Student ID: 312727 My passion for occupational therapy began at a young age. I was around 12 years old when I watched my younger brother, who has autism, go through occupational therapy. Though I wasn’t present in his sessions, I vividly remember seeing photos of his therapy session, hearing stories, and watching his progress. It was inspiring. My brother holds a very special place in my heart, and seeing the impact that occupational therapy had on his life planted a seed in me that never left. That early experience sparked something in me—something that stayed with me as I grew older and ultimately led me to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Now, years later, I’m in the OTA program, doing everything I can to follow that dream. But the journey hasn’t been easy. I recently moved away from home to be closer to school, and my financial situation has become critical. My loved ones, especially my boyfriend, have had to make tremendous sacrifices so I can stay enrolled and focused. Their support is what keeps me going, even when things feel overwhelming. I’ve battled anxiety and mild depression for most of my life. Through time, growth, and the support of loved ones, I’ve overcome many of those personal battles. This journey has helped me develop empathy, resilience, and emotional insight—qualities that have served me well in both life and in my pursuit of becoming an OTA. I believe my own experience with mental health gives me a deeper understanding of what others may be going through, especially when they are facing their own challenges with independence and daily functioning. In my early 20s, I worked as a therapy tech at a pediatric clinic offering OT, speech therapy, and physical therapy. Even though I was assisting across all areas, I naturally gravitated toward occupational therapy. I found myself instinctively applying OT techniques, even when I was helping with patients in other disciplines. That experience confirmed what I had felt deep down for years; this is where I belong. Still, despite knowing that occupational therapy was the path I wanted to pursue, I was scared. I doubted my intelligence, my ability, and even my worthiness. I was too anxious to make phone calls, too afraid to ask questions, and too convinced I wouldn’t succeed. But after years of encouragement from friends, family, and mentors, I finally applied to the OTA program—and I got accepted. That moment changed everything. It was the beginning of me believing in myself, even just a little. Since entering the program, I’ve learned so much more than clinical skills. I’ve learned how to see others through a more compassionate lens. I’ve learned to pause, reflect, and try to understand both sides of a story before reacting. I’ve learned how to set boundaries, advocate for myself, and respect my own needs. I’ve come to understand the deep, life-changing, meaning behind the work occupational therapy practitioners do. I’ve seen how this profession can bring dignity, confidence, and joy back into a person’s life. Financially, this journey has not been easy. My financial aid and a previous AMBUCS scholarship were true lifelines. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. As I approach fieldwork, the financial burden is becoming heavier. Fieldwork often requires full-time hours, which limits the ability to work and earn income. This scholarship would be an incredible support during this critical time. It would help me keep my home, pay for transportation, and cover the basic needs that allow me to focus on learning and growing in my field placements. Most importantly it would give me, and those who provide for me, peace of mind and a weight lifted off our shoulders—something that’s been hard to come by lately. I don’t take the opportunity of receiving support lightly. I believe in “paying it forward,” and I plan to do just that throughout my career. Whether it’s mentoring future OTA students, giving back to the organizations that helped me, or simply treating every patient with the same compassion I was once shown. I will make sure this investment in me is one that continues to give. What motivates me most is the desire to help people feel seen, capable, and worthy. I want to be the person who reminds them that they can still live a full meaningful life, even after injury, illness, or disability. I want to be part of their journey to being independent, just like so many people were a part of mine. This is more than just a career to me—it’s a life purpose. I am committed to seeing it through. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s one I’m fully committed to. Receiving this scholarship would provide meaningful support during a time when every bit of help truly matters. It would not only ease financial stress during fieldwork but also allow me to continue showing up fully and wholeheartedly in my education and future career. I’m deeply grateful for your consideration, and I hope to one day make the same kind of difference in someone else’s life.