I am an aspiring occupational therapist currently enrolled at Georgia State University in the OTD program. I am 26 years old and I am maintaining a GPA of 3.5. I am beginning my third year this summer! I have found such a passion in occupational therapy that grows and grows as I expand my knowledge of this field. OT is about so many things that just make sense to me. It is all about maneuvering and finding that just-right fit for each individual with the intention for that fit to improve their quality of life. Although I do love learning, graduate school has been quite draining financially, especially reaching this last year of classes. I believe I am the perfect candidate for such a scholarship, as it will aid me in completing my degree to be able to uphold the memory of Christina through the work she so wanted to do. My particular interest in occupational therapy sprung from a change made in my life while in undergrad at Florida State University. I was pursuing a pre-medicine pathway, however, after several classes down this route, I found myself drowning. At the time I was devastated, thinking I wasn't going to be good enough to follow my dreams. Now, I see it as the best thing that could have happened to me. Like the many patients we see as occupational therapists, something throws a wrench in life's path and we have to adapt and make the most of it. My change of direction at this pivotal time in my life led to me pursuing occupational therapy more seriously (it was always a second choice), and it led to me finding a passion like no other. Growing up, I was always the problem solver. If you need to know anything about occupational therapy it is that the career is all about adaptation and problem-solving. We find ways to work within the world around us, with what we have been given. So many people have difficulties finding an answer or an alternative to changes in life, however, this has always been my strong suit. I have just completed my first level two fieldwork and throughout the experience I found myself strengthening my practical skills while bringing in my natural born skills of problem-solving. I don't think I fully understood how useful this skill would be until I was able to put it into practice and... WOW. Occupational therapy is essentially all about problem-solving; finding that little quirk or unusual solution that can make all the difference for someone to live their life independently. As an OT, I will have the opportunity to do what I love every single day. I love helping people. I love solving problems. I love making a difference.

My cat’s name is Virgil. He was a stray I saved from the wild near an old apartment complex. I think someone left him behind after they moved out since he was relatively clean and well taken care of, but had nowhere to go. He is a sweet old man that loves treats and yarn!