Coming from a small town and graduating from high school with 77 classmates, I knew what it was like to have a tight-knit community for my education. After going to Ohio State and graduating with more than 11,000 students, I realized that a smaller community was something I preferred to have in graduate school - and that's what I found at Midwestern University. Another appealing factor of the school was that it was all graduate programs. Everyone at Midwestern is striving to further their education in a healthcare profession. I also knew that I still wanted the atmosphere of a city and with Midwestern University being a train ride or short drive away from the third largest city in America, I knew this was the best school for me.  

What Made You Want to be an Occupational Therapist?

I entered my freshman year at Ohio State planning to be a dentist, but I soon realized it wasn't the career path I wanted to take. I spoke with a career counselor who suggested that my personality and interests would better match a career in occupational therapy. I soon began observations where I saw first-hand the impact of being engaged in activities that are meaningful (or occupations as we call them) as a way of therapy that can improve someone's overall well-being. This realization was even further confirmed when I began volunteering with hospice and I saw how occupations were essential to everyone's well-being no matter their health or life circumstances. Midwestern University's Occupational Therapy Program has fostered my knowledge of occupations and helped me be a practitioner who can utilize my understanding of patients' occupations in therapy in order to help them to live life to the fullest.

What Did You Enjoy Most About Being a Student at Midwestern University?

At Midwestern, everyone is willing to help you in any way possible. In our program, we all shared notes and study guides with each other and genuinely cared about helping our classmates succeed. Our professors went above and beyond to help in every way possible. The librarians are very knowledgeable and amazing at what they do and can assist you in finding any resources that you may need. The Student Services Office provides activities, professional development, and opportunities to get involved. Financial services are available with planning for the present and future. Being a student at Midwestern, you know that there is someone to go to if you are ever in need of any assistance, whether it be for class, finances, or involvement.