Occupational therapy

Independence was once a word I rarely thought about. Growing up, I never questioned my ability to get dressed, prepare meals, or participate in school and community life. It was not until I began supporting individuals with disabilities including my niece who has cerebral palsy that I truly understood independence as something far deeper than completing daily routines. Independence represents dignity, choice, and the ability to engage meaningfully in ones life. Occupational therapy embodies this philosophy, and it is the profession that aligns most authentically with my experiences, values, and aspirations. My academic journey was not linear. When I began college in Fall 2021, I struggled to adjust to the academic rigor and independence of higher education and was placed on academic probation. Coming from a low-income community where higher education was encouraged but not consistently modeled, I entered college without a strong understanding of how to navigate academic systems or advocate for myself. Rather than allowing this setback to define me, I used it as a turning point. I sought academic support, reevaluated my study habits, and developed discipline and accountability that led to consistent improvement and ultimately graduating with a Bachelors degree in Biology. This experience strengthened my resilience and taught me how to adapt, reflect, and persist qualities I know are essential in graduate education and clinical practice. My clarity toward occupational therapy developed during my junior year while working as a Direct Support Professional. Supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in daily routines, communication, and community participation transformed my understanding of healthcare. I witnessed how consistency, trust, and individualized support directly impacted confidence and independence. Moments such as helping someone prepare a meal or express personal preferences revealed the powerful role purposeful activity plays in self-worth and autonomy. I began to view care not as task-oriented assistance, but as holistic, person-centered support grounded in dignity. Motivated to expand my experience, I pursued roles as a Behavior Technician and Special Education Paraprofessional. In these positions, I collaborated closely with teachers, therapists, behavior analysts, and families, strengthening my appreciation for interdisciplinary teamwork. I learned how coordinated care plans, environmental modifications, and evidence-based interventions promote participation and success. These experiences reinforced the importance of communication and collaboration in achieving meaningful outcomes principles central to occupational therapy practice. My personal experiences further solidified this path. Observing my niece navigate daily tasks with cerebral palsy highlighted both the challenges and the incredible potential for growth when appropriate supports are in place. Witnessing her progress reinforced my desire to work with children and individuals with developmental disabilities to promote functional independence and participation across home, school, and community environments. Academically, my coursework has strengthened my foundation for OT practice. Studying biology deepened my understanding of the relationship between health, behavior, and the environment. Courses such as abnormal psychology provided opportunities to analyze case studies and develop individualized intervention plans, teaching me adaptability and the importance of tailoring care to each individuals needs. Learning directly from individuals with disabilities about their lived experiences further shaped my commitment to advocacy and inclusive, client-centered care. Shadowing experiences allowed me to observe occupational therapy in action. In a day program and pediatric clinic setting, I witnessed how therapists creatively used play-based and functional activities to target multiple goals simultaneously from fine and gross motor development to sensory regulation and task sequencing. Observing how therapists adapted sessions to meet each childs unique needs demonstrated the flexibility and problem-solving nature of the profession. These experiences affirmed that OT is not only about restoring skills, but about empowering individuals to participate fully in meaningful occupations. Through my professional, academic, and personal experiences, I have developed patience, cultural humility, adaptability, and strong communication skills. I have learned to approach individuals holistically, considering physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors that influence participation. Occupational therapy allows me to combine creativity, science, collaboration, and compassion to support individuals across the lifespan. Independence is no longer something I take for granted. It is something I strive to help others achieve whether for the first time or again after loss or injury. I am pursuing occupational therapy with intention, humility, and passion, and I am confident that this profession will allow me to grow while making a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and communities. Thank you for your time and consideration. Shaina Uzuriaga can you make this sound more human