I am currently an Occupational Therapy graduate student at Sacred Heart University, with a bachelors degree in health science, focusing on public health, and a minor in psychology. My passion for occupational therapy was sparked during a transformative mission trip where I saw firsthand the incredible impact OT had on a child’s life. One boy, in particular, made remarkable progress with his therapy, and the joy on his face was a moment I’ll never forget. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in occupational therapy. I am driven to help others experience the same progress and joy that this young boy did, and I look forward to making a positive difference in the lives of those I work with.

Going into my senior year of high school, I went on a mission trip to Kingston, Jamaica with Mustard Seed Communities. We went to different homes that housed children who were abandoned by their parents because of their physical and intellectual disabilities. We would help feed them and do their exercises. I became very close with a boy named Raheem. He was blind, deaf, and the size of a two-year-old but was ten years old. I would help stretch out his legs and arms because he was in a wheelchair constantly. The smile on his face when I would pick him up and do his exercises made my day every time I saw him. His joy from the little things I would do made me want to become an OT. My goal is to get my OT license and go back to Mustard Seed Communities to help as much as I can to give these children the best life they can live. That is why I chose OT to use the skills that I learned to help others that are in need.