"Though I don't have any formal work experience as an occupational therapist, I think that the most challenging patients to work with will be those who do not see the benefit or value and are reluctant to participate. In those cases, it will be important to be able to motivate and educate them on why occupational therapy will benefit them and help them reach goals, whether that's returning to work, returning home, or just adapting to day-to-day activities after an injury or illness. I will not take their reluctance personally and will focus on helping them see the potential of the services offered."

"I specialize in gerontology and really enjoy working with the elderly. Recently, I had a 97-year-old female patient who had lived at home by herself for years and who, up until then, had been completely independent. She had suffered a fall that left her with multiple fractures, and during her care, it was discovered that she had middle-stage Alzheimer's. She didn't have family, and she was distraught by needing to stay at the care home with nursing for awhile while she recovered and was not coping well with being away from home. Her rehab potential was poor, but PT and OT met with her daily, and she became very upset that she was slow to progress and wouldn't be able to return home alone for quite some time, if ever again. It was very challenging because she was such a complex patient who had not previously had any illnesses that required care. I was always patient and kind with her, compassionate and empathetic for her situation, and tried my hardest to help her achieve her goals. Though she never returned home, I was able to build a strong relationship with her and meet her needs each day until she passed at the care home."