Final Reflection
Leadership
Over the course of my educational journey, I developed my leadership skills advocating for the occupational therapy profession while participating in community activities. First semester, I participated in the 1st Annual Lollipop Run, which benefited the Nevada Children's Center and encouraged individuals in my class to join. The Nevada Children's Center supports young victims of abuse, neglect, and mental functions with the 5k run raising funds for the local foundation. As a new resident of Nevada and a student of Touro University Nevada, I wanted to begin my journey participating in community events and inspire peers to join me in my quest in being proactive within the community. After fellow classmates saw pictures from the run, they asked me of any other runs or events that I anticipated in participating in within the community, motivating peers to join. I continuously motivated peers to actively participate in weekend events within the community to support local foundations and organizations.
As the coursework continued, I became a mentor for one incoming TUN MSOT student, providing encouragement and support throughout the transition into graduate school. This process encouraged me to reach out to someone I never met to eliminate feelings of anxiety triggered from graduate school stress. I was able to provide an in depth response to questions and concerns providing the security with words of encouragement such as "if I can do it, anyone can do it." I feel that having a second year mentor would have made the transition to graduate school a smoother process, understanding the expectations of the coursework from a student's perspective. I also participated in a wellness quest after previously participating in a kindness quest and gratitude quest. This exemplified leadership as I encouraged individuals to be the change in the world by demonstrating positive characteristics to enhance the quality of life. Individuals continuously showed appreciation to these quests, providing comments that demonstrated awareness and the willingness to participate in upcoming events. I feel that these groups bring individuals closer and develop positive characteristics that flourish throughout society.
As the semesters continued, I pledged to end the R word and opened the opportunity to all disciplines at Touro University Nevada. This took place for 3 days during lunch within the first week of school to encourage individuals to use professional and appropriate language while interacting with others of different programs. The pledge to end the R word is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies and supporters to inspire respect and acceptance through raising the consciousness of society about the R-word and how hurtful words and disrespect can be toward people with intellectual disabilities. Not only did this increase awareness pertaining to the R word, but also amplified awareness towards the occupational therapy profession. This encouraged graduate professionals from various disciplines to collaborate together and reach agreement upon a topic that leaves many feeling uncomfortable.
During my level II fieldwork, I collaborated with my fieldwork educator to help raise funds to support programs and services for individuals with disabilities. We developed a Care Meridian team to participate in the 5k run and staff members with prior obligations donated to the cause supporting the Care Meridian team. This experience represented leadership as we united together as a group to support the Las Vegas community's disability services. I enjoyed this opportunity as it allowed me to collaborate and develop a relationship with staff members to support a great organization.
As I enter my final semester at Touro University Nevada and progress toward becoming an occupational therapist, I will continue to participate actively in local volunteer opportunities. When school obligations come to an end, I will have greater availability and less time constraints to participate in activities that fund local organizations. I feel that volunteers are always needed throughout the community and will be a great way to advocate for the occupational therapy profession.