Why Become An Occupational Therapist Essay

Throughout the years, I have acquired and perfected various skills and abilities that will attribute to my success as an occupational therapist. As a competive gymnast and a full time student, I have gained the physical strength required to serve my clients and the ability to manage a busy and hectic schedule. I have exquisite time management skills that enable me to commit to several responsibilities at any given time. With determination and commitment, I have not missed a day of school since first grade or a single day of work. I plan on continuing my excellent attendance into my future plans as an OT.
Working as a gymnastics coach and a youth and family counselor, I have enhanced my communication skills to become more effective. I am very clear with the children and their parents on what needs to be worked on and what we can do together to help. With my students and clients, I actively listen to what they need, feel, and want and apply that information towards ways to support them. When an issue occurs, I empathize with the child and their parents to ensure the end result is an outcome we all desire. As an individual who truly cares about others and the lives they are living, I am very compassionate in finding the most productive way to help.
For many years now, I have worked with children and their parents on making an effective plan to improve the child’s physical and
behavioral development. I observe their skill level, along with their behavior and determine what I can do to help. Analyzing their progression, I create lesson plans with skill modifications for each individual. For example, as a coach, I may have a class full of eight four-year-old gymnasts who vary in skill level. When teaching a handstand, I will create several exciting and beneficial activities that will target the skills each child needs to improve on. For students of all ages, I stay positive and enthusiastic to keep them motivated and engaged.
To become an occupational therapist, a person must want to truly help others and be willing to work with a wide range of people.
Compassion, empathy, and a helpful nature are skills that come from the heart unlike skills like problem solving and communication that may need improvement. I am and have always been ambitious on reaching my full potential to assist others. The attributes I possess have helped me become a successful individual, but the determination to build upon those skills to provide a better service for others will help me become a successful occupational
therapist.