​Ms. Jenni’s OT Story
“Blind luck and chance over skill and cunning” is a phrase I frequently heard growing up, and it accurately reflects how I learned about occupational therapy and decided to become an occupational therapy practitioner. Growing up, I never had a clear idea of what I wanted to do as a career, and I definitely had no idea what occupational therapy was. Even when I attended the University of Puget Sound and knew people in the occupational therapy program, I still had no idea what occupational therapy was. It took a couple of decades before I learned the purpose of occupational therapy, and I wish I had learned about it sooner.
I was a stay-at-home mom for many years, and I am grateful I had the opportunity to volunteer at school, church, and ballet groups. As my children got older, I started to think about what I wanted to be “when I grew up.” I also wanted to contribute to the family income. That was when I began researching different options for a possible career began in earnest. I considered multiple options, including how to use my English degree (but I did not want to sit at a desk all day) or what would be involved to become a Nutritionist or Physical Therapist. I knew I wanted to work directly with people, but not in sales. I discovered occupational therapy when I clicked a link at the end of an article about typical physical therapist job duties. “If you are interested in physical therapy, read about occupational therapy”. Literally, something clicked when I read the article.
In that moment, I knew occupational therapy not only made sense as a profession, but fit perfectly for what I wanted out of a career. I wanted to help people and work with them to increase their ability to be more independent and successful with daily functional activities, as well as help them to return to hobbies, sports, etc. that were important to them. On a personal level, I was happy to find a career where I would not have to sit at a desk all day.
At the age of 40, I returned to school to become an occupational therapy assistant, which allows me to spend more time directly interacting with people and less time on paperwork. It was an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Before this, I did not know how much I would enjoy anatomy. I also learned what some of my anxieties and fears were. More importantly, l developed resiliency when I step outside of my comfort zone. There were definitely times when I wondered if I could make it through some very real challenges, but I am very proud to say that I graduated with honors and a greater belief in what I am able to accomplish.
During my 11 years as a practicing occupational therapy assistant, I have worked in a variety of settings: Adult Day Health, Skilled Nursing Facility, and, for almost 3 years, I have been working at Life Span, primarily with pediatric clients. I am involved with advocating for my clients and occupational therapy politically, and I mentor occupational therapy students, so I can pay it forward to others. I have met a wide range of individuals during my career. I have met individuals who fought in WWII (from England, the United States, and Germany), a concentration camp survivor, authors, radio personalities, etc. And now, I have the privilege to work with so many amazing young people who keep me feeling younger than the reflection in my mirror says I am.
Thank you to my family and friends for supporting me when I decided to forge a new path in life, the teachers and OT professionals who have taught and mentored me, and my clients who teach me so much every day. Thank you, families, for entrusting me with your family members’ care. I would not be the person or therapist I am today without you, and I am truly grateful.