Growing up, I faced some tough challenges that taught me about resilience, identity, and the importance of support when overcoming obstacles. When I was a teenager, my life changed before I could blink my eyes and that is when I became the main caregiver for my younger siblings. My mother struggled with addiction, a disease that is incredibly challenging to overcome. Losing my mother did not hinder me as a person but made me who I am today. Suddenly, I had to manage household tasks, provide emotional support, and keep up with my schoolwork. I soon recognized the challenges people encounter in reclaiming their independence. By taking on the responsibility of raising my siblings, I developed strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to communicate well with others. Caretaking is challenging, and I never imagined I would be responsible for raising my two younger siblings at the age of 16 while trying to pursue my own interests. Those were the circumstances that I was given, but that experience helped me understand the impact I can have by supporting others through their difficulties. This has ignited my passion for helping people and their own occupational journey. With my experiences through life, I have also learned how to listen, advocate and provide comfort which I believe are qualities that are vital for an occupational therapist to have. Life will throw hurdles to each person in unique ways. While I have not faced the challenge of relearning skills, I have had to adapt to what was given to me. My dedication in life has truly gotten me where I am today, as I have learned not to give up on myself, even when times get tough. Like many, I have had my handful of setbacks, and each one has shaped my reliance. My commitment to achieving my dreams keeps me motivated, and my greatest source of inspiration is my mom. Although her life was cut short, I believe she is watching over me and telling me to keep swimming. No two journeys are alike. Throughout my time in college, I have balanced my studies with a full-time job, which has helped me develop strong organization skills. Managing a full course load and a demanding job was challenging, requiring careful planning and prioritization. This has taught me how to break up my work, set realistic deadlines, and stay focused under pressure. While I have often had a full plate, I would not change it any other way; the challenges have only fueled my passion for my future career.

Growing up, I faced some tough challenges that taught me about resilience, identity, and the importance of support when overcoming obstacles. When I was a teenager, my life changed before I could blink my eyes and that is when I became the main caregiver for my younger siblings. My mother struggled with addiction, a disease that is incredibly challenging to overcome. Losing my mother did not hinder me as a person but made me who I am today. Suddenly, I had to manage household tasks, provide emotional support, and keep up with my schoolwork. I soon recognized the challenges people encounter in reclaiming their independence. By taking on the responsibility of raising my siblings, I developed strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to communicate well with others. Caretaking is challenging, and I never imagined I would be responsible for raising my two younger siblings at the age of 16 while trying to pursue my own interests. Those were the circumstances that I was given, but that experience helped me understand the impact I can have by supporting others through their difficulties. This has ignited my passion for helping people and their own occupational journey. With my experiences through life, I have also learned how to listen, advocate and provide comfort which I believe are qualities that are vital for an occupational therapist to have. I hope to make a difference by creating a trusting enviorment where others feel safe. In order to grow in this career your patients must feel comfortable opening up to you. I hope that one day I am able to open my own clinic. I wish to have the same patients until they are ready to go out into the world on their own. Pursuing a career in occupational therapy will allow me to combine my passion for helping others in a professional way. The endless options of treatments spark my interest also, this career is about thinking outside of the box. You may have two patients that are working for the same goals but their paths and interests can be completely different. Each individual brings their own unique experiences, preferences, and challenges. Occupational therapy is not just a job for me, it is a way to make a difference in the world. Knowing that there are people out there who have regained their independence after once believing they could never do it again fills me with such joy and motivation. I first witnessed this by getting to see my younger siblings strive each day after such a life changing moment.