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

Classes Fieldwork

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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Abilities Expo 2026! ⟩
April 7, 2026, by Trinity

Getting Involved Living in LA Patient Care

On March 29th, I had the opportunity to go to the annual Abilities Expo held in Long Beach, California with two of my good friends from the program. This is a huge event where vendors, advocates, and presenters come together to share products, events, and opportunities.

As an occupational therapy student, this event taught me a lot about what kinds of adaptive equipment are out there. I learned about organizations that focus on adaptive sports and activities. That will be important for me to know so I can make good recommendations to my future clients and patients, both about devices and resources. I also got to interact with many individuals who are disabled and learn about them and their stories, another OT essential.

Some of the coolest equipment I saw included a portable bathtub, an adaptive rock climbing wall, a bowel program support, a standing frame, and adaptive grips for tool use. Most of the equipment was designed or endorsed by a disabled person.

Not only were they showing equipment, but they let us demo some equipment as well. I got to trial an independent lift system and a power chair. In short, it was an occupational therapist’s dream come true!

There was a performance by the Rollettes, a famous dance group known for empowering people with disabilities. Their performance was off the charts! Check their website here for more info!

At USC Chan, we have an assistive tech class specifically designed to help students become familiar with the equipment and devices commonly used by clients. In this class, you learn how to measure someone for a wheelchair, use different modalities for turning electronics on and off, complete a case study and a letter of medical necessity for a client who needs equipment, and learn how to 3-D print. The Abilities Expo was a great addition to that class and a reminder that technology is always changing and becoming better. We need to stay in the know so we can provide the best care and give the best resources.

If you are interested in attending the Expo next year, good news! The dates have been announced: January 14-16, 2027 in Long Beach, California. Check their website for more information and to stay informed!

The next part of the blog is by Cara, another ambassador, who attended the Expo with me!
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Until recently, I didn’t even know events like the Abilities Expo existed. I’m thankful to Trinity for inviting me, as it was a great opportunity to expand my understanding of how I can better support and advocate for my future patients.
In the Adult Rehab Immersion, I’ve learned a lot about mobile devices and adaptive equipment and how those both can improve patients’ independence, autonomy, and participation in their daily routine. It was cool getting to see many of the wheelchairs, arm supports, and accessible transportation services that I learned in class at the Expo. I, too, drove the power wheelchair and felt like I was in a Fast and Furious movie.

The Expo also featured the latest gadgets and innovations in assistive technology, from portable bathtubs and robotic feeding devices to specialized phone cases for carpal tunnel and smart beds for children with special needs. There were new fashion trends on display too such as fastening a shirt or jacket with magnets.

What stood out to me the most, though, was interacting with the exhibitors, many of whom live with a disability themselves. From cerebral palsy to spina bifida and spinal cord injuries, I was in awe of their resilience. Hearing their lived experiences redefined “disability”, a word that society often views negatively. Individuals with disabilities are not less capable. Rather they’ve just learned a new way of doing things, like anyone else adapting to life’s constant changes.

There was also an ally who wrote a comic book series about superheroes who have a disability, proving that anyone can be heroic. Selfless, empathetic individuals as such reminded me how important it is to provide services that are client-centered to more fully understand the patient’s needs while empowering them to take ownership of their lives.

Overall, the Abilities Expo was enlightening and I feel better equipped as I prepare to join the next generation of healthcare providers. Whether you live with a disability, are a caregiver, or a healthcare provider, I encourage you to attend to help move the needle towards understanding and kindness in society, so we can all thrive.

 

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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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OS Symposium 2025 ⟩
November 1, 2025, by Trinity

Getting Involved

Hello everyone!

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to go to the USC Chan Occupational Science Symposium focused on Embodiment, Emplacement, and Occupational Science. It was held at a great venue, the Huntington in Pasadena. I am so grateful to the people who made this event possible! It was truly an experience I will never forget!

The keynote speaker, Dr. Antoine Bailliard, gave a great talk on embodiment and emplacement and how they affect occupation. He explained that occupations are best understood through our perceptions of the world and the interconnectedness of our minds, bodies, and environments. I especially liked Dr. Bailliard’s focus on the sensory environment in our occupational experiences. When a sensory environment is familiar, it may make an experience more comfortable. It is important for occupational therapists to keep a client’s sensory needs as well as their sensory habits in mind when working with them. If you want to learn more from Dr. Bailliard, check out all of his publications!

Next, I attended a breakout session with Dr. Rebecca Aldrich  and Dr. Joy Agner, who, along with current PhD students, are studying “Third Places,” which are places that help individuals to socialize and build connections. Check here for more information into the grant supporting this research!

Similar to Dr. Bailliard’s address, the researchers stressed that environments shape experiences rather than creating the backdrop for our occupations. They highlighted a way to conceptualize these third places, my favorite of which is the importance of diverse participants.
You can read about their research in full detail here:
Dr. Aldrich and team
Dr. Agner and team

After this, we had a wonderful lunch and a walk around the beautiful grounds of the Huntington. The Huntington’s remarkable botanical gardens feature plants from all diverse regions that honor different cultures and communities. Walking around this beautiful place was a perfect break in the day.

Afterwards, Dr. Diane Parham gave a tribute to Elizabeth Yerxa, a great mover and shaker in the field of occupational therapy and a founder of occupational science. Yerxa, who passed away within the last year, did so much for the field of occupational therapy, and I am so glad I could witness this tribute. To learn more about Elizabeth Yerxa, check here!

Dr. Linda Tickle-Degnen, the Elizabeth June Yerxa Lecturer, spoke on how to be an occupational therapy professional, how to be a change agent, how to be a scientist, and how to be a mentor in the context of her current research projects and the life of Elizabeth Yerxa. She researches Parkinson’s disease. My favorite quote from her lecture was “Rebel against an uncooperative environment.”

Finally, I attended the lecture of Dr. Ashley Uyeshiro Simon and Dr. Diego Lopez. They talked about the importance of having an engaging classroom environment, especially in the university context. This was a great way to end a fantastic day as it prompted ample group discussion and activity. I learned how important it can be to disrupt a predetermined set of actions in the classroom by changing the environment, expectations, or the activity.

This experience was incredibly beneficial for me as an aspiring occupational therapist. It is so wonderful to be in a room of people who all know what occupational therapy is and who all want to make the profession better. To be in a room where everyone has a vested interest in what is being shared is not an experience to take for granted, and I will cherish it as I continue on my occupational therapy journey. Remaining up to date with the latest research in the field is essential to providing the best possible care, and attending events like the symposium can be one way to stay informed.

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Grad School in LA… WITHOUT A CAR?!?! ⟩
September 19, 2025, by Trinity

Fieldwork Living in LA

Hello all!

New fieldwork assignments are about to begin, and with that in mind, I wanted to write about navigating the program without a car.

One thing about me is that I HATE driving, especially in Los Angeles. Beyond the actual driving part, paying for parking, finding an affordable gas station, and dealing with car insurance are extra stressors that I have chosen not to take on for the four years I have lived here.

Being able to make this choice is an incredible privilege! While the public transit in Los Angeles does have a bit of a negative reputation, I know I am lucky that this is even an option for me since a car is essential in most American cities. That being said, it does take flexibility, time management, and willingness to make things work to rely on this option for everything.

Here in Los Angeles, most of the public transit does connect to major attractions. For example, I can take the light rail right to famous museums, restaurants, and Union Station. The light rail as well as the Metro buses are covered by USC’s UPASS program, so students can ride for free. Students also get a discount on Metrolink tickets, which connects all of southern California.

Because I have been here for four years, I have gotten fairly used to public transportation and USC shuttles as my main means of getting around. Since most of my life exists on a college campus, this has not been too bad.

However, the fieldwork component of the occupational therapy program has made relying on public transit a bit more challenging (but not impossible). Fieldwork placements can be anywhere within the vicinity of USC, which can mean up to a 2 hour commute away depending on where you stay. Most people get placements that are near their homes, which makes it a better commute.

Still, most people have cars in the program because of the commute and the potential distance to the fieldwork sites. I have gotten really lucky, and I still have not had to bring a car for fieldwork or any other obligations I have here. This is because of my willingness to put location of site as my number one priority as I make my fieldwork wishlists, as well as the generosity of my friends in the program.

My first fieldwork location was a mental health site in Long Beach, California. I was going to take the train, but my lovely fieldwork partner, Angela, picked me up every week. I will be forever grateful that she helped me get to fieldwork, and I definitely owe her one for life! Carpooling is one option that has saved me from getting a car in the program.

Next, I had my pediatric fieldwork in a children’s mental and behavioral health clinic. This location was within walking distance, and I was able to get there with ease every week. It was a huge blessing. Of course, this is not very common. I am not sure anyone else ever had a site as close as mine was to me.

This semester I am doing my geriatrics fieldwork at an assisted living facility in Sierra Madre. I will be taking a combination of public transportation options to get there. I was paired with one of my good friends, Joseph, in the program for this rotation, and we are going to take public transit together.

I still know several other people in the program who do not have cars, so it is definitely possible! There, of course, are elements of compromise. Sometimes, you won’t get your first choice of a site or it may take a while to get there. For me though, it is worth it financially and emotionally to not have a car. This might change with my next rotation, but I am so grateful this has been an option for me thus far. My biggest piece of advice is to make the most out of every fieldwork experience, even if it was not your first choice or if the commute is long. There is always something to learn at every place. Truly, I have been so incredibly lucky in this program!

TLDR: While it can present challenges, it is absolutely possible not to have a car in the program, especially if you are willing to be flexible and lean on others for support.

 

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