25th Post: How My Life Influenced My Decision in Becoming an OT

The new year is a fresh start for me, so I decided to reveal something personal about myself. It's a topic that I sometimes feel uncomfortable sharing with people unless I've known them for a while. 

One of the main reasons why I want to become an OT is because I know that nearly all of us take the ability to do simple things everyday for granted, but I understand how it feels not being able to do what most people can do. Why? I have a disability. However, that didn't stop me from overcoming my obstacles or from living the life I have right now. As an OT, I want to encourage and help others overcome theirs so that they are able to take charge and live fulfilling lives. 

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When I was 3, I was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss in both ears. This may have occurred when I was born or before that because my mother said I didn't have any illnesses that could have contributed to my hearing loss. My parents were devastated, but they were determined to raise me just like any other child. I was fitted with hearing aids, and soon I picked up on words and learned to speak. 

I attended Lexington (school for Deaf children) until the third grade. By then, I excelled in school (my slightly Tiger Mom giving me extra homework may also have contributed to it, hehe). Mom believed that I should be learning in a mainstream environment. Initially, I was reluctant to leave my friends and the one place where I felt I belonged. However, I realized I had nothing to lose.

I was enrolled in a public school as a fourth grader. The transition was a bit scary, but I never looked back. I helped Mom prove those professionals at Lexington wrong: I was ready and capable of handling the challenges of becoming a mainstream student with the necessary supports. It turned out that I adjusted relatively well, made new friends, and was motivated to do well. The hard work paid off, and I made the Honor Roll.

In middle school, I took the specialized science high school admissions test (SSHSAT) and was accepted to Brooklyn Tech, the third best school. Nevertheless, I was ecstatic and seized this perfect opportunity. It was pretty tough, but I did the best I could. My chosen field of study was Bio-Med, and I decided early on that Medicine was no longer the right career path for me. 

At Stony Brook, I majored in Psychology and Health Science (with a focus in Disability Studies). I made amazing friends, learned Sign Language and finally understood it, started an American Sign Language (ASL) Club that lasted a few semesters, and first heard about OT and was intrigued by it. After graduating, I held a job in social services for a year before returning to school to study OT!

This OT's Top 3 Favorite Devices (aka. "Gadgets")

One of the things I love about OT is that we have countless tools to make everyday living easier. A number of patients refer to these devices as "gadgets" because they're cool! Our job is to ensure that the equipment that they use will help promote their independence in different ways.

Anyway, here are my top 3 Favorites!

3. Dycem
I've used this with my patients, and it's amazing. You can cut it in any shape, and it's so versatile and easy to clean. The best thing about this is that you can come up with creative solutions.

2. TheraPutty
What can I say? I'm a kid at heart. This is like Play Doh but more durable and has anti-bacterial properties. It's really used for therapeutic purposes, and is color-coded ranging from very soft to firm.

1. Long-Handled Dressing Stick
This assistive device may look like it's designed for dressing only, but I found 10+ things you can do with it. This is actually my favorite, and I call it the "Multipurpose Stick"!

10+ Things I Could Do With a Dressing Stick 
(Multipurpose Stick)!

1. Use pointed end to remove socks and shoes.

2. Put on pants. (Flattened end can keep one pant leg from sliding out of place and long handled reacher can be used to hold and pull up the other pant leg.)

3. Dry legs and feet. (Hooked end can hold one end of the towel and long handled reacher can hold the other). 

4. Press elevator buttons.

5. Press ATM keys.

6. Flush toilet.

7. Grab loops of jacket/coat.

8. Use hook end to pick up empty soda cans or dump them into recycling bins/trash.

9. Grab hard-to-reach items (e.g. under the bed).

10. Flip on/off light switch.

11. Gently yank chain (e.g. ceiling fan)

12. Press down lever handles (e.g. door)

13. Hang clothes in hangers or bring down clothes in hangers.

14. Pull against handle (e.g., closet door) or pull open door (e.g. dryer door).

15. Use hook end to open soda can!
      CAUTION: The stick should be parallel to the table and make sure there are no objects or people nearby. (Even though I tried this out and it worked, I would NOT use this as an intervention.)

So You Wanna Be an OT? ("April is OT Month" Edition)

First, I apologize for the late post. Class started a month ago, but it seems so long ago! My schedule for April and May looks pretty tight, but I definitely have a lot of great things to look forward to. I'm so excited.

Anyway... let's get down to business, shall we? April is Occupational Therapy Month, so I will share how I became an OT student... and provide some useful information on what to do if you're interested in pursuing this career path.

If you haven't read my previous entries, OT focuses on enabling people to live their everyday lives as independently as they can. I love this field is because I get to know the people who I work with, work together to set achievable goals so their lives would be more fulfilling and meaningful.

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My Brief Story (I promise!)

When I was young, I wanted to become a doctor because I cared about people and I wanted to help heal them. Also, I loved Science and watched shows like ER. I pursued the Bio-Med track during my last two years at Brooklyn Tech... However, I was miserable. I no longer thought Medicine was the right profession for me.

I was a sophomore majoring in Psychology when I first heard about OT. A few classmates told me about it, but I never really thought about it until my senior year when I pursued a second major in Health Science with a focus in disability studies. My professor who taught an aging and disability course happened to be an OT. Later, I realized that my background in Psychology and disability studies would make me a great OT candidate.

As I learned more about OT, I fell in love. After I graduated, I worked in social services for a year. I still felt that OT was the perfect fit for me, so I went back to school. I volunteered, attended information sessions, applied to three programs (risky move!), and completed prerequisites (Anatomy & Physiology I, II). Months later, I was thrilled to find out that I was going to OT school.

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Some of you may have talked to others about OT, done some research on it, realized that field seems like a great fit for you... and you're considering taking the next step. You may be changing careers or graduating from college. Tough decisions will be made, but each person's experiences are unique. If you'd like, check out my guide on the application process below. (This process took me a year, but it was worth all the time and effort that I put into it.)

Part 1:
Consider all available options. Some questions to find out and/or think about:
- Cost, financial aid, scholarships
- Location, length of programs, degrees offered, programs that suit you
- Strengths and weaknesses (i.e., pros and cons)
- Requirements, prerequisite courses
Tip: To make things a bit easier, organize your materials/files into folders!

Part 2:
Research and write down/type up all questions you have. Narrow down your choices.
- Reach out to as many people as you can (OTs, family, friends, colleagues, OT students, etc.)
- Schedule and attend information sessions/tours to learn more about the programs, the application process, and ask questions.
Tip: Since it's becoming more competitive, consider applying to at least three programs... but not too many! Application fees, transcript fees... you get the idea. 

Part 3:
Know which programs you want to apply to? Begin the application process.
- It is crucial to pay close attention to the program's specific requirements and application deadlines!!
- Maintain contact with the application office to ensure that you submit all required materials in a timely manner

* Prerequisite courses: if you have to complete prerequisites, you would need to enroll as a non-matriculated student at a local college/university. (Consider time and budget.) 
- Common prerequisites: Psychology courses, Science courses with labs (e.g., Biology, Chemistry), Statistics, Writing, etc.
- NB:  Many programs will allow you to take prerequisites while they review your application on the condition that you successfully complete all of them before the program begins
Tip #1: Take prerequisites seriously. Most programs expect minimum grades of C (may be higher for other programs) for these courses. 
Tip #2: The program should know and approve of the course(s) you will take, so provide them with the course syllabus/syllabi.
Tip #3: It doesn't hurt to ask the program if they will accept a related course if you think it may satisfy a prerequisite requirement.

* Transcripts: all official college transcripts should be submitted. Also, you would submit additional transcripts once you complete your prerequisites.
Tip #1: The school can mail transcripts directly to the admissions office or mail them to you in sealed envelopes. Make sure to follow the application's instructions.
Tip #2: Yes, it's best you have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (prerequisite GPA may be higher), but your personal statement, letters of recommendation, etc. can be used to your advantage. 
Experience: Honestly, I don't remember how, but I just got this done ASAP.

* Letters of recommendation: should be handled ASAP. Those who will write on your behalf need sufficient time to write and send them back in sealed envelopes or submit electronically.
Tip: Ask 2-3 people who can write about your strengths in school or work. It does not have to be from an OT, but it couldn't hurt. (See the Volunteer section in Part 4 below.)

* Personal statement: this is your chance to set yourself apart...and compel them to accept you. You're sharing your story, explaining yourself (i.e., why you want to be an OT)
Tip: Revise, revise, revise! Try to get at least two people to read it and get their feedback.

Part 4: 
Resume: some programs do require you to submit a resume
Tip #1: It should be up-to-date, and highlight relevant work/volunteer experience
Tip #2: Revise, revise, revise! No mistakes, please!
My Experience: I submitted my resume to at least one program.

Interview: some programs do conduct interviews, so prepare for it as best as you can, so you know what to expect
- Think of it as a conversation: an opportunity for the program to learn more about you... and for you to show yourself in the best possible light and to ask them questions
Tip: arrive a few minutes early or on-time in professional attire, be calm (Don't forget to breathe... the interviewer is human!), and be prepared to ask questions
My Experience: I had one interview. Since I arrived well-prepared, I was confident that I nailed it.

Volunteer Experience: most programs prefer applicants to have prior exposure to an OT setting
- The program may not set a minimum number of volunteer hours 
- Previous work/volunteer experience (mental health, other healthcare fields) can work in your favor 
Tip #1: If you volunteered for a period of time and have done well, your OT supervisor or OT staff may be willing to write your letter of recommendation
Tip #2: Find out if you can shadow a licensed OT in different settings
My Experience: I volunteered in the OT department at my local hospital for nearly a year. My OT supervisor wrote my letter of recommendation.

GRE's: most entry-level programs (i.e., BS/MS, MS) do not require you to take the GRE's, but doctoral programs (i.e., PhD, EdD, OTD) do.

CPR Certification: depends on the program, so review their requirements carefully.
My Experience: The program that I was accepted did require CPR certification.

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FAQ: I did everything I was supposed to do, but I was wait-listed/wasn't accepted to any program or I wasn't accepted to the program I really wanted to get into... What should I do?

Don't let this discourage you. You can always apply again! In the meantime, reflect on the areas you can improve on, focus on making yourself a better applicant (i.e., improving your skills), and showing them your determination... all should help boost your chances of getting in. Also, keep in mind that it is becoming more competitive to get into a somewhat limited number of OT programs today. (I hope that OT will be offered in more colleges and universities in the near future.) Since, there is often a limited number of seats, admissions committees often have to wait-list or even reject qualified applicants.

I previously mentioned that I applied to three programs, so there was a good chance that I wouldn't get into the program that I wanted. I was prepared to go through the application process the second time and give it my all to achieve that goal. Nevertheless, I was very fortunate to have been accepted to my top choice.

What Is Occupational Therapy (OT) Anyway?

Due to a bout of the flu, I was unable to post this entry last week. Anyway, I feel much better now! I hope you're enjoying my posts. Not only do I convey my personal experiences about my journey to becoming an OT, I wish to share useful information about OT as well. This post is perfect for you to read if you want more information about this profession. Here goes!

When I first began telling people that I wanted to become an occupational therapist, they would often ask "What is OT?" I get asked this question a lot, so I try to explain it in my own words. Basically, OT enables people (from all walks of life) to live their lives to their fullest. They work on completing everyday activities that they need and want to do (e.g., brushing teeth, going to work, dancing, etc.) to the best of their abilities... while maintaining the most of their independence.

Some commonly asked questions:

1. Do OTs help people find employment?

2. Is OT similar to PT?

3. Do OTs focus on upper extremities (upper limbs) and PTs lower extremities (lower limbs)? 

My Answers (in my own words!):

1. OTs who work in mental health settings do assist their clients in finding employment. However, OTs analyze which aspect(s) of the task that their client has difficulty with... and then they work together so the client can obtain the necessary skills to find employment.

2. OTs and PTs may do similar things during the therapy session, especially in hospital and clinical settings. The OT and PT usually work closely together with the patient to ensure that they focus on different goals... and to prevent duplication of services.

3. OTs and PTs work with both upper and lower limbs. However, treatment goals would differ. For example, the PT tends to focus more on improving a patient's ability to move (e.g., walk with a cane up and down the stairs) while the OT tends to be more focused towards improving a patient's ability to walk with a cane so he can safely travel to and from the bathroom/kitchen/bedroom at home.

Some great YouTube videos you may like to check out:

1. Occupational Therapy

2. Promoting Occupational Therapy

3. Because of Occupational Therapy

Awesome article you may want to read:

Triple Amputee and Occupational Therapist Form Bond of Brothers During Soldier's Recovery

Today, I Openly Declare My Love for OT!

Happy Valentine's Day! Even though I consider this day to be just like any other, I'd like to take the opportunity to share my love with everyone I care about.

I know that some of you may not have a "designated" Valentine, but that shouldn't get you down. V-Day really shouldn't be about the candy, flowers, or other material stuff. What's important is realizing that we're lucky to have people to love... and we're even luckier when we know that we're loved as well. Got no plans tonight? Perhaps, you'll have more fun getting dressed and "painting the town red" or doing whatever makes you happy with a few friends than staying home by yourself.

Anyway, I'd like to talk about why I love OT. This profession is a bit hard to define, but it looks at the whole picture, always putting the person before the disability or clinical condition s/he has. I like that I get to learn about what people find meaningful in their lives and what prevents them from carrying out the activities they do everyday, and working with them to achieve their goals.

OT enables me to work with all age groups in a wide variety of settings, to be creative during the therapeutic process, and to make a positive impact on the lives of those who I work with. A big plus is that nearly all the OTs I have spoken to, love what they do. In a nutshell, I strongly believe that I'll still be happy as an OT 30 years later.

PS: This evening, I just participated in the One Billion Rising Flash Mob in Union Square, where we danced the Macarena. It was cool getting together for a cause we believed in fighting for: ending violence against women worldwide. Check out the video of us dancing on YouTube: One Billion Rising V-Day's FlashMob Feb. 14, 2013 Union Square NYC