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.
No comments:
Post a Comment