Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Just a month before I expected to graduate this program, I was involved in a serious academic situation. It was an issue that could have been resolved between two parties. However, I was called in to the director's office, and it was determined that the disciplinary committee needed to be involved to determine my status as a student.

The program accused me of intentionally committing an ethical violation. I appeared at my disciplinary hearing to share my side of the story and answer questions. Ultimately, the committee sided with the program, ruling that I was guilty of violating several codes of ethics without any hard evidence. Thus, I was slapped with disciplinary probation, which would remain on my permanent record. Also, I was expected to redo a semester's worth of work in less than 24 hours I was notified of the disciplinary committee's decision.

Due to the enormous pressure I was under, I could not successfully complete everything and thus did not pass the course. On top of disciplinary probation, I was also placed on academic probation. I would be placed on leave for the Fall semester, since I would be expected to retake the course next Spring. I wasn't allowed to attend this year's or even next year's graduation ceremonies. Also, I couldn't complete my Level II Fieldwork at a VA hospital this summer.

Without a doubt, I had just experienced the worst two days of my life. No, I wasn't having a terrible nightmare. The reason why I decided to attend this program was because I believed that I would be learning in a supportive environment. However, I felt that this same program took advantage of my vulnerability to exercise its power. In an instant, so many things that I looked forward to this year were taken away from me.  

Right now, I'm in the process of writing my appeal. In my heart, I believe that they didn't understand my side of the story. Also, I strongly believe that the disciplinary action dealt out against me was excessive. They didn't have any hard evidence to back these accusations. Unfortunately, they placed the burden on me to prove my innocence.

On the bright side, I'm not alone and I have great help.  This month has been disastrous, but I'm trying to hang in there and fight. In this case, I'm David who's up against Goliath, a formidable opponent. I'm so grateful for the love and support from my family and friends. Otherwise, I would have given up... and lost.

Happy 2012!

My sincere apologies for not writing in this blog in nearly a year! It's hard to believe that so much has happened in such a short period of time. I am currently a second year OT student, and I just started my final semester! I'm pretty excited to graduate in May. Let me give you a summary of what I have done so far:

Spring 2012:
- Courses: Geriatrics II, OT with Children II (first half of the semester), Indirect Service II, Professional Foundations, Physical Disabilities II (second half of the semester)
- Electives: Cultural Diversity, Integrative Occupational Therapy, Neurorehab for Individuals with Stroke/TBI, Assistive Technology
- Additional Training: Oncology Rehab
- Level I Fieldwork: Pediatrics (early development services), 
- Level I Fieldwork: Geriatrics (social adult day services program)
- Volunteer activities: HOPE Street Survey and OTs Walk with NAMI Pep Rally

Fall 2011:
- Courses: Geriatrics I, OT with Children I, Physical Disabilities I, Research II, Indirect Service, Health Policy & Management, Professional Foundations
- *Level I Fieldwork: Physical Disabilities (nursing and hospital facility)
- Completed: preliminary fieldwork visits at a social adult day services program (for Level I Fieldwork for Geriatrics beginning in Spring 2012)

Summer 2011:
- *Level II Fieldwork: Mental Health (PROS program)

Spring 2011:
- Courses: Mental Health, Clinical Conditions, Research I, Kinesiology, Clinical Reasoning, Professional Foundations
- Level I Fieldwork: Mental Health (psychosocial club for adults 50+ with mental illness)
- Attended the American Occupational Therapy (AOTA) Conference in Philadelphia

*Level I Fieldwork: part-time internship
*Level II Fieldwork: full-time internship

Hi!

I decided to blog about my personal experience as an occupational therapy (OT) student since many people are curious about this profession. Honestly, my road to becoming an OT has been challenging but rewarding.

Right now, I'm a first-year OT student. I'm relieved that I survived a very intense first semester.* The second-year students said that it gets easier after the first semester, and I hope they're right. I attend classes full-time, and it's pretty tiring to commute an hour everyday to and from school. Studying and doing schoolwork takes up most of my time, so I can't really work part-time. When I can, I try to get some exercise or spend time with my friends.

When I was a senior at Stony Brook, I first heard about OT. After graduating from college, I decided to work as a case planner for a year before going to grad school to study OT. One of the reasons why I chose this profession is because this is the perfect career path for me. I believe that independence is very important in life satisfaction. Thus, I want to help people overcome whatever obstacles they face so that they can achieve the most of their independence and live fulfilling lives.   

*Fall 2010:

- Courses: Anatomy, Neuroscience, Psychopathology, Group Dynamics, Professional Foundations, Research Methods
- Completed: preliminary fieldwork visits (hand therapy practice)
- Volunteer activities: NYSOTA Conference held at Columbia University