Final Reflection
Social Justice
Over
the course of my educational journey, I continued to appreciate diversity
amongst a variety of populations. Entering the program, I enjoyed learning from
others gaining a diverse perspective of the culturally aspects in which
individuals contributed to the cohort. As the semesters began I developed
greater awareness of the different characteristics in which contribute to the
local community. Understanding the cultural differences in the classroom, the
physical differences within the community, as well as the valued differences in
which individuals exemplify, assisted with my understanding of social justice.
First
semester I participated in the 14th annual Duck Derby, which is a
fundraiser that benefits the Positively Kids Foundation. This organization
provides high quality healthcare services with emphasis on quality of life for
children with disabilities. I enjoyed participating in this event because it
surfaced greater awareness of the individuals within the community that are a
part of this evolving foundation.
As my education progressed into second semester, I decided to donate 8 bags of clothes and shoes to support foundations such as Goodwill as well as Positively Kids. Understanding how fortunate I am to have more than enough clothes and shoes, I decided to fill 8 large trash bags with clothes, shoes, jackets, and blankets. These items were gently used and in good condition when donated to the organizations, with hopes that individuals could utilize these materials for a long period of time. I want to make a conscious effort to continue donate items every other month to continue to keep up with the seasonal changes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As my enjoyment continued to remain supporting local community foundations, I participated in an event to raise funds for the Make a Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada. I have always thought this program was interesting as I heard stories of wishes that came true for children suffering from a debilitating disease. The glow run was not only a fun event within the community, but supported several children’s hospitals. These events encourage me to explore the state of Nevada while aiding programs in need for funds. I look forward to upcoming runs and hope to continue this tradition beyond my time at Touro University Nevada.
Moving forward into my level II fieldwork experience and fifth semester I attended the orientation at the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada to become an educational surrogate parent for a foster child in need for special education services. Occupational therapy closely focuses on the importance of advocating for the client within practice as well as attending individualized education program meetings if one is practicing in the school environment. It is important that everyone is given a fair chance at life to grow and develop in a world full of opportunities. I feel that I will be able to make an impact in a child’s educational journey to ensure their disability related needs are met, while protecting the rights of the child.
I also participated in pajama day at Care Meridian's pediatric facility. I was excited to participate, although was one of the only staff besides my fieldwork educator who engaged in the themed activity. This showed an act of social justice because I actively was willing to stand out from the crowd without being afraid of judgment. My goal was to provide happiness to the children residing at Care Meridian even though I was a student at the facility.
Overall, I feel that I was oblivious of the various prejudice opinions demonstrated within society and was granted the opportunity to explore a deeper sense of remorse for those in need of acceptance. I am grateful that throughout my childhood I learned to appreciate diversity at a young age and remain considerate of others. My occupational therapy educational journey has enlightened my perspectives and developed my awareness to provide all individuals the social justice they deserve. As I continue to become more aware of our societal differences, I will strive to continue to embrace diversity while remaining mindful of our similarities as human beings.
As my education progressed into second semester, I decided to donate 8 bags of clothes and shoes to support foundations such as Goodwill as well as Positively Kids. Understanding how fortunate I am to have more than enough clothes and shoes, I decided to fill 8 large trash bags with clothes, shoes, jackets, and blankets. These items were gently used and in good condition when donated to the organizations, with hopes that individuals could utilize these materials for a long period of time. I want to make a conscious effort to continue donate items every other month to continue to keep up with the seasonal changes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As my enjoyment continued to remain supporting local community foundations, I participated in an event to raise funds for the Make a Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada. I have always thought this program was interesting as I heard stories of wishes that came true for children suffering from a debilitating disease. The glow run was not only a fun event within the community, but supported several children’s hospitals. These events encourage me to explore the state of Nevada while aiding programs in need for funds. I look forward to upcoming runs and hope to continue this tradition beyond my time at Touro University Nevada.
Moving forward into my level II fieldwork experience and fifth semester I attended the orientation at the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada to become an educational surrogate parent for a foster child in need for special education services. Occupational therapy closely focuses on the importance of advocating for the client within practice as well as attending individualized education program meetings if one is practicing in the school environment. It is important that everyone is given a fair chance at life to grow and develop in a world full of opportunities. I feel that I will be able to make an impact in a child’s educational journey to ensure their disability related needs are met, while protecting the rights of the child.
I also participated in pajama day at Care Meridian's pediatric facility. I was excited to participate, although was one of the only staff besides my fieldwork educator who engaged in the themed activity. This showed an act of social justice because I actively was willing to stand out from the crowd without being afraid of judgment. My goal was to provide happiness to the children residing at Care Meridian even though I was a student at the facility.
Overall, I feel that I was oblivious of the various prejudice opinions demonstrated within society and was granted the opportunity to explore a deeper sense of remorse for those in need of acceptance. I am grateful that throughout my childhood I learned to appreciate diversity at a young age and remain considerate of others. My occupational therapy educational journey has enlightened my perspectives and developed my awareness to provide all individuals the social justice they deserve. As I continue to become more aware of our societal differences, I will strive to continue to embrace diversity while remaining mindful of our similarities as human beings.