Something I Belong To

At the Occupational therapy Association of California conference in October with SJSU OT chair and Wonder Woman, Mrs. Dr. Heidi Pendleton

It has been long since my last post here. Perhaps it is because my student life has begun to overwhelm me with worries, newness, expectations but also satisfaction and wonder. Fortunately, I believe that in that time, I have come to a curious realization. Through the past few months of my second year in my Masters in Occupational Therapy program, I have become to identify as a member of the population of Occupational Therapists. This is a significant finding, as before in my life, I don't believe I have ever really identified with a group in such a way. Not only am I a member of a profession (profession!), I am a member of a group of people very much like me in personality and passion.

Last month I attended my fist ever occupational therapy conference. Unfortunately, (and in the future I will remember this) almost all of the sessions I attended were for students. It was nice to meet other students from different schools and programs, yet what really was exciting about being at that conference was that I was surrounded by TONS! of occupational therapists, professional people who live and breathe what I am training to do!

Part of my cohort at the OTAC conference

This feeling is expounding on the particular feeling I have gotten perhaps only once or twice in my recent past when I randomly come across a fellow occupational therapist. One such time was about a year and a half ago at an airport. There I was studying anatomy for my prerequisite into this program (how long ago that was!) and there sitting next to me was this curious woman. She happened to notice my open book of muscles and bones and asked me what I was ultimately studying. Upon sharing, I then found out that she, too was an occupational therapist. I still remember that moment, as it is rare and I hope it won't be the case in the future, but has since been so. Fancy meeting an OT at an airport!

Anyway, the point of this post is just simply for me to acknowledge this new point in my life, my maturity and my future career. I really think it is at this point, this identification as a member of something, that really has no going back. I am quite thrilled to have achieved this new motivation and that is really all I have to say for now. In the meantime, I will post some pictures!

In celebration of a constant livelihood at Beauty Palace

At the pumpkin patch, showing off our newly acquired Halloween tattoos

~Out!