Alumni Spotlight for National Occupational Therapy Month 2024

"I love occupational therapy because our work seeks to add life to years, in addition to years to life. As occupational therapists, we are able to utilize advanced clinical knowledge, creativity, advocacy, and empathy to ensure every client is living healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives."

"The diversity of occupational therapy alongside the holistic approach is what I love about this profession. There is so much opportunity to change people’s lives for the better, and I love being a part of that!"

"I love occupational therapy because I love getting to build relationships with patients and their families. Being able to work on different skills through play-based activities makes work so enjoyable. I love getting to help kids foster life skills, from crib to college, that allow them to be successful in various aspects of their lives. There is no greater feeling or reward than seeing a patient, and their families, work so hard and reach a goal that will increase their overall independence."

"I am deeply passionate about occupational therapy because it uniquely enhances various facets of life through the lens of everyday activities. This profession allows me to contribute meaningfully to the community by facilitating improvement in the most personal aspects of our lives. As an acute care occupational therapist, I am particularly drawn to the diversity of diagnoses I encounter, presenting endless opportunities for learning and professional growth. The vast range of conditions I work with daily not only challenges me but also enriches my practice, making every day a chance to develop further both personally and professionally."

"My journey into occupational therapy began unexpectedly during my senior year in high school when I sustained a knee injury. While undergoing treatment at a therapy clinic, I was introduced to the transformative potential of Occupational Therapy. With an Occupational Therapy career spanning over three decades, I still love every day that I get to make a positive impact in the lives of children facing developmental, neurological and orthopedic challenges. Seeing a child able to use their arm and hand again after being paralyzed is amazing and so rewarding. I would rather be an OT than any other profession in the world!"

"My first introduction to occupational therapy was during my freshman year at UF when my brother (who was a PT student at the time) insisted I go into the field of OT. Quickly glancing at the rigorous pre-requisites required, I rejected that notion. Fast forward one year, I was in a major car accident that allowed me to experience all the areas of OT from acute care through outpatient services and everything in between. It was the occupational therapist at the inpatient rehab hospital who made a huge impact on me. Despite my halo, TLSO, bilateral UE casts, and newly shaved head, he helped me gain some sort of normalcy and independence by creatively adapting so many things within my hospital room so that I could engage in occupations that were vital for 20-year old me such as washing my face, and picking up the telephone. That is when my love for occupational therapy first began…"

"I love OT because as caregivers we not only want our patients to have successful outcomes of their medical treatments but in the process we help pave the way for success filled lives for them!"