I have always had the heart of a caregiver, and therefore I knew from a very young age that I would end up in a healing profession. No other category of work ever appealed to me the way that allied health professions did. While I researched and considered many specific jobs within the healthcare industry, I eventually discovered occupational therapy. Occupational therapy appealed to me in particular because of the emphasis on a holistic approach to healthcare that extends beyond just the clinic or hospital setting. Occupational therapists are interested in the whole individual, not just their symptoms, and that interest extends beyond when the patient leaves the medical facility. We care about how each person functions in their daily life and want to help them achieve their full potential. We tailor our treatments to work on what gives our patients meaning.There is no profession that truly regards humanity in the same way that occupational therapy does. As someone who has spent time both in the hospital and in outpatient settings, I personally appreciate this way of thinking that centers more on the individual. Many others have found occupational therapy through an experience witnessing or receiving treatment themselves. Unfortunately, I never encountered an occupational therapist until I decided to become one myself. My time in the hospital for a stomach condition called Superior Mesenteric Artery syndrome and a related anxiety-fueled eating disorder called Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was lonely, as I did not feel seen for who I was and why my condition was appearing, but rather for my symptoms alone. I wholeheartedly believe that I would have benefitted from occupational therapy in my childhood, and I seek to make occupational therapy more accessible. Another reason that I am so drawn to the profession of occupational therapy is that because the idea of occupation is so broad, the treatment populations and applicable specialties for occupational therapy are endless. We are able to address neonates who are born preterm all the way through older adults living in assisted living facilities. We may not necessarily be giving medicine or saving lives in the same way as other providers, but we are saving the quality of those same people's lives. Since my discovery of occupational therapy, I have gained a tremendous amount of experience shadowing pediatric occupational therapists in neonatal, birth to three, and outpatient pediatric settings. I have become a witness to the huge difference that occupational therapists make in children’s lives. Seeing the impact that this profession makes has become a catalyst for my own academic journey toward licensure. I am confident that as an occupational therapist, I will help children and families live beautiful lives regardless of their presenting challenges, ability levels, or diagnoses.

I have always had the heart of a caregiver, and therefore I knew from a very young age that I would end up in a healing profession. No other category of work ever appealed to me the way that allied health professions did. While I researched and considered many specific jobs within the healthcare industry, I eventually discovered occupational therapy. Occupational therapy appealed to me in particular because of the emphasis on a holistic approach to healthcare that extends beyond just the clinic or hospital setting. Occupational therapists are interested in the whole individual, not just their symptoms, and that interest extends beyond when the patient leaves the medical facility. We care about how each person functions in their daily life and want to help them achieve their full potential. We tailor our treatments to work on what gives our patients meaning.There is no profession that truly regards humanity in the same way that occupational therapy does. As someone who has spent time both in the hospital and in outpatient settings, I personally appreciate this way of thinking that centers more on the individual. Many others have found occupational therapy through an experience witnessing or receiving treatment themselves. Unfortunately, I never encountered an occupational therapist until I decided to become one myself. My time in the hospital for a stomach condition called Superior Mesenteric Artery syndrome and a related anxiety-fueled eating disorder called Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was lonely, as I did not feel seen for who I was and why my condition was appearing, but rather for my symptoms alone. I wholeheartedly believe that I would have benefitted from occupational therapy in my childhood, and I seek to make occupational therapy more accessible. Another reason that I am so drawn to the profession of occupational therapy is that because the idea of occupation is so broad, the treatment populations and applicable specialties for occupational therapy are endless. We are able to address neonates who are born preterm all the way through older adults living in assisted living facilities. We may not necessarily be giving medicine or saving lives in the same way as other providers, but we are saving the quality of those same people's lives. Since my discovery of occupational therapy, I have gained a tremendous amount of experience shadowing pediatric occupational therapists in neonatal, birth to three, and outpatient pediatric settings. I have become a witness to the huge difference that occupational therapists make in children’s lives. Seeing the impact that this profession makes has become a catalyst for my own academic journey toward licensure. I am confident that as an occupational therapist, I will help children and families live beautiful lives regardless of their presenting challenges, ability levels, or diagnoses.

I have always had the heart of a caregiver, and therefore I knew from a very young age that I would end up in a healing profession. No other category of work ever appealed to me the way that allied health professions did. While I researched and considered many specific jobs within the healthcare industry, I eventually discovered occupational therapy. Occupational therapy appealed to me in particular because of the emphasis on a holistic approach to healthcare that extends beyond just the clinic or hospital setting. Occupational therapists are interested in the whole individual, not just their symptoms, and that interest extends beyond when the patient leaves the medical facility. We care about how each person functions in their daily life and want to help them achieve their full potential. We tailor our treatments to work on what gives our patients meaning. No profession truly regards humanity in the same way that occupational therapy does. As someone who has spent time both in the hospital and in outpatient settings, I personally appreciate this way of thinking that centers more on the individual. Many others have found occupational therapy through an experience of witnessing or receiving treatment themselves. Unfortunately, I never encountered an occupational therapist until I decided to become one myself. My time in the hospital for a stomach condition called Superior Mesenteric Artery syndrome and a related anxiety-fueled eating disorder called Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was lonely, as I did not feel seen for who I was and why my condition was appearing, but rather for my symptoms alone. I wholeheartedly believe that I would have benefitted from occupational therapy in my childhood, and I seek to make occupational therapy more accessible. Another reason that I am so drawn to the profession of occupational therapy is that because the idea of occupation is so broad, the treatment populations and applicable specialties for occupational therapy are endless. We are able to address neonates who are born preterm all the way through older adults living in assisted living facilities. We may not necessarily be giving medicine or saving lives in the same way as other providers, but we are saving the quality of those same people's lives. Since my discovery of occupational therapy, I have gained a tremendous amount of experience shadowing pediatric occupational therapists in neonatal, birth-to-three, and outpatient pediatric settings. I have become a witness to the huge difference that occupational therapists make in children’s lives. Seeing the impact that this profession makes has become a catalyst for my own academic journey toward licensure. I am confident that as an occupational therapist, I will help children and families live beautiful, fulfilling lives regardless of their presenting challenges, ability levels, or diagnoses.

One piece of technology that recently left me in awe was a creation developed by a group of innovative minds at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These students engineered a remarkable pair of glasses equipped with cutting-edge technology capable of translating spoken words into written text in real-time. It is similar to how subtitles can be displayed on a television screen, but instead, it happens instantaneously right before your eyes. The potential impact of such an invention is vast, particularly for individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss. These glasses could revolutionize communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, providing them with a seamless means of understanding spoken dialogue in any setting. Beyond assisting those with hearing impairments, this groundbreaking technology holds promise in breaking down language barriers by facilitating real-time translations between individuals conversing in different languages. Imagine the doors it could open, streamlining interactions and promoting accessibility across services. As an occupational therapy student, I am no stranger to assistive technology. In the realm of occupational therapy, the integration of assistive technology has become increasingly prevalent and transformative. Occupational therapists help individuals to engage in meaningful activities and enhance their quality of life despite physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges. Assistive technology is an important factor in achieving these goals by providing innovative solutions tailored to individual needs. From adaptive devices to specialized software applications, occupational therapists leverage a diverse array of technological tools to facilitate independence and participation in daily tasks. For example, individuals with mobility limitations may benefit from assistive devices such as motorized wheelchairs or robotic exoskeletons, enabling them to navigate their environments with greater ease and autonomy. Moreover, advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have revolutionized rehabilitation techniques, allowing therapists to create immersive environments for therapeutic interventions and skill development. By harnessing the power of assistive technology, occupational therapists empower their clients to overcome barriers, maximize their potential, and lead fulfilling lives. I wholeheartedly believe that technology has been and will continue to make the world a better place.

I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare, specifically in occupational therapy, due to my profound belief in the transformative power of personal connections and the desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Healthcare, to me, represents an unparalleled opportunity to impact a great number of individuals on a deeply personal level. Provide-patient interactions foster healing, empowerment, and improved quality of life. Within the dynamic landscape of healthcare, occupational therapy stands out as a field uniquely positioned to address the holistic needs of individuals across the lifespan, making it an ideal pathway for me to pursue my passion for helping others. Occupational therapy focuses on enhancing individuals' ability to engage in meaningful activities and participate fully in daily life. This approach to addressing needs aligns perfectly with my aspirations to positively impact the lives of neonates, young children, and their families. As an occupational therapist, I envision myself playing a pivotal role in promoting optimal developmental outcomes, supporting early intervention initiatives, and empowering families to navigate the challenges associated with childhood disabilities, developmental delays, and maternal health challenges. By collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams, educators, and community resources, I aim to create holistic intervention plans tailored to each individuals's unique strengths, needs, and aspirations, thereby fostering resilience, independence, and well-being from the earliest stages of life. I firmly believe that as a Woman, I have a valuable perspective to bring to the field of occupational therapy. Some of these strengths include empathy, inclusivity, perseverance, and caring. Drawing upon my own lived experiences and insights, I aspire to advocate for gender equity, women's health issues, and the promotion of culturally competent care within the healthcare landscape. Moreover, I am committed to serving as a role model and mentor for aspiring female healthcare professionals, inspiring them to pursue their passions, break through barriers, and thrive in their chosen fields. By fostering a supportive environment that celebrates diversity, fosters collaboration, and empowers women to lead and excel, I hope to contribute to the creation of a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system that reflects the needs and aspirations of all individuals, regardless of gender or background. In essence, my decision to pursue a degree in healthcare, specifically in occupational therapy, is driven by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others, particularly neonates, young children, and their families. As a woman in the healthcare field, I am committed to leveraging my unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives to promote healing, empowerment, and social change, thereby contributing to a brighter, healthier future for all.

In my pursuit of knowledge and understanding across various subjects, I rely heavily on online platforms, tools, and resources. Among the various options available, the most reliable and impactful tools I use are Quizlet, YouTube, and occupational therapy websites/Facebook groups. These platforms have been instrumental in both expanding my comprehension and honing my ability to apply acquired knowledge effectively. Quizlet, with its user-friendly interface and versatile features, has become an indispensable tool in my learning arsenal. Its extensive database of study sets covers a wide range of topics, allowing me to access pre-made flashcards or create my own tailored sets to reinforce key concepts. The interactive nature of Quizlet's study modes, including flashcards, quizzes, and games, facilitates active engagement and retention of information. Additionally, the platform's accessibility across devices enables seamless learning anytime, anywhere, making it an ideal companion for both structured study sessions and on-the-go review. The next toll I use to enhance mystudying is YouTube, often hailed as the "visual encyclopedia" of the internet. Youtube offers a vast expanse of educational content spanning virtually every subject imaginable. From informative lectures to captivating animations, YouTube channels such as CrashCourse, Khan Academy, and TED-Ed deliver high-quality lessons that cater to diverse learning styles. Visual demonstrations, real-life examples, and engaging storytelling captivate my attention and facilitate comprehension of complex topics. Moreover, the platform's vast community of creators fosters an environment of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, exposing me to diverse perspectives and novel insights that enrich my learning journey. The last virtual study tool that I take advantage of is occupational therapy specific websites and Facebook groups. These sources provide a specialized niche within my areas of interest, offering tailored resources and peer support within the field. Websites dedicated to occupational therapy education, research, and professional development serve as repositories of scholarly articles, practice guidelines, and clinical tools that deepen my understanding of therapeutic interventions and best practices. Meanwhile, Facebook groups populated by fellow occupational therapy students, practitioners, and educators serve as dynamic forums for discussion, inquiry, and mentorship. Engaging in conversations, sharing case studies, and seeking advice from experienced professionals not only reinforces my theoretical knowledge but also fosters the development of critical thinking skills and clinical reasoning abilities essential for effective practice. I have learned a ton from being included in these groups and I would recommend this resource to anyone. These three specific online platforms, tools, and resources have transformed my learning experience, empowering me to acquire knowledge with greater depth, breadth, and applicability. By leveraging the interactive features of Quizlet, the multimedia richness of YouTube, and the specialized insights of occupational therapy communities, I have cultivated a multifaceted understanding of human development and occupational therapy theory. As I continue through graduate school and potentially even into clinical practice, I will undoubtedly continue to use each of these tools.

The public service field of study I am completing is an entry-level doctorate of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy helps people in all stages of life overcome all kinds of challenges to engage in meaningful daily activities. There are many subspecialties of occupational therapy, including pediatrics, mental health, adult physical rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, and geriatrics, to name a few. What each of these subspecialties have in common is their service component. No matter the population a therapist works with, the goal is always to provide service to individuals and groups of people. Occupational therapists commonly work to inspire change on a community or societal level as well. We see and understand how different conditions or stages of life impact individuals. We are able to advocate for our patients and speak up to change the policies in place that are not currently inclusive. I am currently a first-year occupational therapy student. I have a while to go in the program to experience the different subspecialties of the profession. However, I am primarily interested in pediatrics. In particular, I am interested in birth to three services and neonatal therapy. I have always been fascinated by child development from embryo to toddler. This field of occupational therapy requires a comprehensive knowledge of child development both before and after birth. This time period is when children are most vulnerable. However, this in turn means that this time period is when the most drastic changes and improvements can occur. The services a child receives in those first three years of life can change the trajectory of the rest of their life. Children who may not have been able to function without early intervention can now live fully functional, independent lives into adulthood because of the knowledge and services we can now provide from birth. I love being able to give children and families a chance to live a more fulfilling life. My education in occupational therapy will help me provide these children and their families the support they need to succeed. I plan to use this education to give back to my community by working in local hospital systems or with local birth-to-three providers to provide in-home services after NICU discharge. I plan to use the knowledge gained throughout my doctoral program to help each family I care for, and also help the community at large through advocacy and outreach efforts for the birth-to-three population. Every family should have access to developmentally supportive materials and knowledge, and I plan to use my role to ensure families have both of these.

Success is defined by Merriam-Webster in general as a “favorable or desired outcome” (2023). Dictionary.com takes this definition a step further by adding “the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like” (2023). My definition of success certainly includes becoming a respected leader in the field of occupational therapy, but beyond that, my definition of success is when I am able to use this position to make the biggest impact on individuals and society. I believe that success is less concerned with personal material wealth and more focused on humanitarian aid given. My undergraduate education focused on human development and family sciences. Through my coursework, the gaps in the maternal healthcare system were brought up. I wanted to combine my interests in holistic healthcare with my passion for infant and maternal development. This has led to my interest in neonatal/perinatal occupational therapy. The occupational therapist's role in women’s health is emerging, and I hope to be a pioneer for the expansion of the profession in this area. Success for me would involve this area of practice becoming more clearly defined. I would love to be an author of books and textbooks related to this topic and present clinical case studies or research at professional conferences. A large part of my vision of success is advancing the occupational therapy profession as a whole. More importantly, though, success would be the increased number of infants with healthy developmental outcomes despite being born prematurely. Success would be maternal and infant mortality rates across the United States decreasing. Success would be millions of mothers and babies taken care of throughout the prenatal and postpartum period. Success would be a country where mothers feel safe and secure to give birth and raise healthy babies. This opportunity would help me on the path to creating this future. With such a large practice area and high-level specializations, many occupational therapy schools have shifted their entry-level programs to the doctoral level. These occupational therapy doctorate programs are typically three years long and come with a high price tag. In order to become a highly qualified entry-level practitioner, completing this high-level degree is necessary. This scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial burden that is associated with this level of study. I would subsequently have more peace of mind in completing my studies if I could spend less time focusing on how to pay for them. This will impact my quality of learning and engagement with course material. It will also allow me to be more present in clinical treatments. Post-graduation, this scholarship would help me advance in my career and open my own private practice or business sooner than if I were less financially stable. Reducing the number of loans that I need to take out to finance my education is imperative to ensure that I can advance my career sooner. If I am worried about paying off loans, I will be less willing or able to start my own business. This can mean the difference between hundreds, maybe thousands, of infants and families being served. I am determined to become a successful occupational therapist and advance the profession further into perinatal care no matter what it takes because I truly believe in the occupational therapy philosophy and its implications for this population. However, with less of a financial burden, I would be able to do this more efficiently.

Mental health is incredibly important to all human beings. It is an inherent right to have good health, and mental health is no exception to that. However, the world that we live in has made good mental health hard to come by and maintain. The student population is especially vulnerable to mental health issues given the intense workload and societal expectations placed on them. Not only are students expected to excel in the classroom, but they are also expected to gather volunteer experience, play sports, participate in extracurriculars, and hold a part-time job to start saving for adulthood. Once in college, students are also expected to have leadership experiences, job shadow time, and internships. As human beings, we are also expected to take care of our bodies, maintain physical fitness, eat a healthy diet, and have a social life. Has listing all of these things made you anxious as a reader? This is what students deal with on a daily basis. As a result of the various demands, personal health and wellness often fall behind on students' priority lists. Students are lucky to get a moment to breathe, let alone practice mindfulness. As such, continually bringing attention to mental health and giving students ways to take care of their own is of utmost importance. As an occupational therapy student, I am very aware of the implications that mental health has on our physical body, and vice versa. Being in poor mental health can drastically impact our bodies, leading to issues such as weight gain, weight loss, or pain. It can also impact academic performance, engagement in social activities, and overall quality of life. Mental health truly has impacts across a wide variety of domains, so making sure it is in a good state is required for optimal daily performance. I try to advocate for mental health in my community by spreading the word about healthy mental habits. I regularly share my experiences and strategies that I have gained that have greatly impacted my mental health. I plan to take this advocacy into my professional career as an occupational therapist. The population I want to work with is either the birth-to-three population, working with infants that have medical or developmental conditions, or the perinatal population working with pregnant and postpartum parents. Both of these populations have additional mental health needs from having children with complex conditions and transitioning to parenthood in general. I will definitely address these mental health needs as an occupational therapist and use my platform to spread the word about mental health even wider.

I have fostered a leadership spirit for as long as I can remember. Even in elementary school, I can frequently recall being the leader of group projects. I was selected for the school gifted program "Project Explore" because of these skills. I have maintained this leadership attitude throughout middle school, high school, and college. My more recent leadership experience at the University of Connecticut includes being the Director of Recruitment Events for Pi Beta Phi and the President of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Society. The first leadership experience mentioned was being the Director of Recruitment events. I had gained experience in this role by being on the recruitment events committee the prior year. The following year, I became the Director. In this role, I managed everything related to recruitment events. This included both informal spring recruitment events and formal fall recruitment events. During the spring, we did all virtual events because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This was a challenge because we were not originally expecting everything to still be virtual at that point. In the fall, the first two days of recruitment were online, but the last few were back in person. To help these events run smoothly, I had to plan out the organization of recruitment groups, pick the songs and outfits, and decorate the house. Being in charge of all of these factors for the 130 girls we had in the chapter was a challenge, but one that I managed very well. It was great to see the ideas that we had workshopped come to life and have a successful recruitment season The second leadership experience I had was being the president of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Society. This experience was unique because the Pre-Occupational Therapy Society at the University of Connecticut had been disbanded as of 2018 or 2019. I had reached out to the previous leadership team but they did not answer, so I had to reinstate the organization myself. I took the initiative to gather friends that I knew were interested in the profession to become the new leadership team with me. We were able to speak with the student organization department and successfully re-instated the organization. This experience was great because not only did I gather experience being the head of a club, but I also got experience relating to the process of starting a new organization. I hope that the organization continues to grow in the coming years and I plan to visit back as an occupational therapy student myself. Through my leadership skills, I hope to open my own private practice in the future. Ideally, this private practice would be working with the maternal-infant population. I think these prior experiences will help me set up my own successfull business one day.

I have consistently given back to my community throughout my educational career. I was most active in Read, Lead, Achieve, which was a philanthropic effort supporting children’s literacy. As a part of this organization, I learned that one in four children grow up without learning how to read. This is a staggeringly high number of children. My heart broke for these children when I thought about just how many activities of daily living require knowing how to read. As a part of this organization, we went into local children’s classrooms to read with the kids and do fun crafts and literacy-related activities. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we maintained this connection by writing pen pal letters with these classrooms and recording book readings for them to watch. On a larger level, we also held fundraisers to purchase new books and supplies, and book drives for both used and new books for classrooms nationwide. In addition to this, I was also involved in HuskyThon. HuskyThon is a large fundraising effort through the University of Connecticut for Connecticut Children’s Hospital. It culminates in a 24-hour-long dance marathon where children from the hospital attend and share their stories about how the hospital has helped them. This event is incredibly emotional and holds a special place in my heart as I was a patient at the same hospital when I was 16. It is heartwarming to know that the money we raise is going to quality medical care and research for the benefit of these children. I carry this spirit of excellence in my daily life by tackling each day from a place of compassion and understanding. This is especially important in the environment I am currently in working in a pediatric outpatient clinic. These children deserve love, understanding, and quality care. Becoming an occupational therapist will allow me to keep this service quality in my profession. I plan to positively impact the world in the future by changing the way that maternal and neonatal health care is structured. As an aspiring occupational therapist, I will have background education on biological development and psychological concepts pertinent to both neonatal development and maternal health. I hope to help mothers transition into motherhood with more support the whole way through, as well as help fragile infants grow and develop. I plan to continue my philanthropic efforts in my career and give back to this population by advocating and ensuring more equal access to perinatal care and newborn supplies.

While a large portion of the responsibility for a greener future comes from big companies, it is also important for individuals to make small lifestyle changes for a more sustainable future as well. I have made the intentional choice to look at the products that I am using on a daily basis and examine whether or not they are considered eco-friendly. Those products that are not eco-friendly I have swapped out for better environmentally friendly options. For example, I switched from traditional bathroom soap to the refillable glass jar and soap tables from Blueland. Another swap I made was with my laundry detergent. I no longer buy the large jugs made with harsh chemicals. I have switched to “Molly's Suds” which is in a smaller packaging and does not contain environmentally harmful ingredients. I no longer purchase plastic water bottles as I use a refillable cup every day. I also make my coffee at home using another reusable coffee mug to cut down on the plastic cups that are given out at coffee shops. I use reusable shopping bags when shopping at the grocery store to cut down on the amount of shopping bags they give out. In addition to all of these, I also make it a point to appreciate nature in my day-to-day life. Especially in the world we live in where many jobs are computer-based, it can be easy to detach from nature. Depending on where one lives, one may not even catch a glimpse of nature in their daily lives. In that situation, it becomes easy to fall into a negative mindset towards it. Luckily where I currently live I can see trees, parks, and the ocean. I make it a point to get out into nature at least once daily and just be grateful for its presence and the way it takes care of us as humans. It is crucial to reduce our carbon footprint to preserve this beautiful earth. If everyone runs around without thinking twice about the ground we are running on, soon we will not have any clean ground to run on at all. The bright future that we are all dreaming of may end up being a cloud of gloom. This issue may impact us in our lifetimes, but it is even more important to think about how future generations will be impacted. If people do not care about their own lives, maybe they will realize the importance if it impacts their children, their friends' children, or other loved ones beyond them. I plan to continue to advocate for the planet in my career, even though my occupation does not center around the environment directly.

My previous volunteer experiences have centered around children. I was most active in Read, Lead, Achieve, which was a philanthropic effort supporting children’s literacy. As a part of this organization, I learned that one in four children grow up without learning how to read. This is a staggeringly high number of children. My heart broke for these children when I thought about just how many activities of daily living require knowing how to read. As a part of this organization, we went into local children’s classrooms to read with the kids and do fun crafts and literacy-related activities. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we maintained this connection by writing pen pal letters with these classrooms and recording book readings for them to watch. On a larger level, we also held fundraisers to purchase new books and supplies, and book drives for both used and new books for classrooms nationwide. In addition to this, I was also involved in HuskyThon. HuskyThon is a large fundraising effort through the University of Connecticut for Connecticut Children’s Hospital. It culminates in a 24-hour-long dance marathon where children from the hospital attend and share their stories about how the hospital has helped them. This event is incredibly emotional and holds a special place in my heart as I was a patient at the same hospital when I was 16. It is heartwarming to know that the money we raise is going to quality medical care and research for the benefit of these children. I am proud to be an employee of this same hospital currently as a rehabilitation aide. I plan to positively impact the world in the future by changing the way that maternal and neonatal health care is structured. As an aspiring occupational therapist, I will have background education on biological development and psychological concepts pertinent to both neonatal development and maternal health. This is an expanding area of occupational therapy practice that I hope will continue to grow in the coming years. In this area of practice, I hope to help mothers transition into motherhood with more support the whole way through, as well as help fragile infants grow and develop. I plan to continue my philanthropic efforts in my career by giving back to this population. I will advocate for more equal access to perinatal care and newborn supplies. Hopefully, this will lead to a more supportive maternal healthcare system and generations of healthier mothers and babies for years after birth.

I have had unique experiences regarding mental health through myself and through watching my father. The youngest I can remember having anxiety was probably around age 8 or 9. I remember feeling so sick in school whenever we were going to gym class or having a test. I would beg my mom to stay home because I felt sick but as soon as the stressor was done I would be fine again. I wasn’t sure what to make of it at the time, but now I understand that it was the beginning of a long battle with anxiety. As I got older, my anxiety worsened. Coupled with stomach issues, I ended up in the hospital afraid to eat. I was discharged to an intensive outpatient facility to relearn how to eat without fear and take better control of my anxiety overall. The recovery road was long, treacherous, and certainly not one straight line. However, I do think I have made it to the other side and am now able to manage my anxiety with the tools and strategies that I gained through this experience. Going through these challenges certainly taught me how the mind and body are connected. Physical issues have mental impacts and vice versa. One cannot treat one without also addressing the other. It also taught me just how serious these impacts are. I nearly did not survive because of mine, and I lost a lot of will to keep going at many points. Unfortunately, those feelings are not unique. Many other people are fighting to make it through each day. I learned this firsthand through watching my father struggle with his mental health. After both my sister and I had moved out to college, our grandmother, and two of our pets passed away my father was left feeling guilty and empty. He quickly descended into a deep depression and was riddled with intrusive thoughts and anxiety daily. I had never seen him, my upbeat and courageous superhero dad, so low. He took it upon himself to check into the psychiatric department of a hospital and stayed there for a few weeks. Even when he got out, he was still not himself. The process was very, very long. He went through a few providers and our family tried everything we could think of to get him back to himself. Finally, after another long recovery road, I can thankfully say that he is back to himself. I am lucky to say that he is still here today. I know many families cannot say the same for their loved ones. These experiences have shaped my goals by leading to a greater appreciation of the mind-body connection. This has led me to the field of occupational therapy, as it is based on treating the whole individual and includes treating people both physically and psychologically. I could not wrap my head around professions that specialized in one or the other. I needed something that equally valued both, and occupational therapy has proven to be the perfect fit for that criteria. My relationships and understanding have also changed as a result of these experiences. Going through mental challenges certainly illuminates who is really here for you as a true friend. I lost a few friends when I went through my challenges, but I formed deeper relationships with the ones who were there holding my hand the whole time. It also let me understand how others may be going through similar challenges that aren’t as visible on the surface. We should always be kind and caring to each other just in case someone is going through something. My experiences were incredibly hard to go through, but they taught me a lot about myself, those around me, and the world.

Helping other people overcome both mental and physical impairments and contributing to a more informed and accepting community has been my driving motivation for as long as I can remember. I have always said that no matter what I do, I want to help the greatest amount of people in the most meaningful way possible. The way that I have chosen to do this is by becoming an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists help people of all ages succeed in their activities of daily living. Their therapeutic range of practice is wide, from helping older adults care for themselves in skilled nursing facilities to helping infants born prematurely regulate their feeding patterns. With such a large practice area and high-level specializations, many occupational therapy schools have shifted their entry-level programs to the doctoral level. These occupational therapy doctorate programs are typically three years long and come with a high price tag. To become a highly qualified entry-level practitioner, completing this high-level degree is necessary. This scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial burden that is associated with this level of study. I was fortunate enough to have my parents' assistance in paying for undergraduate school, but for graduate school, I am on my own. Receiving this scholarship would give me more peace of mind in completing my studies and lead to a more financially secure future where I can focus on treating my patients and advancing scientific evidence for the practice of occupational therapy. I believe myself to be an excellent candidate for this scholarship as I have a true passion for the field of occupational therapy and advancing the scientific body of evidence for the profession. An emerging practice area of occupational therapy that I am particularly interested in is neonatal/perinatal occupational therapy. As it is an emerging area of practice, there needs to be more research and studies to accumulate evidence-based therapeutic interventions for this population. I plan to use my education in the entry-level doctoral program to study the implications of occupational therapy on this population that currently exists and better understand what additional interventions or programs could be helpful. This research could hopefully guide future occupational therapy practitioners who are interested in this area of work, as well as lead to better clinical outcomes for neonates, birthing parents, and their families for years after birth. I aspire to give back to this large portion of society by changing the way we think of and treat this population.

I have had unique experiences regarding mental health through myself and through watching my father. The youngest I can remember having anxiety was probably around age 8 or 9. I remember feeling so sick in school whenever we were going to gym class or having a test. I would beg my mom to stay home because I felt sick but as soon as the stressor was done I would be fine again. I wasn’t sure what to make of it at the time, but now I understand that it was the beginning of a long battle with anxiety. As I got older, my anxiety worsened. Coupled with stomach issues, I ended up in the hospital afraid to eat. I was discharged to an intensive outpatient facility to relearn how to eat without fear and take better control of my anxiety overall. The recovery road was long, treacherous, and certainly not one straight line. However, I do think I have made it to the other side and am now able to manage my anxiety with the tools and strategies that I gained through this experience. Going through these challenges certainly taught me how the mind and body are connected. Physical issues have mental impacts and vice versa. One cannot treat one without also addressing the other. It also taught me just how serious these impacts are. I nearly did not survive because of mine, and I lost a lot of will to keep going at many points. Unfortunately, those feelings are not unique. Many other people are fighting to make it through each day. I learned this firsthand through watching my father struggle with his mental health. After both my sister and I had moved out to college, our grandmother, and two of our pets passed away my father was left feeling guilty and empty. He quickly descended into a deep depression and was riddled with intrusive thoughts and anxiety daily. I had never seen him, my upbeat and courageous superhero dad, so low. He took it upon himself to check into the psychiatric department of a hospital and stayed there for a few weeks. Even when he got out, he was still not himself. The process was very, very long. He went through a few providers and our family tried everything we could think of to get him back to himself. Finally, after another long recovery road, I can thankfully say that he is back to himself. I am lucky to say that he is still here today. I know many families cannot say the same for their loved ones. These experiences have shaped my goals by leading to a greater appreciation of the mind-body connection. This has led me to the field of occupational therapy, as it is based on treating the whole individual and includes treating people both physically and psychologically. I could not wrap my head around professions that specialized in one or the other. I needed something that equally valued both, and occupational therapy has proven to be the perfect fit for that criteria. My relationships and understanding have also changed as a result of these experiences. Going through mental challenges certainly illuminates who is there for you as a true friend. I lost a few friends, but I formed deeper relationships with the ones who were there holding my hand the whole time. It also let me understand how others may be going through similar challenges that aren’t as visible on the surface. These experiences have illuminated the need for more mental health-related practitioners and education.

Starbucks has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I can vividly recall begging my mother to drive my sister and me to the local Target where our closest Starbucks was housed. Back then, the fall flavors included the salted caramel mocha. That salted caramel mocha held a very special place in my heart. Whether it was as a hot coffee, a hot chocolate, or a cold frappuccino, it was my delicious seasonal menu item of choice. The salted caramel mocha fueled my middle school and high school heart as the weather outside changed from warm and sunny to a brisk chill. The flavors of the salted caramel mocha blended effortlessly together. The sweet, decadent caramel clashed harmoniously with the deep bitterness of the mocha, which was all lightened by the saltiness. These flavors, although not as outright 'fall' as pumpkin, chai, or apple, still screamed fall to me. Reminiscing on the days of sipping this delectable drink brings me right back to the back-to-school season. I immediately picture myself, as young as 10 or 11 through my high school graduation, backpack on my back and a salted caramel mocha Starbucks drink in hand. I was ready to tackle whatever assignment came my way with one of those treats after school. In a way, the salted caramel mocha grew up with me each fall. Every year, I got a little older, but my love for the salted caramel mocha remained the same. This drink entered each school year with me no matter what I was facing. Through break-ups, school dances, and college applications the salted caramel mocha held my hand through it all. This sweet and salty drink certainly holds a special place in my heart, especially between September and December. It is very unfortunate that Starbucks no longer offers the drink as of 2021. It is relatively easy to create a similar drink by ordering a mocha and adding toffee nut syrup and caramel sauce, however, it is not the same as the original drink. The crunchy topping pulled together the drink, and sadly it no longer exists. The salted caramel mocha has become a character in my own fall narrative by means of reminiscing. This drink pulls me back into my adolescence. As I recreate the drink at my local Starbucks I am reminded of the many formative fall seasons where I learned and grew. It motivates me to continue to learn and grow at the start of each school year, now as a graduate student.

The importance of mental health cannot be understated. My own experiences in particular taught me about the interconnection between the mind and body and just how detrimental it can be when one of them is in distress. I had struggled with what I did not know was anxiety for years until eventually when I was 16, I developed a severe eating disorder in which I was scared to eat most foods. This took a huge toll on my body. I felt sick and weak, and I had lost so much weight that I ended up with a condition called Superior Mesenteric Artery syndrome in which an artery that is normally held up by fat drops down over the stomach and makes eating painful. The anxiety I had caused these stomach issues to develop, and the stomach issues escalated my anxiety and depression. These two issues were intertwined and it illuminated to me how in order to treat one I had to also address the other. The reason why mental health is so important is because when neglected, it can have detrimental effects similar to these on the body, and on one’s social environment. When someone is battling with mental health, their physical health suffers. They may lose or gain weight, their immune system may not be as strong so they may be sick often, or they may feel generally lethargic. When symptoms go years untreated, they can also lead to bigger problems with blood pressure and heart disease later on in life. These issues can prove to be fatal. One’s environment also suffers when mental health is neglected. Family and friends are left feeling hopeless and potentially pushed away by the person suffering, even if they don’t truly mean to do so. It can also impact the way they interact. They may not engage in enjoyable activities or perform well academically. Mental health truly impacts individuals biologically, psychologically, and socially. One way that I maintain my mental wellness is by utilizing mental health services. It can take a while to find a therapist that matches well with your personality, but having a therapist has definitely been a great addition to my mental health routine. Outside of this, I also exercise regularly and eat a very well-balanced and whole food-focused diet. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of movement and food as medicine. Lastly, keeping in touch with my spirituality and regularly performing activities like reading, meditating, and journaling have also been incredibly helpful for my mental health. I would recommend anyone struggling to use these strategies to try to manage their symptoms and definitely reach out to a therapist for additional guidance.

My name is Lynette, and I am an aspiring occupational therapist. I have always known that I wanted to help the greatest amount of people in the most meaningful way possible. Through this passion for helping others combined with my personal life experiences in health care, I was led to the field of occupational therapy. When I was younger, I had chronic stomach issues and anxiety so bad that it culminated in an eating disorder. It negatively impacted all areas of my life, from being able to socialize to participating in school. Thankfully, with the help of a multidisciplinary team I was able to recover and return back to my daily activities. Dealing with these issues helped me appreciate the connection between the mind and the body. Physical issues have mental implications, and vice versa. It is impossible to isolate and treat one without treating the other. This realization led me to appreciate holism. While I considered many career paths, no career seemed to deal with both the physical and the mental aspects of the human body equally. Occupational therapy, on the other hand, is based on holistic principles and treats the entire human being. It does equally value biological concepts and psychological concepts. Furthermore, the treatment options are endless because everything can be considered an occupation. Humans engage in thousands of activities on a daily basis that add meaning and purpose to their lives, and there is room for optimizing many of them. I resonated with this holistic approach to healthcare and wanted to become a part of it. In addition to holistic healthcare being a passion of mine, I am also driven by the motivation to improve the maternal-child health system in the United States. My undergraduate coursework in human development and family sciences covered child development as well as family systems and processes. It is there that I learned about the gaps in maternity care that can leave many women feeling alone in growing and caring for their newborns. I want to unite my interests in neonatal and maternal care with holistic healthcare, and I believe the occupational therapy profession is in an excellent position to do so. Occupational therapists receive extensive education in both biological and psychological rehabilitation across the lifespan. They are able to understand the biological and environmental influences on both the infant and the mother in the mother/infant dyad. I think this is an important area of healthcare to address because it is multigenerational. Helping the parent can help the infant's development improve, and helping the infant's development improve can help the parents' sense of confidence and care as well. Modern healthcare recognizes the importance of the perinatal period, but access to high-quality care is not possible for everyone who needs it. There is a long way to go before all mothers and babies can access such high-quality assistance. Being able to contribute to a world where more perinatal and postpartum support is provided for both mothers and babies is what drives me to complete this education and become an occupational therapist myself.

I have had unique experiences regarding mental health through myself and through watching my father. The youngest I can remember having anxiety was probably around age 8 or 9. I remember feeling so sick in school whenever we were going to gym class or having a test. I would beg my mom to stay home because I felt sick but as soon as the stressor was done I would be fine again. I wasn’t sure what to make of it at the time, but now I understand that it was the beginning of a long battle with anxiety. As I got older, my anxiety worsened. Coupled with stomach issues, I ended up in the hospital afraid to eat. I was discharged to an intensive outpatient facility to relearn how to eat without fear and take better control of my anxiety overall. The recovery road was long, treacherous, and certainly not one straight line. However, I do think I have made it to the other side and am now able to manage my anxiety with the tools and strategies that I gained through this experience. Going through these challenges certainly taught me how the mind and body are connected. Physical issues have mental impacts and vice versa. One cannot treat one without also addressing the other. It also taught me just how serious these impacts are. I nearly did not survive because of mine, and I lost a lot of will to keep going at many points. Unfortunately, those feelings are not unique. Many other people are fighting to make it through each day. I learned this first hand through watching my father also struggle with his mental health. After both my sister and I had moved out to college, our grandmother, and two of our pets passed away my father was left feeling guilty and empty. He quickly descended into a deep depression and was riddled with intrusive thoughts and anxiety daily. I had never seen him, my upbeat and courageous superhero dad, so low. He actually took it upon himself to check into the psychiatric department of a hospital and stayed there for a few weeks. Even when he got out, he was still not himself. The process was very, very long. He went through a few providers and our family tried everything we could possibly think of to get him back to himself. Finally, after another long recovery road I can thankfully say that he is back to himself. I am lucky to say that he is still here today. I know many families cannot say the same for their loved ones. These experiences have shaped my goals by leading to a greater appreciation of the mind-body connection. This has led me to the field of occupational therapy, as it is based on treating the whole individual and includes treating people both physically and psychologically. I could not wrap my head around professions that specialized in one or the other. I needed something that equally valued both, and occupational therapy has proven to be the perfect fit for that criteria. My relationships and understanding have also changed as a result of these experiences. Going through mental challenges certainly illuminates who is really here for you as a true friend. I definitely lost a few friends, but I formed deeper relationships with the ones who were there holding my hand the whole time. It also let me understand how others may be going through similar challenges that aren’t as visible on the surface. We should always be kind and caring to each other just in case someone is going through something. In addition, we should be caring to ourselves as well. Regularly practicing self-care through enjoyable activities, outside time, and personal hygiene can go a long way in preventing anxiety and depression-related symptoms. My experiences were incredibly hard to go through, but they taught me a lot about myself, those around me, and the world.

My volunteer experience has primarily been focused on young children. As a part of Read, Lead, Achieve we went into children's classrooms to read with the kids and held book drives to donate books to schools that needed additional materials. This was all to promote children's literacy, as we learned 1 in 4 children grow up without learning how to read. Another volunteer effort I was a part of was HuskyThon. HuskyThon was a huge fundraising effort for Connecticut Children's, Connecticut's only hospital system specifically for children. HuskyThon held a special place in my heart as I was once a patient at Connecticut Children's myself, and now I currently work for them as a Rehab Aide. HuskyThon helps the hospital provide the quality care that sick children and families need. It was wonderful to be a part of that effort. These experiences influenced my core values by giving me a better understanding of how lucky I was to grow up in an area that had enough supplies, had parents who loved me and taught me how to read, and have my health intact. As such, one of my core values is compassion for all of those in different situations around me. Another core value is service to all of these individuals, regardless of any factors such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, etc. All humans deserve to have an equal life full of knowledge, health, and happiness. Lastly, gratitude is a core value of mine, as it is always important to remain grateful for what one currently has. These values fuel my interest in occupational therapy as a career because occupational therapists are healers who truly understand what each person holds important to them and help them get back to performing at their best in those activities. It is necessary to have compassion for those I am working with, provide them with quality service, and promote gratitude for the work that I do as well as for the patients themselves. One of my primary areas of clinical interest is in neonatal occupational therapy. This population is especially vulnerable and developmental care is essential for them to continue to grow and develop into healthy children and adults. My core values inspire me to work with this population as they are in need of compassion and advocacy since they are unable to speak up for themselves yet. This is truly one of the most vulnerable populations that deserves service and equal opportunity to thrive once they enter the earth. I believe my core values and past volunteer experiences lend themselves to working with this population.

If I could have everyone in the world read just one book, I would choose "The Art of Happiness" by Howard Cutler and the Dalai Lama. I believe this book would be the best choice because of the underlying message it spreads, the universality of the message, and the world that it would create if such knowledge became common practice. The first reason that I chose this particular book is because of the message that it spreads. Happiness is a universal human right, that is no question. However, it seems that most individuals have trouble finding and holding on to happiness in the world that we live in today. "The Art of Happiness" is essentially a casual conversation about achieving happiness with the Dalai Lama himself. He explains how the majority of our unhappiness is created by ourselves and the way we view and interact with the world. Subsequently, we can shift that view and our actions to find happiness within ourselves. This is possible regardless of outside circumstances. The underlying message of the book is just that; that our happiness is already inside us and we just need to understand that to unlock it. The second reason that I chose Cutler and Dalai Lama's book was because of the universality of the underlying message. As previously stated, happiness is a universal human right. This being said the message of how we can obtain happiness can be generalized to all humans regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, religion, etc. Although the Dalai Lama is a Buddhist, he emphasizes that the messages he teaches apply to all people of all religions. The book even references other faiths including Christian bible verses. I think this adds extra validation that one does not need to follow or agree with Buddhist principles in particular to understand the cultivation of happiness. It is truly a universal principle. The last reason I would love for the world population to read "The Art of Happiness" is because of the potential changes in the world that would follow this universal knowledge. If all humans realized that they could easily find happiness within themselves, I think the world would be filled with a lot more peace. Wars could be avoided, people could cooperate and appreciate each other's differences. The overall mental health of human beings would certainly be more positive.

Helping other people overcome both mental and physical impairments and contributing to a more informed and accepting community has been my driving motivation for as long as I can remember. I have always said that no matter what I do, I want to help the greatest amount of people in the most meaningful way possible. The way that I have chosen to do this is by becoming an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists help people of all ages succeed in their activities of daily living. Their therapeutic range of practice is wide, from helping older adults care for themselves in skilled nursing facilities to helping infants born prematurely regulate their feeding patterns. With such a large practice area and high-level specializations, many occupational therapy schools have shifted their entry-level programs to the doctoral level. These occupational therapy doctorate programs are typically three years long and come with a high price tag. In order to become a highly qualified entry-level practitioner, completing this high-level degree is necessary. The Morgan Levine Dolan scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial burden that is associated with this level of study. I was fortunate enough to have my parents' assistance in paying for undergraduate school, but for graduate school, I am on my own. Receiving this scholarship would give me more peace of mind in completing my studies. I would be able to focus more on my studies and less on the interest accumulating higher and higher on an already large amount of loans. Once I graduate, I can practice with more confidence in knowing that I will not need to live paycheck to paycheck, because I will not have had to take out as many loans. The quality of care that I will provide will be greater because my mind will be completely focused on the patient instead of on how I am going to pay for everyday items. Receiving this scholarship could also help me advance my career post-graduation. It has been a long-term goal of mine to open a private practice or nonprofit organization related to perinatal occupational therapy services. Opening such a practice requires that an individual has clinical expertise but is also financially stable and capable of supporting the opening costs. I am certain that I have qualities from prior leadership experience that would lend themselves to managing a private practice. However, I worry about the financial feasibility of this given having such a substantial amount of loans out from my graduate education. This scholarship would help to offset that balance and thus lead to becoming financially stable quicker. In the end, receiving this scholarship would end up allowing me to advance in my career and benefit countless families that I serve.

As an occupational therapy student, I understand how much any condition, including mental health conditions, affects activities of daily living. Mental health conditions have many detrimental effects on a person's life. These effects can impact all areas of living including nutritional intake, physical health, participation in enjoyed activities, sustaining relationships, and academic performance. A large component of academic performance deficits can be the lack of motivation or stress and anxiety associated with schoolwork that mental health challenges can cultivate. A healthy mind can adapt to challenges and persevere, whereas someone struggling with mental health may succumb to pressure and turn failures into personal attributes. In terms of personal life, mental health struggles can absolutely isolate the person who is struggling. Whether because of anxiety or because of depression, the mindset of someone battling with mental health can deter a person from being able to sustain relationships. A person can convince themselves that they are unsafe, unloved, or unworthy of relationships. They can begin to withdraw from both family and friends, effectively isolating themselves. I have struggled with my own mental health in the past in various ways. I am grateful to have overcame my mental health challenges, but it was no easy feat. I still experience self doubt and anxiety at times, but I definitely much more equipped to handle these challenges than I once was. In a way, I am thankful for my battle with mental health as it showed me firsthand how debilitating it can be and how I can best help others who are going through similar challenges in my profession as an occupational therapist. I am also more educated on how to keep my mental health my first priority. Some of the strategies I use to prioritize my mental health are creating priority lists to break down responsibilities when I am feeling overwhelmed, taking breaks when studying for big exams. Other things that I do in my daily life that have a big impact on my mental health are making time to work out regularly, and cultivating healthy habits such as a good nights rest and meditating each day. Additionally, I watch my nutrition intake to ensure that I am taking in adequate vitamins and minerals daily. Exercise, nutrition, and meditation are all aspects of a healthy lifestyle that directly impact mental health. I have personally seen a huge change in my mental health after implementing these habits, and I will continue to prioritize these throughout my graduate education and into my career.

If I could recommend one book for everyone in the world to read, it would be 'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz. I have chosen this book as my recommendation because it consists of general life lessons and advice that applies to all human beings regardless of sex, race, religion, or any other defining factors. The content of the book is universal, making it a good read for all human beings. The life lessons are philosophical but also simple and easy to understand. Ruiz does a wonderful job at bringing up issues about the purpose and meaning of life in a way that is not existential or confusing. Instead, he explains it in a way that allows readers to immediately alter the way they think and conduct themselves in life to lead to greater happiness. In today's world, happiness seems to be the thing people are most in search of. Unfortunately, it can be hard to come by given the amount of stress humans face on a daily basis. If people read and understood the four agreements outlined in Ruiz's book, they may be able to find that happiness more easily. Thankfully, the four agreements are not hard to follow. Ruiz explains them fairly concisely and the book is not incredibly long. It would be a quick and easy read that would lead to a world full of individuals who understand how to find peace and spread love. A world following such agreements would be a lovely one to live in.

To say that I am interested in wellness would be an understatement. I have not always valued my own personal wellness, and have even been hospitalized for eating disorders in the past. However, as I have grown, I have come to realize the beauty inherent in the world, our minds, and our bodies. As I have slowly healed myself, I have realized how important prioritizing health and wellness is. Of course, it is important for healing the physical body and feeling physically well and fit. However, what surprised me was how much prioritizing my wellness impacted my mental and emotional health as well. Before I took charge over my well-being, I moved through the days as if I was immersed in a thick fog. Now, I feel fully present in each moment. Ways that I manage my personal wellness while attending college is to make time for movement in my schedule. Although my schedule can be packed, I make sure that I can move my body each day either by going to the gym, or doing something at home. In addition to this, I make time for breaks while studying or completing difficult tasks. I am also building up the habit of meditation and evening journaling, as well as eating nutritious foods throughout the day. Maintaining my personal wellness helps me succeed as a student because it would be impossible to get good grades and be fully present with the educational material if I am undernourished physically and mentally. As I mentioned before, when I was not taking care of myself I felt like I could not learn or engage with others as effectively. Making sure my mind and body are in the right state before taking a test, completing an assignment, or meeting with a group allows me to perform these tasks at my best. I am able to get the best grades, participate in the most engaging conversations, and write my best work when I am nourished. I have achieved such drastic changes in my life by prioritzing my health and wellness that I was inspired to start my own podcast and digital wellness community, Loving Living. In addition to this, I have begun a certificate program in lifestyle and wellness from the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. I hope to take the information form this program and apply it to occupational therapy school and my digital platform.

Generational wealth traditionally means financial assets that are passed down through generations to family members. I do agree with this definition, but to me generational wealth includes all assets that can be passed down from generation to generation. Beyond financial or other physical assets, generational wealth in my opinion can also include the life lessons and educational content that one accumulates in their life and can pass down to future generations. Examples of these could be spiritual teachings, cultural knowledge, or general life tips and tricks. I plan to achieve generational wealth for my family in the future by pursuing my doctoral degree in occupational therapy. With this advanced degree, I will be able to secure a high paying job that will allow me to live a life that is comfortable whilst providing for my future children and family. Perhaps more valuable, though, is the content that I will learn in this doctoral program. Occupational therapy is all about reviewing and adapting your daily life activities to promote optimal well-being. This information has been used to treat those with chronic conditions or disabilities with great success. However, this information is useful outside of these realms and is truly applicable to every human being. With my background in occupational therapy I will be able to pass down educational wealth to my children and family about how to optimize their daily lives. The cost of living a longer and healthier life is priceless, and I think that will be the most valuable generational wealth that I could possibly pass down. Of course, this level of education does not come without a cost, and a hefty one at that. In order to truly provide generational wealth for my future family, I will have to work extra hard to earn the money to finance this doctoral degree. Thankfully, there are generous programs and individuals that sponsor scholarships such as these to help alleviate the financial burden that graduate education can have. I am incredibly grateful that I am able to access and apply for these scholarships. Without scholarships, I absolutely would not be able to afford graduate tuition and would likely not be able to provide a comfortable amount of generational wealth to my future family. I have hopes that with the assistance of financial aid and scholarships, I will be able to complete my doctoral degree in occupational therapy in order to provide generational wealth for my family for years to come.