Before applying to graduate school, I knew Stony Brook’s occupational therapy program was where I belonged and where I would become the best version of myself as a therapist and a professional. The professors and faculty in the occupational therapy program have supported me, believed in my academic and professional journey, and have always been willing to offer guidance, insight, and assistance before I was even accepted into the program. They have continued to provide countless opportunities both in and out of the classroom that have helped me grow as a student and a well-rounded future clinician.
I am drawn to many different areas of occupational therapy, but my current most prominent aspiration is to work as a hand therapist. Hands are used at the forefront of most daily activities, and what excites me about hand therapy is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on someone’s life, helping them regain functional use of their hands following an injury or diagnosis. I look forward to helping others live according to their own terms and participate in the activities that bring them happiness and satisfaction, without being limited by their situation. I hope to take on an academic role in the future as well, guiding the next generation of occupational therapists and supporting their academic endeavors the same way that I have been supported at Stony Brook.
I am incredibly honored and grateful for the recognition and support of this scholarship. It is symbolic not only of the hard work that has gone into my education but also of my love for the field of occupational therapy itself and my determination to become the most effective therapist possible to enhance the lives of others. This award is a motivation for me to further learn and grow as a future clinician, but also serves as a reminder to continue working passionately and wholeheartedly to better myself as a student, professional, and future occupational therapist!
