Photo Credit: Kathleen Musick
Auburn has been my home for the majority of my life and I am so thankful that attending college in my hometown was possible. My four years at Auburn were better than anything that I could have hoped and prayed for. Auburn is so special in so many ways and every part of the college experience shaped me into who I am today. Every moment, conversation, trial, and triumph has pushed me and prepared me for the future.
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As a child, young teen, and even now, I have been taught to stand firm in my faith, treat people the way I would like to be treated, and make a difference in the lives of those around me in any way that I can. All of these things play a role in my life today and have led me to where I am today. In a TED Talk that I once watched about how to find work that you love, the speaker asked the question, "What is the work that you can't imagine not doing?" This question is one of the most important questions that I asked myself. It pushed me to realize that I desire to be in a line of work where I can be a positive influence in someone's day or life through human connection, vulnerability, helpfulness, and growth. Here is the link to a paper that I wrote about the TED Talk that helped me positively shape my future.
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ABOUT ME
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WHY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
I have chosen to pursue occupational therapy because I want to be there for people during what could be one of the hardest times of their lives. I want to help, encourage, and celebrate with people when they overcome, even stronger than they were before. When someone goes through an event that alters how they are able to perform daily tasks, it can be a trial that is hard to overcome. As an occupational therapist, I will be there to uplift, educate, and advocate for the patient. Auburn University and HDFS taught me so much about myself and how to help others, and I know that I will utilize this knowledge every day in the future in order to become a successful occupational therapist. My long-term goals are to graduate from Belmont University's Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program in May of 2026 and obtain a job working with the elderly in a hospital, rehab facility, or wherever I feel led. Whatever I do and wherever I end up, I am going to work my hardest and make a difference in the lives of those around me. I am grateful for how far I have come and am looking forward to everything the future holds!