the Village or sitting on the Metro, I pull out my Quizlet and already start familiarizing myself with the content I’m studying.

Secondly, I feel like making the Quizlet yourself forces you to re-read notes and try to understand the content so that you can later test yourself. If you want to go beyond, I find it helpful to make practice exam questions after reading my notes and put them in a Quizlet and use the “Test” function to make my very own practice tests.

If you want to try the entire “Ciara Study Method,” then accompany Quizlet review sessions with writing and explaining concepts using a whiteboard. The combination of memorization-based studying provided by Quizlet and the visualization and active recall based studying provided by using whiteboards leaves me feeling my most confident going into exams.

Plan Ahead:

This next piece of advice may scare the community of procrastinators, but during the final period, I find it vital to plan ahead. For me, I use Google Calendar to put my exam dates and deadlines (ex: essays) in. Based on that, I can put when I should start studying for my exams, which is usually at least 3 days ahead of the exam during final periods.

If you find yourself always studying at the last minute I would highly suggest starting to start calendering or even starting out with writing To-Do lists for yourself. The last time I found myself procrastinating during final exam periods, I felt so stressed throughout the pre-exam period and during the actual exam. I felt more confident and performed academically better when I spaced out my studying amongst several days with breaks rather than doing it all in one night with no breaks, which takes me into my next point…

Take Breaks:

Going hand in hand with planning ahead, I find it essential to give myself breaks. I know the temptation to work for hours straight is strong but simply said: neither the mind nor body can run on fumes. I prefer to study amongst several days so that I naturally give myself breaks and time to enjoy college life and go explore California with my friends.

When I am running low on time, I like to do the Pomodoro technique. With the Pomodoro technique, one works in 25 minute intervals separated by 5 minute breaks and then a longer break after several intervals; the intervals characterizing the Pomodoro technique have shown benefits in improving focus, and combatting burnout and procrastination. If this technique sounds interesting to you, click here for a free Pomodoro timer. 

Studying for finals can be stressful and overwhelming but it doesn’t always have to be. These 4 main tips help me feel academically prepared for exams while still taking care of my mental health. When I manage my time correctly, study with intention, and give myself breaks, I find myself saying “bon voyage” to burnout and panic.

Good luck Trojans and future Trojans, and during this upcoming exam season remember: be kind to yourself and trust the work you’ve put in!

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Day in the Life of a First-Year E-OTD Student ⟩
November 2, 2025, by Cara

Classes Community School/Life Balance Videos

Come spend a day in my life as a first-year student in USC Chan’s Entry-Level Doctorate program! One of my favorite things about this program is that I am never bored with the curriculum. The curriculum ranges from foundational courses like philosophy, kinesiology, and neuroscience to exercising my creativity through reflective practices and crafts. No two days are alike, and I leave each class more passionate about the profession and inspired by the impact I want to make as a future practitioner.

If you have questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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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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