Stepping through Darkness; Discovering my Flame
Photo Credit: Sheridon Gayle
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“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” The truth of this statement was impressed upon me from a very tender age and the value of education has always been underscored in my family. At first glance, one might hasten to interpret “interest” as the monetary gain that education generates. However, education can awaken empathy, broaden perspective, and provide empowerment because of its enlightening nature. No man who has been exposed to an education is ever the same. Education serves the purpose of allowing me to empower myself whilst giving back to society.
My passion for education has always helped me excel in my studies. From a very early age, I recognized my aptitude for the sciences, and this came with the realization that I was destined to pursue a career in the medical field. Although I was convinced that my career path would lead me into the medical field, I was undecided in terms of the area. This caused me great concern as I all too often hear of people who end up in fields for which they have no passion, simply because of the need to earn. I was worried about becoming a statistic. It was not long before then that I discovered that my passion lies in Occupational Therapy. The area of Occupational Therapy is a field that I believe I am best suited for because it is one from which I have benefited greatly.
My first encounter with this field came when I was diagnosed with Scoliosis at the age of 16. After being diagnosed, I started occupational and physical therapy. Occupational and Physical Therapy gave me a new perspective on health and its life-changing methods. It was not long after that I discovered that this area was indeed where my interest and passion lie as not only would I be able to relate and empathize with patients, but also help to bring relief and joy to them when we interface professionally. Occupational Therapy is a vital field because of its ability to provide patients with the opportunity to receive care that will help them to rehabilitate, recover, restore, and improve their daily life skills. It is the career I am driven to pursue!
My passion for Occupational Therapy was further fueled by the invaluable experiences I gleaned while working with Recreational Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Doctors at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York Presbyterian Hospital- Allen and Milstein, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Elizabeth Seaton Pediatric Center. Throughout my internship I learned many valuable experiences, but one stood with me the most. I met an Occupational Therapy student who facilitated a cooking and gardening group. I was amazed by the care and life skills she provided to the patients. Most of these patients had Depression or Schizophrenia. I observed closely as she would help them to water the plants as well as helping them to break graham crackers to make a cheesecake. I was amazed at how the simple life skills she was showing them brought a smile to their faces.
Being a health care professional is one of the highest calling as those in the field are tasked with the responsibility of restoring one’s health as best as possible. This is also a very technical field, one which requires comprehensive training and immense dedication. It is on this premise that I cultivated an interest in acquiring my Occupational Therapy degree.
