Empathy in Action: My Journey to Occupational Therapy by Emely

Empathy in Action: My Journey to Occupational Therapy by Emely - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

Terror haunts my mind as I recall the night I held my uncle’s unconscious body in my arms. The physician concluded that he had suffered a massive stroke that resulted in lifelong physical and cognitive impairments. Although I feared the unknown of his new life with disabilities, the immediate exposure to the world of healing and science provided me with the reassurance of recovery. I was eager to witness his treatment and the professionals who would aid in his ability to live purposely again. However, heartbreakingly, my uncle felt hopeless and refused all therapeutic services. After many unsuccessful sessions, a determined occupational therapist approached him heartwarmingly and asked, “Que es importante para usted, Luis?”[“What is important to you, Luis?”] A simple but life-changing question created a path for my uncle to find purpose in his recovery and a reason to continue living. Watching the occupational therapist change my uncle's fate by providing sessions that catered to his passion, inspired me to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Through this profession, I aspire to provide individuals with hope, compassion, and education to improve their quality of life.

Experiencing a world pandemic in my college career negatively impacted my psychological well-being as I was forced to isolate myself from my community. Through this mental battle, I recalled how my uncle must have felt when his life was changed completely and the crucial role his occupational therapist had in his recovery. While observing his therapeutic session, I witnessed the importance of connecting with clients, listening to their stories, and understanding their life experiences to promote balance between the body, mind, and soul. My uncle's successful recovery inspired me to become knowledgeable and skilled in mental health, as it played a crucial role in his treatment. As a result, I became a mental health counselor for the adolescent population and learned how to provide client-specific care for individuals diagnosed with mental health illnesses. My role allowed me to grow my skills and confidence in providing compassionate care by being an active listener, supporting individuals during challenging moments, and providing a positive outlook on life. Even after experiencing difficult situations with clients, my relentlessness allows me to progress forward and ensure that my clients have an opportunity to live healthy, independent lives. Additionally, I learned how to provide support and compassion to individuals nationwide by volunteering for the Crisis Text Line. This opportunity allowed me to be culturally responsive, inclusive, and empathetic of individuals' daily challenges. Being able to play a role in an individual's ability to gain independence and live purposeful lives again has solidified my desire to become an occupational therapist. My goal is to provide continuous mental health support, knowledge, and education to future clients to ensure success in their ability to live fulfilling lives.

My passion for occupational therapy grew as I volunteered in outpatient clinics for pediatric and geriatric populations. Exposure to occupational therapy has given me the confidence to make a difference in someone's life. To illustrate, I observed an occupational therapist assist a stroke patient in regaining function of their upper extremities. The client expressed wanting to engage in meaningful occupations such as cooking, folding laundry, and holding her grandchildren. While observing, I witnessed fascinating and innovative activities such as mirror therapy to improve neuroplasticity and electrical stimulation to improve mobility. An inspirational moment that increased my passion for occupational therapy occurred when the client's finger on the affected limbs moved while engaging in mirror therapy. It was impossible to hold my cheerfulness for her success. Together, we celebrated the beginning of her journey to a life she deserved.

In the pediatric setting, I discovered a sense of comfort that this was where I belonged in the occupational therapy profession. While shadowing pediatric occupational therapists, I found immense enjoyment in helping children achieve independence by focusing on developmental milestones. A client who sparked my interest in becoming a pediatric occupational therapist was a child who struggled with emotional regulation. By observing, facilitating, and working hands-on with the client, I was able to incorporate innovative practices to assist them in identifying their emotions and utilizing tools to return to a state of control. For instance, activities I found helpful included heavy work movement and proprioceptive activities such as deep pressure input to provide a calming sensation. The ability to assist children in gaining skills, confidence, and knowledge of their bodies has inspired me to become a pediatric occupational therapist.

Through my personal experiences, I developed an immense gratitude for occupational therapy and its ability to allow individuals to participate in meaningful occupations that make them unique. I want to join a profession that provides individuals, people, and the community with care that can further their quality of life. This profession aligns with my personal values and goals to promote a society where individuals can live to their full potential. My perseverance, dedication, and ambition to make health accessible will continue to propel me forward in my journey to becoming an occupational therapist. After twenty-three years of living, I know now that my purpose is to help others live their lives, and as an occupational therapist, I can pursue this destiny.