Class Notes: Words of Wisdom from Freshman OT Students

Class Notes: Words of Wisdom from Freshman OT Students

Beautiful first day of the Spring 2014 semester on Saint Louis University's campus.

"Everyone and everything around you is your teacher." -Ken Keyes, Jr.

As we begin the spring 2014 semester, we have asked our freshman class to reflect upon their first semester at Saint Louis University.  Below, read their words of wisdom regarding the lessons they have learned during their Saint Louis University experience thus far.

“Being a freshman in college is both nerve-racking and exciting. Everything you experience is new and an adjustment. Without having your parents and familiar faces by your side, you find a new sense of independence.” –Gabriela Eraci

 “There is no way to fully describe the college adjustment process, but if you are patient and willing to work hard, your freshman year and overall college experience will be great! Freshman year you’re given the opportunity to completely reform your identity and meet lots of new people. I truly experienced the most growth as an individual when I came to college.” –Audrey Hunter

 “The OT program has a very rigorous curriculum, but with all the support from academic advisors, faculty mentors, and professors, I am not worried about the classes that I will be taking in the future because I know that there are always people willing to help me if I ever run into any issues along the way.” –Mary Reagan

“As a freshman I have learned to take responsibility for all of my actions. Overall, I have learned that even when I receive a terrible grade to not give up but keep a positive mind set and believe that I can do better on the next assignment.” –Megan Savell

“Being a freshman is an experience unlike any other.  It is the chance to start over, to grow, and to be vulnerable.  The anticipation that stems from leaving home and beginning to live independently is incredible, but the reward of finally settling into a new way of life is incomparable.  Freshman year has been a combination of finding myself and defining my future… [The] highs and lows of freshman year come unexpectedly, but they are inevitable.  The lows help me to rebuild myself into the person I have always hoped to be and the highs help me appreciate everything I have been given and make me feel confident in the choice I made coming to Saint Louis University.  The journey of college so far has been absolutely incredible and I cannot wait to see how I grow even more in my freshman year and all years to come.” –Elly Harrell

We want to hear from you: What advice do you have for students as they begin a new semester?

AOTA Emerging Leadership Development Program

            

 

Last week I traveled to AOTA Headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland to kick-start my yearlong journey in the Emerging Leadership Development Program (ELDP). I did not know what to expect because I was not given a lot of detail as to what we would be doing for training. All I knew was that I was going to be given a mentor who would help with a yearlong project. When I got there I met many people from all over the country who would be participating in the program with me. Some had already finished school and had been practicing, while others like me were finishing up school. Thursday we all walked to AOTA headquarters together excited and anxious to start our training. We got into the AOTA board room where the Board of Directors usually hold their meetings and met Midge Hobbs, the director of the ELDP, Nancy Standford-Blair, an educator on leadership, Amy Lamb, AOTA’s Vice President, and Ginny Stoffel, AOTA’s President. It was surreal to hear so much about these individuals and to finally be able to meet them in person. They were all very passionate about this program and eager to get started.

The focus of our training on Thursday was about our leadership values and purpose, being a servant leader, how to deal with conflict, and reflecting on how we came to be leaders. It was an eye opening experience that helped me focus on my core values and what my goals are as a leader. We were also able to meet with AOTA staff within the building and I was able to talk to Frank Gainer, who coordinates conferences, and Maureen Peterson, AOTA’s chief professional affairs officer. There wasn’t enough time to meet with everyone!

            Friday we learned more about the workings of AOTA and opportunities for leadership positions within the organization. There are many opportunities and I would love to share what I’ve learned! We also had a chance to meet with our mentors to discuss ideas for a yearlong project. I called my mentor Izel Obermeyer, who is the Chairperson for the Affiliated State Association President (ASAP), to discuss some ideas. Mrs. Obermeyer was very open to the suggestions I had and provided helpful feedback to help me start my project. We agreed on focusing on student involvement within state associations. Mrs. Obermeyer said that most beginning practitioners are not very involved with their state association. I hope that through focusing on student involvement in associations it will encourage students to continue to be involved in their state association when they become a practitioner.  

            The two-day training went by too fast! It was a great way to make connections with other occupational therapists in the US and I know I will be collaborating with them in the future. I enjoyed every minute of this experience and I am very fortunate to have been given this opportunity.