I plan to achieve my goals by first completing my undergraduate degree and then pursuing a graduate program that will qualify me to become a licensed occupational therapist. This path is essential because it will provide me with the knowledge, training, and skills necessary to help others especially children develop of basic life skills they need to thrive in daily life.i I have always loved helping people and been passionate about working with childre. Over time, I discovered that occupational therapy combines these two passions. Occupational therapists play a vital role in the developmental challenges. Children, in particular, can benefit tremendously from occupational therapy when they struggle with everyday tasks such as writing, feeding themselves, tying their shoes, or interacting socially. My goal is to work with these children and their families to help them build independence in their daily lives. To prepare myself for this career, I am fully committed to succeeding in my undergraduate studies. I understand that becoming an occupational therapist requires strong academic performance, particularly in the sciences, as well as a solid foundation in psychology, anatomy, and human development. I plan to take advantage of every opportunity available during my undergraduate years to gain hands-on experience, including internships, volunteer work, and job shadowing with licensed therapists. These experiences will help me build practical skills and deepen my understanding of the occupational therapy field. After earning my undergraduate degree, my next step will be to enroll in a doctorate program in occupational therapy. I am aware that graduate programs are rigorous and competitive, but I am ready to rise to the challenge. In graduate school, I look forward to completing both classroom coursework that will allow me to apply my knowledge in real world settings. Working directly with patients under the supervision of experienced therapists will give me a better understanding of how to treat a wide range of conditions and help individuals improve their quality of life. Ultimately, my long-term goal is to specialize in pediatric occupational therapy. I want to work in hospitals and private clinics where I can provide support to children with developmental delays, physical disabilities, or sensory processing disorders. I believe that helping children learn or regain basic life skills is one of the most meaningful and rewarding things a person can do. Watching a child become more confident, independent, and happy as a result of therapy is what motivates me to pursue this career path.

I want to become an occupational therapist because I have a strong passion for helping others, especially children with disabilities. Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, and occupational therapy is a career that would allow me to do just that. My dream is to work with children who face physical, emotional, or developmental challenges and help them develop the skills they need to live more independent and fulfilling lives. I want to help kids learn how to walk, feed themselves, dress, and perform other daily tasks that many people take for granted. Helping children achieve these milestones would be incredibly rewarding, and I am determined to be someone who supports and empowers them every step of the way. To reach this goal, I will need to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy, which typically takes about six years of higher education. This path requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and commitment—qualities that I believe I have. I know it won't be easy, but I am fully prepared to do whatever it takes to succeed. I am motivated not just by my career goals, but also by my desire to make a real impact in the world and improve the quality of life for those who need it most. I’ve already started preparing by researching programs, volunteering, and learning more about the field whenever I can. I want to work in schools, hospitals, and clinics to support children from all backgrounds. However, one of the biggest challenges I face is financial. My mom is a single parent, and she works very hard to support our family, but we simply don’t have the resources to cover the cost of college and graduate school. Paying for six years of education is a huge burden, and without financial assistance, attending college would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for me. That is why this scholarship would mean so much to me and my family. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial pressure but also bring me one step closer to achieving my dream. It would allow me to focus on my studies without constantly worrying about how I’m going to pay for school. I am determined to use my education to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities, and with your support, I will be able to turn that dream into a reality. I will give back to my community and inspire others to pursue their goals, no matter the obstacles.

I am 17 years old, and I have been chronically ill for my entire life. I have cyclic neutropenia, lupus, Tourette’s, and POTS. It has been a very long and hard journey navigating school, friends, work, extra curriculars, and my health all at once. This experience has shaped me in countless ways, particularly when it comes to my desire to help others. From a young age, I have wanted to dedicate my life to supporting people, providing them with the resources they need to thrive. I know firsthand how isolating and disheartening it can feel to believe there’s no hope left for your medical circumstances. That feeling of helplessness is something I wish no one else had to endure, and it drives my passion to ease that burden for others. My ultimate goal is to help people live better, more fulfilling lives, despite the challenges they may face. Chronic illness has taught me the importance of resilience, hope, and community. It’s also shown me how critical it is to have support from people who truly care. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have people in my corner who reminded me that brighter days are possible, even when I struggled to see it myself. That support has made an incredible difference in my life, and I want to be that source of light and encouragement for others. One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had in my medical journey has been working with physical therapists. While it wasn’t always easy, there were times when the sessions were incredibly difficult, both physically and emotionally my physical therapists played a crucial role in my recovery and overall well being. They always went out of their way to keep me motivated and in good spirits, even when the circumstances were tough. Their kindness, patience, and dedication left a lasting impression on me, and I hold a special place in my heart for them. Their influence has inspired me to consider a career in physical therapy or a related field, where I can work directly with individuals facing medical challenges. I want to be someone who makes a difference in their lives, just as my physical therapists did for me. By combining my personal experiences with my passion for helping others, I hope to create meaningful change and remind people that, no matter how challenging their situation may seem, there is always a reason to hold onto hope.