Becoming An Occupational Therapist Essay

A large part of my life has been spent in doctor’s offices or hospitals. Unfortunately, I was given all the bad health genes in my family. Having been diagnosed with two rare, chronic illnesses, narcolepsy and gastroparesis, I know the impact that illnesses can have on someone’s life. The journey to reach my final diagnoses was long and filled with hardship. Looking at my life, I recall the people who have positively influenced and helped me in my times of sickness. Living with conditions that affect me daily is at times difficult to cope with, but with the help and encouragement I have received from others, I feel capable of enjoying and making my life the best it can possibly be. These individuals who have been there for me along the way have instilled in me a passion for helping others. Therefore, I am pursuing this passion by becoming an occupational therapist. As an occupational therapist, I will be helping patients with a wide variety of disabilities. My job will allow me to help and

This fall I will be attending The University of Tennessee Knoxville as a part of the Honors Program. I plan on majoring in kinesiology, however, I must continue my education for an additional two years to earn a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Currently, I am balancing school and working 15 hours per week to save money for my education. Having parents that are supportive of me and willing to help with some of my college expenses is a blessing, but I will be paying most of the costs. I am determined to pursue this career, but the price is far more than what my family and I can afford. Reaching this goal will require help beyond me and my parents. Receiving this scholarship will make becoming an occupational therapist more possible for me. If I am chosen for this scholarship, it would not only be an investment made in my life, but also the lives that I will be helping through my