Growing up, I had scoliosis that required years of wearing a Boston brace. So many of my days as a teen looked different than the typical. Through this, I faced a lot of discouragement as I could not participate in a multitude of activities that I valued with my friends and family. I was forced to make adaptations to everything- from how I got dressed and what I could wear, how I would tie my shoes, how much I could eat, and even when I took my showers. I am fortunate that my struggle was not anything medically major and acknowledge that there are far worse complications to have- but this forced me to view life differently, and to have a great appreciation for how lucky I am to be able to
participate now.
As I got older, I became increasingly fascinated with medicine and rehabilitation teams after receiving therapy for those years. What stuck with me was how much of an impact it can make. Not only was I physically helped, but I was mentally challenged and changed for the better. Occupational therapy became something that I looked at as a privilege to become. I have found that OT is one of the most holistic healthcare professions and I am proud to have chosen this as my career path. It is a profession that requires sensitivity, understanding, and compassion, all of the characteristics that I learned to value tremendously. OT is a career that ensures a contribution to society and brings an enormous sense of self-fulfillment. A quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson expresses this perfectly, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; this is to have succeeded”. 
I now have completed my studies at Sacred Heart University’s Masters for Occupational Therapy Program and have had the privilege of completing my final round of fieldwork with Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy. I have learned an abundance of valuable knowledge and have grown as a future practitioner and as a person. Occupational therapy is truly an amazing field that promotes inclusivity, restores independence, and celebrates diversity. My time at Building Blocks has further instilled this message in me. Through Justine, I have learned 3 (there are so many more, but I feel these were the most impactful lessons) important lessons. Play is powerful, bonds are essential, and perspective is everything.
I have learned how immensely powerful play can be. You can take almost any issue and add some creativity to make coming to therapy fun. This gives people purpose and self-fulfillment. Engaging a child in an activity that they enjoy while simultaneously working on whatever deficit they may have, not only addresses whatever the specific issues may be, but also increases their confidence in completing harder tasks. Seemingly simple activities can be challenging for people, and knowing how to refocus and adjust different tasks is something that takes a long time to learn, but I feel more confident now than ever with my emerging understanding of this.
Secondly, I learned that the bond you create and facilitate with others is essential and impactful when it comes to helping. This is something that took me some time to learn how to do (and I am still learning). Finding different interests in patients and emphasizing them throughout sessions is important while working with children or any population. I have been exposed to so many great opportunities to grow and become a better version of myself that I do not take lightly.
Perspective really is everything. No person fits into the “one size fits all” standard and having the ability to remain flexible within my thoughts has helped me understand this. Everyone is different and that is something we should celebrate. The differences make us all unique and embracing this not only helps the client but also helps the practitioner formulate the best plan possible for each individual. 
I am forever thankful for the memories made and the people I met during my final round of clinical. I will miss everyone so much and will take the lessons I have learned here with me forever.
Love,
Emily Eggnog/Eclair
MSOT 2024
