Why I am so passionate about OT.

       I get asked all the time "What made you want to do OT?", and the answer is always the same, "Because I really enjoy helping people and seeing people progress in their health". I absolutely love helping others, especially children. Growing up, I was always babysitting or working in some shape or form with children. My mom was a special education teacher, so seeing her have such an impact on her kid's lives made me want to do the same thing. As I grew up, I realized I wanted to be apart of the medical field, however I did not want to be a doctor or nurse because I would be depressed if a patient of mine ever died. So, I researched other alternatives that I could take to still be in the medical field but also work alongside with children. As I researched, I came across OT and started to explore it in more detail. I loved the fact that OT practitioners helped people who had disabilities be more independent in their everyday living. I really liked the idea of them helping children be more comfortable with their ailments and helping them still be able to live the life every child should be able to live; one of fun, creativity, and imagination. After doing my research, I started being more active in the community and helping people with disabilities more.  I started volunteering at Top Soccer, which is an organization that allows people to essentially play and have fun with children who have different disabilities. I also started working at the YMCA summer camp, and counseling groups of children who had been diagnosed with different disorders. This is where I literally fell in love and started to take OT more serious. As time progressed, I started to apply to different OT programs, and the rest is history! Even though it is quite the challenge, I am still so excited to be apart of this program. I am learning so much, and literally cannot wait to be able to be out on the field.