Growth as a OTAS

In regards to my pediatrics experience this semester, my confidence in this area of practice has really grown. Prior to this semester, I was certain that I would work with the adult population and felt it somewhat a waste of time to spend a semester learning about pediatric OT. I still feel that I will likely work with adults but this semester has provided me with the knowledge about myself that if I so desire to apply for a pediatric OT position, I could absolutely do it. When working with children on FW, I learned that I am a more dynamic person than I originally thought. I realized that my "therapist/nurturing" instincts kick in as a result of seeing vulnerability in others and has nothing to do with their age, gender, etc. I am excited to be starting FW II soon and having the opportunity to work with patients on a daily basis. I look forward to affecting people's lives in a positive way - hopefully this will be part of my legacy in this lifetime.

Ready to Dive In

Looking back to the beginning of the semester I felt comfortable going to work with children knowing I would be working with 5 & 6 year olds that were not officially referred to OT. I was a bit more nervous working with children with autism. It was uncomfortable not making that eye contact and not getting that interaction when playing with them. What I came to understand was that my reaction was just inexperience and I as realized their response to me wasn't personal, I could interact more naturally with them and treat them like other children despite not getting the usual response. I know I have the knowledge to come up with good treatment sessions but what I lack is the experience to feel confident and fluent with my skills. Each FW experience has sharpened my abilities to analyze activities and see the foundational skills required and it's not so hard anymore to come up with treatment ideas and go with the flow and change direction in the middle of a session when things don't go as planned. I'm glad we ended with kids since they are the most fickle and need the most flexibility when working with them. I don't think I could have thought on my feet if this had been my first FW experience. I still don't feel ready for FW2 but I know that it's time to get in there and do it. It's my inexperience that makes me feel unconfident and the only way to remedy that is to hold my breath and just dive in. I expect that when I come up for air I'll be swimming along nicely....for the most part.

Turning the Corner to Your Future.

Upon looking back at my 1st blog, I realized how much I have changed my thinking over the past 2 years. The language I use, the way I look & delve into the unknown is completely different. I have so much more knowledge & experience that I can pull from in every situation, whether it is at work or in my personal life. I admit, back then I did not realize how my facial reactions would affect someone else. Which, with time, I realized how I reacted to so many individuals with disabilities, not knowing the why or how they complete tasks. Now, I have so much more respect and am able to look at everyone with the same eyes. We all have tough times to get through, some have even more barriers than most. And there is no such thing as"normal"!!!!!!

I think the most interesting thing that I learned this semester is how much "stuff" a pediatric OT needs. When I first saw my supervisors trunk I was in awe. But, she needed every single item in that trunk. I really had not thought about how boring it would be, and difficult to keep a child’s attention from week to week.

After learning all of this, I will definitely be able to make sure I have different treatment plans and vary them every day to keep it more interesting for all of my patients.

At the beginning of the semester I felt like I would be kind of okay at fieldwork, but was all full of the “what if” questions. But, now I know what I can do to make every opportunity work. I have the opportunity to change people’s lives & I can make a difference with every single session. I am so much more prepared now than I was at the beginning of the semester. As my teachers and classmates are getting ready to leave each others sides, I still have butterflies, but so does anyone that is starting a new job. Suspense will keep me on my toes & I am just waiting with anticipation of starting this new aspect of my education.

While working with my pediatric supervisor this semester I got to work with a young boy with the most severe case of ADHD that I have seen personally. While I know there are kids/adults with more severe cases, this little guy showed me how my demeanor can really change a session. I had to stay calm as he was holding scissors up to my eye and his eye. But, I kept calm and with my explanation of the dangers of scissors he slowly lowered the scissors and put them down. I have not always been calm in all circumstances, but over the past 2 years I guess I have really changed how much I can control my face & demeanor. This event showed me that yes, all the work has been worth it, as well as the criticism from my classmates and teachers to get my facial expressions (acting surprised, frowning, or disgusted look) under wraps.

As I was walking down the hall today I turned the corner and found myself reminiscing about our first semester & how unsure of everything each one of us was. Will the person I am teamed up with in this class actually make it to the end of the program, or even the next class. There have been so many ups and downs while in the program & I have had so many life changing experiences occur while in this program. I feel as if had I not made it into the program when I did my life would be completely different. I have grown up so much while completing my education. I know I have always been considered more grown up for my age, but the experiences I have had in the past 2 years have given me the awakening to how I can still be “adult” while acting silly with patients to help them through their difficult times.

Life is ever changing. You never know when the next corner will change your life forever. It may lead to something that seems difficult, but just remember...the next corner could hold that glimpse of hope for change.