Social media has become an everyday part of our lives, connecting us to friends, news, trends, and opportunities. However, despite its many benefits, it also has a growing impact on mental health and self-esteem, especially among young people. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are filled with highlight reels perfected bodies, luxury lifestyles, and constant celebrations of success. While this content can be inspiring at times, it often creates unrealistic standards and a false sense of what “normal” looks like. One major issue is the pressure to compare. Scrolling through social media, it’s easy to feel like everyone else is doing better, looking better, or achieving more. That pressure can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and in many cases, body dysmorphia. People start to fixate on perceived flaws in their appearance or believe they’re not successful enough, simply because they don’t match what they see online. I’ve experienced this firsthand. Social media gives me really bad body dysmorphia. I’ll find myself spiraling in my thoughts, picking apart how I look and constantly feeling like I don’t measure up. It’s like every scroll is a reminder of what I’m not how my body doesn’t look like the models I see or how I haven’t hit the same milestones as others my age. It’s exhausting and mentally draining, and sometimes it makes me question my worth. Even when I’m working hard and making progress in my own life, it never feels like enough compared to the curated images of “success” that fill my feed. To address the impact of social media on mental health, we need a multi-layered approach. First, it’s important to promote digital literacy teaching people, especially students, to recognize how social media is filtered, edited, and often staged. We also need to create more honest conversations about mental health and the realities of life behind the screen. Encouraging creators and influencers to be transparent can help break down some of the perfectionism culture. On a personal level, taking breaks from social media, curating your feed with more body-positive and uplifting content, and focusing on real-life goals and connections can make a big difference. Therapy and peer support can also help individuals process their feelings and build healthier self-perception. Social media isn’t going anywhere but we have to learn how to use it without letting it control how we see ourselves. For me, that’s still a work in progress. But I’m learning that my worth isn’t defined by likes, followers, or comparisons it’s defined by who I am, how I treat others, and the effort I put into becoming the best version of myself offline.

My inspiration to pursue a career in occupational therapy comes from my passion for helping people overcome obstacles and live meaningful, independent lives. What drew me to occupational therapy specifically was how hands-on and personal the approach is. It’s not just about treating an injury or addressing a diagnosis it’s about understanding a person’s daily life, their goals, and what matters most to them. I find that incredibly powerful. I first became interested in occupational therapy while volunteering with children who had developmental and sensory processing challenges. I saw how simple activities, like stacking blocks or brushing their own hair, were used strategically by occupational therapists to improve fine motor skills, attention, and self-esteem. It amazed me how something so small could have such a big impact on a child’s confidence and ability to function more independently. That experience stayed with me and opened my eyes to the depth and creativity of this field. Beyond that experience, I’ve always felt most fulfilled when I’m helping others in a direct and meaningful way. I’m someone who pays attention to the little things how someone lights up when they do something they didn’t think they could, how important routines are to people, and how our mental and emotional states affect our physical health. Occupational therapy allows me to be part of someone’s healing process, not just physically, but holistically. I love the idea of building relationships with patients, understanding their unique stories, and being able to say, “Let’s figure this out together.” I’m also inspired by the versatility of the field. Whether it’s working with children, older adults, people recovering from injuries, or those living with chronic conditions, OTs have the opportunity to make a difference in so many lives. I want to be a practitioner who empowers people to participate in life again on their terms. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to feel capable, confident, and valued, and I want to be part of making that happen. Additionally, I admire how occupational therapy embraces collaboration and teamwork. It’s a field that requires communication, flexibility, and patience, skills I’ve been developing through my involvement in student organizations, volunteer work, and academic settings. I’ve learned how to advocate for others, listen actively, and think creatively to solve problems. These qualities have reinforced my desire to enter a career where I can use my strengths to serve others in a compassionate and evidence based way. Ultimately, occupational therapy aligns with who I am: a compassionate, driven, and empathetic person who wants to serve others. I know the path won’t always be easy, but I’m motivated by the impact I can make, one person at a time, helping them reclaim independence, purpose, and joy. This is more than a career choice for me, it’s a calling, and I’m excited to dedicate myself to a profession that is rooted in hope, resilience, and the belief that everyone has the potential to thrive.