Reflection

Kimmel, Dina. We Rock the Spectrum. Digital image. We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym for All Kids. Franchise Registry, 26 Aug. 2000. Web. 07 May 2017.

What have you gained from your mentorship?

My year with CHOA has been memorable. I went into my mentorship with positive and hopeful expectations towards the experience I would gain, and I left CHOA with those expectations more than fulfilled. Prior to this opportunity, I had no idea what an occupational therapist was or what patients they worked with; However, my mentor gave me the gift of openness and knowledge. I was able to not only understand what it meant to be an occupational therapist, but I also learned the impact that therapy can have on children. The medical field is humongous and filled with numerous occupations. With this mentorship, I was able to see how each one of these occupation holds its value and creates an impact in this field. The medical field is more than just doctors and nurses.

What actions did you take that helped you get the most from your experiences?

I would say that the honors mentorship program supplies you with the materials you need to be successful, but it is your responsibility to use those materials in your favor to really get the best out of your mentorship. You have to go in there with the determination to take initiative in your education. The staff at choa are open and willing to answer all of your questions;However, you need to be the one to reach out to them. You need to Introduce yourself, ask them if you can join the session, and ask questions.Do not be the intern that the end of the year comes and the staff does not even know your name. Just how they have the potential to make an impact in your life you also have the potential to make an impact in theirs. With these actions I was able to not only build a bond with my mentors, but to also gain more knowledge over the field than most students my age would have.

Has it or How has it changed your view of the career area in which you are mentoring? Prior to my mentorship, I was not certain what type of specialization I wanted to pursue; However, I knew I did not want to go into pediatrics. I felt that although I knew medicine has its moments or success it also has its limits, and I did not want to be around the sadness when the moment of limits came in pediatrics. After my experience at choa and my time spent interacting with children and being able to see those same children grow strong and push forward my perspective changed. I feel I would be able to be really helpful in the pediatric field. I enjoyed my time spent with the kids and the positivity they bring to not only choa, but to also the individual, the therapist.