I've lost track of how many times I've answered this question, which worked to my advantage as I began applying for OT and really had to know why I want to pursue it. I hope my story can provide some insight and inspire you to consider OT! Throughout high school, I had a mentor who was an OT. She shared countless stories about her interactions with clients, including her successes, obstacles and growth. She talked about the funny moments, the sad, and the meaning she found in everything she did. Her passion for OT was contagious and I was instantly captivated. She had planted a seed in me that would later bloom into my own passion for OT.
As much as I loved learning about OT back then, I didn't consider OT as a career I would pursue. It was something that sounded really interesting, but I was too shy to venture into a lesser-known field at the time. Instead, I started volunteering at a local pharmacy and learned all about counting pills, filling prescriptions and observed the daily life of pharmacists. I admired their efficiency and knowledge, but I craved more social interactions. This lead me to volunteer at a senior care home where I helped run recreational activities and chatted with seniors about their lives. I quickly realized this interpersonal aspect was what I missed at the pharmacy. At school, I've always loved biology. The human body and its complexity fascinated me. When university applications began, it was evident to me that I'd apply to the Faculty of Science. In Gr. 12, I didn't fully understand what kinesiology entailed, so I placed it as my second choice. I still had no clue what career I'd pursue with a science degree, but the turning point came in the middle of Gr. 12. I had a project for a business communications class to research on our desired career and the steps needed to pursue it. Initially, I thought I'd reference information from a similar project I've done a few years ago on pharmacy. On second thought, I decided to take this project seriously because it was my final year in high school and I should really think about what I want to do. I knew I wanted to help people while using medical knowledge, so I explored healthcare. I researched counseling, nursing, medical radiography and dietetics, but I couldn't stop thinking about OT. I decided to take that step and do my project on OT. I learned a lot through my project and realized OT might be an attainable career for me, as scary as it seemed. I've always admired my mentor who was an OT and saw so many qualities in her that I aspired to possess too. I had placed her on a pedestal and didn't see myself taking her place. When I started university, I began to answer "OT" to my classmate's questions about my future career. I decided to take the leap of faith and whole-heartedly pursue OT. I applied to volunteer at a dozen OT-related placements and heard back from a few. I was pretty shy in first year, but I credit my growth to an adaptive gym that I volunteered at throughout my undergrad. I worked with individuals with spinal cord injuries and helped them use adaptive gym equipment while chatting with them. At first, it was daunting to me to talk continuously for 2 hours. I don't think I've ever talked for 2 hours straight in my life before. But I was determined to improve my interpersonal skills and intentionally started a conversation with each individual who came during my shifts. Every relationship I've built at the gym has taught me about resilience, determination and compassion. Through these individuals, I learned that there is life beyond disability and it also opened my eyes to the challenges they face. It made me determined to do all that I can to help others who face similar challenges. They also supported my goals and believed in me more than I believed in myself. I was touched when one individual told me that they'd be suprised if I didn't get into OT. I also worked with adults with developmental disabilities and witnessed that given suitable opportunities and environments, anyone can fluorish. Through my experiences, I realized that I have a deep passion for helping others. I believe in holistic approaches and meeting people where they are to help them live a meaningful life. This is why I chose OT.
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