ABSTRACT
I have always been driven to find a career that promotes function and quality of life. During my undergraduate coursework in psychology, I held volunteer and internship positions in healthcare and education, which later shaped my interest in the field of occupational therapy. One of the most formative experiences for me was the position I held as a personal care attendant. I worked with a child who had a genetic condition that affected her global development. My role was to help her gain independence in daily living, social, and leisure skills so that she could thrive in all of her natural environments. This experience opened my eyes to how I could positively impact someone’s life in a meaningful way. After graduating with a degree in psychology, I had the opportunity to shadow and interview an occupational therapist (OT) in a pediatric hospital. I was inspired by the way the therapist skillfully used play exploration activities to improve the child’s visual and fine motor skills. During the interview, I learned that a career in occupational therapy would allow me to combine my passion for working in healthcare with my background in psychology and my love for animals. These experiences are what led me to pursue a master’s of arts degree in occupational therapy.
