I have long known I would like to work in a service oriented profession.

Because of this,
I pursued and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and was active in social
service with the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. I enjoyed the science concentration in my
major as well as making a difference in peoples lives.
While attending the University of Dayton, I became involved with Alpha Phi Omega
during my freshman year. Typical service activities included tutoring at schools, projects on
farms and Relay for Life, as well as spring break service trips to Little Eagle, South Dakota on
the Standing Rock reservation. We assisted in construction of a building that served as a multipurpose community center including a convenience store, computer labs and after school
programs to provide children and teenagers a safe haven in an otherwise high-poverty, highcrime area. We also hosted fundraisers for donation of many basic necessities. What made a
lasting impression on me was how little of the basic necessities -- including food, lodging and
healthcare the families could afford. Experiencing this caused me to reevaluate my priorities
and focus on how I could make a difference in peoples lives, personally and professionally.
My first exposure to occupational therapy occurred while working at Misericordia Home,
a Chicago residential facility providing direct care to adults with developmental disabilities such
as mental retardation and cerebral palsy and comorbid mental illnesses. One of my daily tasks
was to assist residents in completing goals outlined in their Individual Program Plans. Goals
were developed, in part, by occupational therapists through individualized assessment focusing
on increasing independence in daily life. Examples included the use of adaptive equipment
silverware, cups and plates to feed independently, as well as a home exercise program with a
putty ball to improve hand and grip strength. My experiences at Misericordia Home contributed
to my decision to return to school and pursue a career in occupational therapy.
As part of my prerequisite coursework, I completed the Anatomy and Physiology lecture
and lab sequence. I was fascinated with the subject, and became increasingly interested in how
the components of anatomy and physiology relate to occupational therapy interventions. As I
gained more clinical observation time, I became more appreciative of how important it is to have
a strong foundation of normal body structure and function. My observation hours have been
spent with adult and pediatric patients with a variety of abnormalities, primarily related to
workplace and sports injuries, as well as sensory, motor, and communication deficits as a result
of neurological conditions. Clinical observation gave me opportunities to observe and recognize
musculoskeletal disorders and the development of effective treatments, such as individually
molded splints, daily exercises to loosen muscles, electrical stimulation therapy and a variety of
activities that are fun but also therapeutic.
Short-term, a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy will provide me with a solid
didactic foundation as well as clinical experience in a variety of settings and exposure to
different treatment modalities. I look forward to the academic challenge.
Long-term, I have an interest in applying my occupational therapy knowledge and skills
to disadvantaged populations, such as the developmentally disabled and the sight- and hearingimpaired. On my own, I have gained a rudimentary knowledge of sign language and hope to
become more fluent over time. Im excited about eventually being part of a multidisciplinary

team treating patients that require therapies and services outside of and in addition to
occupational therapy (for example, accident victims requiring physical therapy). Ultimately, my
long-term goals include work in assisting individuals to lead independent and fulfilling lives.