Where is OT calling me?

One of our introductory assignments this semester was a discussion post answering the following question: "Where is OT calling you?" Because OTs can wind up in a wide variety of settings, I figured that not many people really have a clue what I am hoping to do with this degree. So here is my answer...

As of yet, I am not sure exactly which direction OT is calling me. At least once a week, I learn about another area in which OTs can be of service. I am really looking forward to my level two fieldwork assignments so that I can explore some of these areas. Ever since the beginning of my “OT journey,” I have been interested in neonatal OT. I love the idea of helping tiny babies get a good start at life. I am worried, however, that I will not be able to handle the inevitable heartaches that come with working with NICU patients. Another area that I am highly interested in is in the school system. More specifically, I would like to work with high school students with developmental disabilities, helping them to transition into adulthood, the work place, and an independent life. Summers off wouldn’t be bad either! Especially because I am interested in hippatherapy as well. This is the one area I am sure that I would like to delve into. I want to start up a small therapeutic riding center on the side – no matter what I end up doing for the big bucks! First I wanted to be a veterinarian, then a physical therapist...hippatherapy is the perfect “in-between.” I am really excited to be a part of this profession, and I cannot wait to get out there and start working!

Fresh Start

Welp, this morning topped off my first week of my second semester of OT school. I underestimated how much work I would have to do and how little time I would have to update this blog. I am hoping that I will do a better job this semester.

We have a couple exciting experiences coming up... Myself and 2 other class mates will be running a life skills education course at the local homeless shelter in Portsmouth. I am looking forward to working on that. In another class, we have been placed in teams with occupational therapy assistants (OTA) students and will be visiting a mental/behavioral health facility in Lucasville, Ohio. I have never been in either setting, so I am looking forward to learning from both experiences.

We will also be working on an aquatic therapy research project for individuals with MS. More details to follow.

I will do my best to update this thing as often as possible. I have been told that this will be our most difficult semester... Here goes nothin'!