Why did you choose to go into the field of occupational therapy?

I wish I could say that I have known that I wanted to become an occupational therapist (OT) since I was a little girl, but I did not. I did however, from a young age, know I wanted to help people and that I loved science. Before finding OT, I was a biology major and loved genetics and wanted to become a genetic counselor. That was the plan, until I suddenly decided, I did not want to look at people in terms of their DNA, chromosomes or X's and Y's. I wanted to look at them as an entire person, a human being.

Right around that same time, a family friend, who had her baby at 25 weeks, asked me if I wanted to join her and her little girl for their PT/OT/Speech appointment. I gladly accepted and that is when everything changed. I had heard of OT and was highly considering changing my life plan and that one appointment solifidied my inclination. The OT performed what I later dubbed "magic". I loved how hands on she was with the clients, she was combining medical interventions with helping people and it clicked that OT was exactly what I was looking for as a little girl but didn't know it.

Until next time,

Sam the Student