#makingchangedaily

As the psych block is about begin, and as supervisors break the ice for our boats to pass through. and calming us with easiness yet with pile of readings to go look up.

as it commenced, we were informed about the ethics and conduct on how we have to be on prac, as we were briefed about our clinical supervisors . when they entered i could feel my hair starting to rise, felt like they were some giants sent to crush us out. but to my surprise i was so so motivated by the new supervisors, where i was fortunate to get one hahaha. i was so motivated about the clips we watched, about the WHY, HOW and WHAT inside the OT profession. this was the inspiration of the day, which enabled me to find reasons and motives as to push and continue what am doing, and why am doing it. it enlighten the inner bulb that i am here to be great and exercise my true and full potential. and to be really who i really am.

I was further equipped with how to use theoretical frame of reference since its different from the physical block. and how it can be guidelines to successful treatment intervention. refresher slides was provided on SMART AIMS which are key elements of being an OT. because you always have to be smart, set measurable goals, come with therapeutic activities, be able to review your treatment session, and be able to have it on time based.

funny enough the envelope and card making, which is an escape option for treatment session, was cut off, what a disappointment. but it allowed us as class to discuss what treatment sessions can one implement, that which are beneficial and therapeutic.more was said but above all.i am proud after this day since i know why and doing OT, and HOW am planning to succeed in the current prac block. 

As a senior that just started my last semester at University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, I have been reflecting on all of the opportunities I had in my past four years. I know, as I look back, that I have made a positive difference in the community I am a part of on campus and in the greater area. When I first came to Eau Claire, I was very eager to become involved and find my niche; thankfully, I was a part of the Blugold Beginnings Learning Community (BBLC) that provided support and guidance that helped me find my role on campus.

At the end of my first year, I applied for an internship with Blugold Beginnings to organize and execute JumpStart Camp in August of 2015 for incoming freshmen. At the same time, I also became an intern for the Department of Public Instruction for the Wisconsin Equal Opportunity Program. Both internships aimed to prepare first-generation students of color for success in their college careers by providing support along the way. Support ranged from financial aid counseling to assisting them in registering for classes. This is when I realized that my passion was in being a resource for students just like me.

During my second year as an intern for the BBLC, I was able to plan events such as inviting multiple offices on campus to present during our monthly cohort dinners about the different resources they offered. I felt very lucky to have gotten to know some of my first year cohort members and seeing them explore their interests and succeeding in their academics. At the end of my second year, I knew that I wanted to continue working in this capacity and applied to be the Opening Doors Precollege Camp Intern for the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

My previous internships had given me the experience that allowed me to excel within my new internship with the Office of Multicultural Affairs. I was tasked with planning a weeklong precollege camp specifically for 7th-11th grade Latinx students. The purpose of the camp was to provide student the experience of being a college student at UWEC, so I planned sample classes, different activities on campus and larger community. What I loved the most was that I was able to recruit students from my high school in Madison, Wisconsin. The camp was very inspirational for me personally because I was able to give an experience to students that I never had while I was in high school.

These internships gave me experience in the field of Student Affairs and shaped my career goals into what they are today. I am going to pursue a Masters in Higher Education and I hope to work at a university within an office that provides support for underrepresented students.