My initial interest in OT stemmed from learning that occupational therapists could often work in the school system. My mom, aunt, and grandmother were all teachers and from about age 8-18, I always answered the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?", with teacher. Slowly but surely, different aspects in the field of education began to complicate things and my own mother discouraged me from becoming a teacher due to the fact it wasn't about teaching anymore. It had turned into a puppet show from the state with endless evaluations, drop-ins, and standards.
So, here I am as a freshman in college banking my whole future on educating others only to be left with no idea what I wanted to do. That is when I found myself sitting in the career services department at the University of Tennessee taking a career-aptitude test wondering how I could channel all my interests into a single profession. Occupational Therapy. The number one result was Occupational Therapy. I spent the next 3 years researching, learning, and working towards that goal that excited me so much because it truly was a perfect fit.
Now that I am an OT student, reading about the specifications of specializing in the school system sparks my interest all over again. Collaborating with teachers, special education teachers, and many other practices that serve as interventions in the classroom is something that is too often lacking. I hope to do a fieldwork in the school system during my time as a student to see if my dreams of being an educator and therapist go hand in hand.
So, here I am as a freshman in college banking my whole future on educating others only to be left with no idea what I wanted to do. That is when I found myself sitting in the career services department at the University of Tennessee taking a career-aptitude test wondering how I could channel all my interests into a single profession. Occupational Therapy. The number one result was Occupational Therapy. I spent the next 3 years researching, learning, and working towards that goal that excited me so much because it truly was a perfect fit.
Now that I am an OT student, reading about the specifications of specializing in the school system sparks my interest all over again. Collaborating with teachers, special education teachers, and many other practices that serve as interventions in the classroom is something that is too often lacking. I hope to do a fieldwork in the school system during my time as a student to see if my dreams of being an educator and therapist go hand in hand.
Comments
Post a Comment