Why I Became an OT

I find myself stunned these days when answering the question: How long have you been a therapist?  When I respond almost 15 years, I cannot believe my own ears.  But, this is the truth and it feels like just yesterday when I left college with that degree in hand ready to save the world.  And I guess you could say, the reason it feels like that is because I still feel like that!

I have known since the age of 14 what I wanted to be.  A very dear family friend introduced me to the world of OT and what it could do for children and I was hooked!  I spent a day with her seeing the little lives she was changing (yes, this was way before the HIPPA days!) and I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do.  And so then the question I am always asked is, Why?

In my opinion and in my experience, OT can literally change the lives of those that we serve.  I help children and families overcome obstacles, achieve goals and enhance their quality of life everyday!  Occupational therapists are trained in evaluating the strengths and areas of opportunity for each child, developing a plan for them and their family and providing skilled treatment to help them meet those goals.  No success is a small one and the look in a child's eyes when they realize they are able to do something...priceless!  And yes, it may look like I get to play all day (well, I do, BUT with a purpose!), however, each treatment is well planned and thought out with modifications made, situations manipulated and obstacles provided all to work towards continued development of strengths while enhancing weaknesses.

Now, I am no super hero (although I do still believe I can save the world, it just depends on what world we are talking about!).  I am an OT, down to the very fiber of my being.  It is who I am, not what I am.  There are several little faces out there that carry a piece of my heart with them always because I was given the privilege and honor of working with them.  I am inspired everyday by the determination and strength of the children and families I work with.  Not a bad gig, right?

So, on this 100 year anniversary of Occupational Therapy, I share in the excitement of my colleagues over where we have come, what we do today and what the future holds for our profession and the individuals that we will continue to serve.