Student Blog
Community

Cohort Love ⟩
December 6, 2016, by Jessica

Admissions Community School/Life Balance

Prospective students are often nervous about the fact that USC’s program is relatively larger than other OT programs. Each class has about 120-130 students, so students might be worried about getting “lost in the shuffle.” However the great thing about the program is that students are divided into three cohorts, with about 40-45 students in each one. Your cohort is the group of people you’ll be taking most of your classes with, so class sizes remain more intimate. For lab sections, your cohort is divided in half, so there will only be 20-25 students in each lab, so you can get more hands on experience.

You’ll become pretty close with your cohort, since you take most of your classes with one another. Some cohorts will plan outings together and share resources with one another. Some of the fun things we’ve done as a cohort: go out to dinner, happy hour, hiking, attend a Dodgers game, and celebrate the holidays with a white elephant party!

This past week was our last class together as a cohort. For our last semester, we will all be taking elective courses of our choosing, so everyone will be split up into different classes. In rememberance of my awesome cohort, here are some photos of Cohort A!

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The Community Matters! ⟩
December 5, 2016, by Alyssa

Classes Community What are OS/OT?

Currently, I am taking OT 537: Occupation-Centered Programs for the Community! Specifically, this class is about finding a need within the community and developing a program to address it. With this purpose, you become familiar with the process of planning and evaluating a program, proposal writing, and addressing a prevalent health need. With an understanding and love for meaningful occupation, what better way to apply this knowledge and passion than to build and cultivate a program design! My classmate, Lauren, and I both have a strong interest in health promotion and wellness!

With this interest, we decided to research and develop a program within the workplace to address busy professionals with or at risk for developing hypertension. Our purpose was to educate and collaborate with this population in how to self-manage their health needs, incorporate healthy lifestyle habits into their daily routines, and engage in purposeful, occupation-based activities.

In addition, if you would like to learn more about the other courses offered within in the entry-level Master’s program, I highly encourage you to do so. 😊

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The Trojan Family ⟩
December 2, 2016, by Erwin

Community

A lot of times, prospective students ask me what it’s like to be in such a large class. Comparatively, USC has one of the largest programs in the country. Does everyone just go home after school? Will I really make lasting friendships here? Will I really be friends with everyone?

To that I say, we are all one big, happy Trojan family.

With Thanksgiving in the books and the holiday season fast approaching, I wanted to share a glimpse of what being part of the Trojan family looks like.

This week, our entire class came together to throw a huge OT holiday potluck. Large gatherings like this are not out of the ordinary. We all love to be in each other’s company and while Thanksgiving just past, I can honestly say for this year, I am thankful for all the friendships I’ve made with my peers and professors.

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Giving Thanks ⟩
November 21, 2016, by Kimmy

Community School/Life Balance

I love this time of year because it reminds people to reflect on everything to be thankful for, no matter how small a source of happiness may seem. Being part of a profession as rewarding as occupational therapy continuously inspires me to consider celebrating all of life’s joys. This year, USC has given me plenty of reasons to be thankful, including:

Graduation — I earned dual undergraduate degrees in occupational therapy and psychology. USC allowed me to double major, as well as pursue a minor, in my preferred areas of study.

Grad School — The Bachelor’s to Master’s program allowed me to transition seamlessly into graduate school during my undergraduate senior year, saving me time and tuition while pursuing my career.

Festival of Books — I always look forward to this weekend in April when my favorite college campus is taken over by my favorite occupation. In addition to basking in the endless supply of literary love, I was star struck when I walked right by astronaut Buzz Aldrin this past year!

Olympics — Watching the Olympics becomes even more exciting when the Trojan Family is represented — and the Trojans sure represented by bringing home 21 medals.

Football — The Trojan men have been fighting on to win seven consecutive games!

HSC — I moved to the Health Sciences Campus, making my commute extremely convenient and broadening my exposure to a new LA neighborhood.

Ambassadors — Serving as an ambassador has quickly proven to be a truly meaningful and enjoyable occupation. From helping others learn about OT to growing closer with my co-workers, I have loved every moment.

OTD — I will be pursuing the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy next year, which gives me advanced clinical education to become the best therapist I can be and an excuse to stay at USC for one more year!

I hope you also take the time to consider everything that has made you smile this year. Happy holidays, everyone!

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Resources for USC students ⟩
November 18, 2016, by Erwin

Community Getting Involved Living in LA School/Life Balance

Being a Trojan has its perks. In addition to getting a top-notch degree in occupational therapy, USC also offers students unique opportunities to make their time here truly one-of-a-kind.

Some of the amazing things that USC has to offer include athletic special events, concerts, theatre, distinguished speakers, and jazz series. Personally, I try to take advantage of all of these opportunities — especially USC football.

USC also provides opportunities to get involved through community outreach, cultural committees, and leadership. Specifically in the division, students can get involved in various programs. Many students that live in the OT House are involved in Engage, a program that works with at-risk adolescents by giving them an opportunity to participate in diverse activities. Other division organizations include the Latino Occupational Therapy Association, Occupational Therapy and Science Council, and Student-Run Clinic.

Here’s me with the other members of the Occupational Therapy and Science Council!

USC is also invested in your wellness, which is awesome because that is what occupational therapy is all about! USC students have access to both the Lyon Center and Soto gyms, recreational sports, the Eric Cohen Student Health Center, and of course, USC Occupational Therapy’s own Lifestyle Redesign®.

Lastly, being a student at USC also means you have all of beautiful Southern California to your disposal. Los Angeles has a lot to offer: museums, concerts, sports, and did I mention the food?!?! My classmates and I have bonded so much in the past year and we’ve been able to go to places unique to Southern California. Not many OT students get to say they visit Disneyland, go to Lakers and Dodger games, beach trips, and explore LA on their free time.

Here at USC, there’s always an opportunity to do the things that you find meaningful!

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