Breanne Rowland Final Reflection

During my journey in the occupational therapy program at Touro University Nevada, I have grown as a student and as a professional. My journey through the program has guided my learning process and my understanding of the Judaic principles of social justice, intellectual pursuit, and service to humanity. I have learned that occupational therapy is aligned with many aspects of social justice. Occupational therapy is organized around creating greater access and accessibility to all. As a future therapist, I will advocate for my patients, aid for better resources, care, and modalities that will improve my clients health and lifestyles. In addition to providing greater access and accessibility, it is critical that I treat each client holistically. Clients culture, history, and capabilities are critical to providing the best care possible; an essential component of health equity. I have also become more aware of social justice in the community and its relation to the field of occupational therapy. I have become more aware of the different populations in our society that are oppressed, marginalized and stigmatized. I have learned that when working with populations that have historically been oppressed and marginalized, it is critical that I am sensitive to the systematic issues that these individuals face. It is also essential that I am culturally competent as a means to prevent alienating my clients. Trust is a critical component in therapy and must be earned. The leadership opportunities that I have been fortunate to experience have allowed me to grow as a person and as a future professional. The strengths and goals that I identified will help

me become more of a leader. I have learned that as a student and future therapist, I need to aspire for better outcomes for myself. Instead of just being a traditional practitioner, I need to strive for everyday greatness. I have enjoyed many of the volunteer opportunities and have grown as an individual, a student, and as a future professional. There are endless opportunities for leadership within the community and I have developed the resources in order to take the first step and make the initiative. The leadership skills that I have acquired have given me the guidance to make the initiative and be a leader for my future. Additionally, through my journey, I have acquired knowledge in the area of evidence based research. I have learned that evidence based research is critical to the field of occupational therapy and provides guidance in clinical reasoning and decision making. As a future occupational therapist, I will continuously strive to improve the lives of others through using research in order to make informed decisions about interventions and outcomes. Therapists lives are dedicated to understanding and improving the lives of our clients. Occupational therapists are always striving to understand how things work and how to better attend to those in need. Through learning how to understand research and how to apply it to interventions and clinical decision making, I will strive to be a more competent and confident therapist. Through my journey in the occupational therapy program, I have acquired many skills that will guide my career as a future therapist. I have gained a solid foundation of knowledge that will continuously grow as I develop and progress in my career. Using the skills that I have achieved as a student, will direct me as a new entry-level practitioner and will aid in my growth in becoming a more proficient and skillful therapist.