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All of my life I have had a heart for people, a creative spirit and a
fascination, although some would say obsession, with medical science.
For many years I thought that those three characteristics would lead me
to a career in physical therapy. My family and my faith have brought me
up to have a "servants heart" and a giving attitude and I believe that
those truths have shaped me into the person that I am today.
When I began to research careers, physical therapy seemed the perfect
fit. People would get injured or become impaired from a stroke or
illness and I could fix the problem and return them to the physical
ability that they once had. That was it for me! I thought I had found
my calling. The problem for me came with the more time I spent
volunteering in the hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and interacting
with patients. I began to see that physical therapy had limitations.
Physical Therapists can not always completely rehabilitate a patient,
and often times PT's would work with a patient for a short time and then
say good bye and send them on their way with a new altered lifestyle.
But then what? What happens after the initial recovery when patients
often have to live with adaptations and create a new existence from
their old lifestyle? I am a very independent person so I was fascinated
and intrigued by what happened next and I began hanging out with the
occupational therapists where I was volunteering, and I loved it!
Working with the OT's and their patients gave me the opportunity to not
only use my medical and anatomical knowledge but I was also able to tap
into my creative side and use my love of arts and crafts and the arts in
general to help people. I have been hooked ever since.
In June of 2001 my Mom passed away. Had she lived, her life
would have most drastically been altered as she would have most likely had to have
part of her leg/legs removed because of circulation problems stemming from
her Type II diabetes. Before her final surgery, she and I discussed
the impact of what an amputation would be to her and how it would affect
our family. Her fears about how her very active life would change and
her anxiety about having to be dependent on others helped solidify my
desire and passion to spend my life as an occupational therapist.
I want more then anything to become an Occupational Therapist
and I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to begin the journey
of fulfilling my dreams by attending
Dominican University and educating myself
through their Master of Occupational Therapy Program. I know that someday I will be
able to help others adjust to physical adaptations and help give them
independence, motivation, support and a bright future.
I am actually excited to begin school even
though I am convinced this will be the most difficult school experience
I will ever have. Wish me luck cause I am going to need it.
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