pgvmartinez
For the past two topics, students shared about themselves and how they got into Occupational Therapy. We also talked about current challenges on studying OT.
Now, it's time to share what you like about OT.
Do you have a specific theory/concept that OT taught you?
Have you talked to someone who had an inspiring OT career?
Have you encountered a person who was helped by OT?
How did OT influence you so far?
Share your stories!
Thank you!
Regards,
Pauline
esc501
Everyone I have spoken to who works as an occupational therapist has told me how much they have enjoyed their work and found it a really rewarding career. I suppose that would make sense giving that they are all people who have chosen to stay in the profession, but it is encouraging! :-)
From a personal point of view occupational therapy has made me think more about why I do the things I do and what they mean to me. I think about things from another point of view (an occupational one), which I didn't perhaps so much before. I really like how we are definitely helping people too. I have occupations that are so important to me. When I think about doing a job that helps other people to do things that are important to them I think, well what a brilliant job!! I'm sure the practicalities of work and organisations etc make it challenging e.g. limited resources. But the premise of the job is one I really buy in to and that's why I wanted to do it. Definitely making a positive difference to people's lives, whatever area of occupational therapy we are working in.
I'd be interested to hear other people's stories about specific things they have encountered. I'm sure there's a lot of inspiring stuff out there :-)
Maria Nicole Sombillo
What I like about OT is you get to do different roles other than an OT. The OT field covers different areas where one can venture into. I also like that OT themselves may serve as an inspiration to their clients.
What I have learned or known from OT's is that being an OT is difficult but very fulfilling. One must have a lot of patience and selflessness to do his/her job efficiently. Also, the road to being one is very bumpy but after going through with it, the destination is satisfying.
I have not yet talked to a person who was treated by an OT, because mostly were treated by other therapists, but this drives me more to finish my studies and be an occupational therapist to propagate and advocate it to people really needed it. 🙂
Maria Nicole Sombillo
Same! I now think about things too from another point of view. I also find myself analyzing some activities that I'm doing throughout the day 😃
esc501 wroteEveryone I have spoken to who works as an occupational therapist has told me how much they have enjoyed their work and found it a really rewarding career. I suppose that would make sense giving that they are all people who have chosen to stay in the profession, but it is encouraging! :-)
From a personal point of view occupational therapy has made me think more about why I do the things I do and what they mean to me. I think about things from another point of view (an occupational one), which I didn't perhaps so much before. I really like how we are definitely helping people too. I have occupations that are so important to me. When I think about doing a job that helps other people to do things that are important to them I think, well what a brilliant job!! I'm sure the practicalities of work and organisations etc make it challenging e.g. limited resources. But the premise of the job is one I really buy in to and that's why I wanted to do it. Definitely making a positive difference to people's lives, whatever area of occupational therapy we are working in.
I'd be interested to hear other people's stories about specific things they have encountered. I'm sure there's a lot of inspiring stuff out there :-)
Byeul
Hi there! I agree, being emerged in OT has also developed in me the mindfulness to think things through from someone else's perspective. It's quite an eye opener too, I guess. And truly, one of the best feelings in the profession is the impact it makes on other people's everyday lives - even in the simplest of activities. I hope you continue to join us in our discussion and maybe you could invite your fellow OTs to join us as well! 🙂
- Byeul
esc501 wroteEveryone I have spoken to who works as an occupational therapist has told me how much they have enjoyed their work and found it a really rewarding career. I suppose that would make sense giving that they are all people who have chosen to stay in the profession, but it is encouraging! :-)
From a personal point of view occupational therapy has made me think more about why I do the things I do and what they mean to me. I think about things from another point of view (an occupational one), which I didn't perhaps so much before. I really like how we are definitely helping people too. I have occupations that are so important to me. When I think about doing a job that helps other people to do things that are important to them I think, well what a brilliant job!! I'm sure the practicalities of work and organisations etc make it challenging e.g. limited resources. But the premise of the job is one I really buy in to and that's why I wanted to do it. Definitely making a positive difference to people's lives, whatever area of occupational therapy we are working in.
I'd be interested to hear other people's stories about specific things they have encountered. I'm sure there's a lot of inspiring stuff out there :-)
KawJemilyn
What I like about OT:
1. The means and chances you get to help others - I grew up with parents who are strict with how I am and how I act as a child inside and outside the house; since childhood, I always encourage myself to help people including those who I don't really like. With OT, I start to discover the bigger chances of making other people's lives easier in a professional way.
2. How OTs can inspire, motivate and change other people's lives - I always wanted to be a doctor, because doctors save lives; but now, I'm choosing between saving lives or touching lives. OTs don't give up easily; they find ways even the smallest possible intervention just to reach their goals: to help their clients improve. OTs, themselves, is inspirational, for you really need tough patience, abundant brain cells, creative mind, skillful hands, and a positive attitude to touch other people's lives; moreover, occupational therapy, the profession, contains so many knowledge, with the aid of occupational science, that are intricate and more meaningful that merely going into the surgery room. (A more friendly way?) What do you think?
3. How you can relate your life and your surroundings with what you study in OT - The first client that I'm observing (as a future OT) is myself. It is magical to discover and analyze the reasons behind your daily occupations (basically, what you do and how you act everyday!). Using the different theories and models being taught inside the classroom, I tend to evaluate myself for my actions and even experiment by "intervening" the process of how I do or how I act upon a certain matter. I believe that the best gift you can give to yourself and to everyone (especially, future clients) is the newly-improved self. With the help of analyzing theories, I tend to balance my actions, control my own attitudes, find reasons and resolution to problems of my own age. In the process of learning to become an OT, I began taking time to analyze other people's acts through their perspectives and understand them. (e.g., adolescents in their puberty stage, psychology of people based on their age groups, etc.)
4. HANDS ON! - You will never learn unless you do it on action; it's not merely pure memorization. Each case has its own unique way to handle.
5. LOVE <3 - everything we learn in OT will not work well unless we put our whole HEART on it. Like what my mom said, if you don't love it, then you'll never get attached to it. (Like how I look upon our current subjects now).
These are my 5 big reasons why I like OT.
If time permits, I might add because there are a lots of stuff to LIKE/LOVE about OT. 🙂
Feel free to comment and reply to my post!
KawJemilyn
As future OTs, this is a beautiful quote to inspire us to study and work hard.
"Never underestimate your ability to make someone else's life better - even if you never know it." - Greg Louganis
The magic in this course is if you really put your concentration into intervening your clients, you get to see their improvements day by day, which is of course super rewarding; furthermore, you might not know how they look up to you for your "superpower". Isn't it?
esc501 wroteEveryone I have spoken to who works as an occupational therapist has told me how much they have enjoyed their work and found it a really rewarding career. I suppose that would make sense giving that they are all people who have chosen to stay in the profession, but it is encouraging! :-)
From a personal point of view occupational therapy has made me think more about why I do the things I do and what they mean to me. I think about things from another point of view (an occupational one), which I didn't perhaps so much before. I really like how we are definitely helping people too. I have occupations that are so important to me. When I think about doing a job that helps other people to do things that are important to them I think, well what a brilliant job!! I'm sure the practicalities of work and organisations etc make it challenging e.g. limited resources. But the premise of the job is one I really buy in to and that's why I wanted to do it. Definitely making a positive difference to people's lives, whatever area of occupational therapy we are working in.
I'd be interested to hear other people's stories about specific things they have encountered. I'm sure there's a lot of inspiring stuff out there :-)
Byeul
OT brought me sensitivity and mindfulness to practically everything; it made me realize more things than what I expected to learn. This is perhaps what I've realized the most, so far. We consider various aspects with regards to treating our clients. Our profession has the opportunity to shape and be shaped by our environment. Before, I thought that I was already quite a sensitive person to notice some details. Now, OT has taught me to be more concerned with the intricacies of everyday life.
Two of our instructors here in UP Manila (that includes our facilitator for these discussions, ma'am Pau) spent some time in Sweden for their internship last year. It's really interesting and exciting whenever they share their experiences. It reminds us how different the approach can be in different places with different cultures. OT considers diversity and is a flexible profession, which makes it all the more exciting. 🙂
OT has taught me to appreciate the little things in life, and I think this is important for us to be reminded to pause once in a while and value the things we have and what we can do. <3
avaguila1
What I love about being an OT student is that we get to spend time with kids! When we do projects, I really enjoy it especially during the times that I get to interact with kids. Also, even as early as now (in our second year), I know that someday I'll be able to help a lot of people do the occupations they love once again. It really gives me a sense of purpose and that makes every sacrifice, worth it. This encourages me to continue fighting and continue my studies in OT.
OT taught me a lot of life lessons. It taught me how to see people through what they can do and what they are good at. It allows me to see people with hope. Believing on a person is one of the best ways you can help him/her recover and OT taught me that too. There are a lot of lessons that your parents taught you that you would be able to appreciate more once you view it through our field. It makes me appreciate those lessons more and it helps me apply into my daily life.
In OT, you get to learn a lot of new things too. Thus, I know that in the days, months, years to come, OT will teach me a lot more and I look forward to each of that.
-Alyssa
avaguila1
Byeul wroteOT brought me sensitivity and mindfulness to practically everything; it made me realize more things than what I expected to learn. This is perhaps what I've realized the most, so far. We consider various aspects with regards to treating our clients. Our profession has the opportunity to shape and be shaped by our environment. Before, I thought that I was already quite a sensitive person to notice some details. Now, OT has taught me to be more concerned with the intricacies of everyday life.
Two of our instructors here in UP Manila (that includes our facilitator for these discussions, ma'am Pau) spent some time in Sweden for their internship last year. It's really interesting and exciting whenever they share their experiences. It reminds us how different the approach can be in different places with different cultures. OT considers diversity and is a flexible profession, which makes it all the more exciting. 🙂
OT has taught me to appreciate the little things in life, and I think this is important for us to be reminded to pause once in a while and value the things we have and what we can do. <3
I do agree with you that OT really helps us be more sensitive to other people especially to their needs. As OTs, we greatly value our clients and being able to know what they need helps us to help them more. Sometimes, we ignore these little things in life but through OT, I learned that these might look insignificant but the truth is, everything we have and we do is important.
avaguila1
esc501 wroteEveryone I have spoken to who works as an occupational therapist has told me how much they have enjoyed their work and found it a really rewarding career. I suppose that would make sense giving that they are all people who have chosen to stay in the profession, but it is encouraging! :-)
From a personal point of view occupational therapy has made me think more about why I do the things I do and what they mean to me. I think about things from another point of view (an occupational one), which I didn't perhaps so much before. I really like how we are definitely helping people too. I have occupations that are so important to me. When I think about doing a job that helps other people to do things that are important to them I think, well what a brilliant job!! I'm sure the practicalities of work and organisations etc make it challenging e.g. limited resources. But the premise of the job is one I really buy in to and that's why I wanted to do it. Definitely making a positive difference to people's lives, whatever area of occupational therapy we are working in.
I'd be interested to hear other people's stories about specific things they have encountered. I'm sure there's a lot of inspiring stuff out there :-)
I get to apply what I learn in OT through how I view the things I am able to do and what I love to do. If before, i dont give so much importance of the simple things, now, because of OT I become more appreciative. I feel blessed that somehow being an OT gives me a sense of purpose. It makes me feel that someday, I'll be able to help people and give them hope and hopefully, a new beginning.
Maria Nicole Sombillo
Wow! How you describe each thing that you like about OT makes me want to be an OT more in the future. And yes, OTs indeed touch and inspire lives. I ultimately agree with you in the last item, that everything an OT learns should be put into heart, and if I may add, everything that an OT does is done with love, (of course also with critical thinking and analysis). Love for the course/program itself and love for the clients are just some of the driving motivators of OTs.
KawJemilyn wroteWhat I like about OT:
1. The means and chances you get to help others - I grew up with parents who are strict with how I am and how I act as a child inside and outside the house; since childhood, I always encourage myself to help people including those who I don't really like. With OT, I start to discover the bigger chances of making other people's lives easier in a professional way.
2. How OTs can inspire, motivate and change other people's lives - I always wanted to be a doctor, because doctors save lives; but now, I'm choosing between saving lives or touching lives. OTs don't give up easily; they find ways even the smallest possible intervention just to reach their goals: to help their clients improve. OTs, themselves, is inspirational, for you really need tough patience, abundant brain cells, creative mind, skillful hands, and a positive attitude to touch other people's lives; moreover, occupational therapy, the profession, contains so many knowledge, with the aid of occupational science, that are intricate and more meaningful that merely going into the surgery room. (A more friendly way?) What do you think?
3. How you can relate your life and your surroundings with what you study in OT - The first client that I'm observing (as a future OT) is myself. It is magical to discover and analyze the reasons behind your daily occupations (basically, what you do and how you act everyday!). Using the different theories and models being taught inside the classroom, I tend to evaluate myself for my actions and even experiment by "intervening" the process of how I do or how I act upon a certain matter. I believe that the best gift you can give to yourself and to everyone (especially, future clients) is the newly-improved self. With the help of analyzing theories, I tend to balance my actions, control my own attitudes, find reasons and resolution to problems of my own age. In the process of learning to become an OT, I began taking time to analyze other people's acts through their perspectives and understand them. (e.g., adolescents in their puberty stage, psychology of people based on their age groups, etc.)
4. HANDS ON! - You will never learn unless you do it on action; it's not merely pure memorization. Each case has its own unique way to handle.
5. LOVE <3 - everything we learn in OT will not work well unless we put our whole HEART on it. Like what my mom said, if you don't love it, then you'll never get attached to it. (Like how I look upon our current subjects now).
These are my 5 big reasons why I like OT.
If time permits, I might add because there are a lots of stuff to LIKE/LOVE about OT. 🙂
Feel free to comment and reply to my post!
Maria Nicole Sombillo
I also enjoy spending time with kids. Getting to know them and the environmental and cultural factors on why they act and do things are some of the things that I liked observing on our last fieldwork 🙂
avaguila1 wroteWhat I love about being an OT student is that we get to spend time with kids! When we do projects, I really enjoy it especially during the times that I get to interact with kids. Also, even as early as now (in our second year), I know that someday I'll be able to help a lot of people do the occupations they love once again. It really gives me a sense of purpose and that makes every sacrifice, worth it. This encourages me to continue fighting and continue my studies in OT.
OT taught me a lot of life lessons. It taught me how to see people through what they can do and what they are good at. It allows me to see people with hope. Believing on a person is one of the best ways you can help him/her recover and OT taught me that too. There are a lot of lessons that your parents taught you that you would be able to appreciate more once you view it through our field. It makes me appreciate those lessons more and it helps me apply into my daily life.
In OT, you get to learn a lot of new things too. Thus, I know that in the days, months, years to come, OT will teach me a lot more and I look forward to each of that.
-Alyssa
gvyrastorza
To be completely honest, I like OT because it helps me help people by letting them be the ones who choose what makes them happy. I don't have to force habits they don't want, meds they don't want, and spend money they don't have to for treatments they don't want. From what I've learned so far, I like OT because it lets the people I help decide what they want in the treatment (with some help from the OT, of course). I find this important here in my country, since people aren't so fond of OTs because OTs let clients make big decisions. The people here more often than not want to be told what to do, what their progress is, and what to expect without having to worry about these things at the same time. I like OT because I see it as a way to change this mentality.
pdregalario
Children truly are cute and adorable. I know I always have fun taking care of my little cousin. If the future would allow it, I'm certain getting to work with cute children would surely be a blast for me. So far, we've had the good fortune of being able to observe kids. And it was already such a treat! Learning about their milestones is truly fascinating and has got to be one of the perks of being an OT student.
OT truly is a world that I never thought I'd be able to get the opportunity to explore. The main governing theory in OT, as far as my far limited understanding goes, is that human beings by nature are occupational beings: humans need to do something to survive. This should have been common sense already at this point. Alas, much like our profession (or should I say "future" profession) that fact is greatly overlooked.
I came from a Benedictine School (St. Scholastica's College of Manila, if anyone is wondering). St. Benedict's motto is Ora et Labora which means prayer and work. The Benedictine Doctrine has always encouraged a lifestyle that primarily dealt with keeping one's busy as idleness is the devil's weapon, I've been taught. Back then, I found my school's doctrine to be too uptight and too simplistic. Being quite laid-back by nature, I found it too bothersome to focus one's life being busy. I thought that it was weird that prayer and work were the focus of my school's doctrine when there were other virtues and beliefs to focus on. Why not compassion? Why not kindness or love? Why prayer and... WORK? It was tiresome and boring.
It is only now that I realized just how important doing something was. It is only now that I start to see why I've been having such a hard time recently.
Looking back, my idle moments are the moments that have led me to think unspeakable things.
Occupations really are things we cannot live without. Being an OT student taught me that. And it is nice.
pdregalario
Woah! Looking at it this way makes OT shine brighter than I can ever imagine! Giving people the opportunity to decide what happens to them is truly empowering. I guess when you're drowning in workload, it's sometimes difficult to see the things that make your hardships worth it. Thank you for helping me see the nice things about OT. I'll try to keep this in mind the next time I lose my motivation to do things. Hehe.
gvyrastorza wroteTo be completely honest, I like OT because it helps me help people by letting them be the ones who choose what makes them happy. I don't have to force habits they don't want, meds they don't want, and spend money they don't have to for treatments they don't want. From what I've learned so far, I like OT because it lets the people I help decide what they want in the treatment (with some help from the OT, of course). I find this important here in my country, since people aren't so fond of OTs because OTs let clients make big decisions. The people here more often than not want to be told what to do, what their progress is, and what to expect without having to worry about these things at the same time. I like OT because I see it as a way to change this mentality.
rfgenuino
There is no way you can be a true occupational therapist if you aren't open-minded, and that's what I love about it.
Being an OT means recognizing the importance of people: their culture, lifestyle, abilities, EVERYTHING. It's all about context. We realize that every little thing a person does is a piece in the jigsaw puzzle of their life, and it's worth something. We celebrate everything about a person. So when it comes to dealing with controversial issues such as sexuality or mental illness, I find myself in a community that's more accepting than most because of the values we have as OTs. I am especially passionate about erasing the stigma against people with mental illnesses and to work with so many other people who think the same is refreshing.
Ivanna Co
I like that pediatric OTs help their patients to be able to do their primary occupation (play) using toys! It may seem like they are just playing with the children, but they are actually helping the children achieve the occupations typically done at their age. Toys are not randomly picked; they are carefully chosen by the OTs depending on their client.
Another interesting aspect of OT is adapting objects so that their clients may be able to utilize them. OT is not just about habilitation and rehabilitation; OT can improve a person's way of life by changing the environment to fit the client as well.
One inspiring OT is Ma'am Penny Ching. A former instructor in our college, she is now helping in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). As a country regularly hit by natural calamities, OTs are essential to assist people who have lost their homes and jobs and are unable to do their regular occupations.
rfgenuino
gvyrastorza wroteTo be completely honest, I like OT because it helps me help people by letting them be the ones who choose what makes them happy. I don't have to force habits they don't want, meds they don't want, and spend money they don't have to for treatments they don't want. From what I've learned so far, I like OT because it lets the people I help decide what they want in the treatment (with some help from the OT, of course). I find this important here in my country, since people aren't so fond of OTs because OTs let clients make big decisions. The people here more often than not want to be told what to do, what their progress is, and what to expect without having to worry about these things at the same time. I like OT because I see it as a way to change this mentality.
I love this. I'm from a family of doctors, and it's disheartening to hear stories of professionals taking advantage of the trust of their patients and performing unnecessary surgeries or prescribing medicines that are way too expensive or ineffective with little explanation. From OT fieldwork experience, it's great to see healthcare professionals be so transparent with their clients.
cetalastas
Hi, everyone! I'm Cathy from the Philippines. What I like the most of being an OT is how flexible one can be. OTs have the ability to create an intervention that best suits the client’s needs. They do not follow a specific manual of what should they do rather they have a framework that is essential to guide them in their practice. In this way, they become more client-centered which I think will enable them to help the clients better. It is because every client has different capabilities and different needs.
OTs use occupations to help people. These occupations are activities that one deem as important and meaningful to his life. Since then, I give importance to activities which I love to do and when I have seen how OTs value occupations, I am more than happy to know how OTs use these occupations to improve and give quality to life.
Being an OT student, I have heard a lot of inspiring stories from our professors. Honestly, before I do not have this vivid image of what OTs do and how do they help people. However, through the help of my professors, I am driven with motivation because I have seen how marvelous OT can be for OTs can change lives for the better.
Unfortunately, I still haven’t had a chance to talk with someone who has helped by an OT. Nevertheless, I know that as I continue my journey in becoming an OT, I know that I would be given a lot of opportunities to hear stories from people whose lives have been touched and helped by an OT.
