Why OT? How OT snuck up on me...

Occupational Therapist wasn't something that I dreamt of being as a kid. It isn't a career that has the same fame as your veterinarians or racecar drivers. In fact, you might not even know what an Occupational Therapist is unless you know someone in the field or know someone who has worked with one. 

If that sounds like you.... then we have very similar experiences. 

I did not know about occupational therapy until I was in my 20's working as a traveling science teacher (think of that time in elementary school where you got to have a cool science assembly with live animals or magnets. That was me, the new age Mrs. Frizzle, minus the cool dresses.). I met my first occupational therapist during a break from teaching after they strutted in the Multipurpose Room with two students and a bunch of toys. After the OT informed me I could remain there until my next class, I proceeded to watch the kids and OT play...

The OT was working with the students on common recess activities and preparing them for a kickball game taking place later in the week. The OT not only helped them strategize how to kick and catch a ball, showing alternative ways like using a t-shirt to catch or trying different methods for planting or holding their foot. They also coached them on how to cheer each other on and how to cope with the frustrations of missing the ball. 

I had never seen anything like it before, and from that moment I was hooked. 

“You treat a disease: you win, you lose.

You treat a person, I guarantee you win-no matter what the outcome.”

— Patch Adams

The most amazing thing about Occupational therapy is that it is completely different than other forms of treatment. The goal isn't to treat a specific ailment, it is to treat an individual as a whole using the most meaningful aspects of that individual's life as a guide. Those students were not just learning how to kick a ball, they were learning ways to be creative, to problem solve, to remain open-minded and explore alternative ways to complete a task, and to cope with the emotions involved with being a kid and trying something new. These students were given tools to simply allow them to be a kid, and that is a beautiful concept. 

Life's most meaningful things can be the most common, the little things that make up our days that we often take for granted. Occupational therapists help people succeed in doing these things, the things that bring us feelings of independence and happiness. I cannot think of a more powerful and meaningful career.