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Sample 1st Paragraphs, Master's Program OT
I was first introduced to the field of Occupational Therapy amidst the lush, tropical, southern tip of the Big Island of Hawai’i. A long, winding journey from studying Soil and Land Management in Wisconsin as an undergraduate had brought me to working at Pacific Quest, a dynamic Horticultural Therapy program for at-risk teenagers struggling with anxiety and depression. As a guide in this program, I worked on a dynamic team that showed these teenagers how the daily activities of taking care of a garden and taking care of your whole self could be powerful vehicles for achieving sustainable progress in their lives. They became students of the land and students of themselves. I came to learn that I was also a student in this process - learning about Occupational Therapy, soon coming to see it as the best investment of my gifts and talents that I could make.
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I hope very much to be accepted to your master's Program in Occupational Therapy at XXXX College because of the sheer excellence of your program in addition to your location close to where I live. Even though life can often be difficult for a single mom like me, I take great delight in the fact that I have found, and I am realizing my vocation, helping people, fulfilling my dream in Occupational Therapy. For years as a restaurant manager, while I enjoyed my work and the people that I work with, I was not in a hurry to get there in the morning like I am with my job as an OT Assistant. I think about our patients even when I am not working, wondering how they are, and producing innovative ideas and plans for how I will help them the next day at work.
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Sample 1st 2 Paragraphs for OT Personal Statement
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Since childhood I have wanted to ‘make a difference’ rather than just make a living. I became specifically attracted to the idea of becoming an Occupational Therapist when I saw the difference that OT made in the life of my brother. His therapy was designed to improve his fine motor skills, particularly to enable him to write clearly and was extraordinarily successful. I also witnessed therapists ‘in action’ in the nursing home that I visited as a volunteer helper in sixth to eighth grade and was impressed and inspired by their dedication and patience and the ways in which they interacted with their patients.
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I am aware that the specialty calls for particular and rare characteristics such as great patience, excellent communication and planning skills, flexibility in approach and a need to consider problems with originality and creativity as well, of course, as a passion to help people to achieve their potential in overcoming the problems that they face. I am confident that I possess these qualities and that I have the potential to become an excellent therapist.
As a young man, I enjoyed working with autistic adolescents very much, despite the great challenges involved. As a result, I especially appreciate the opportunity to help applicants to graduate school in OT to get accepted and to have fulfilling careers. There are many excellent graduate programs in Occupational Therapy that will prepare you for a lifetime of distinguished service in OT, providing you with the knowledge, skills, and value of lifelong learning to practice occupational therapy in customary and innovative ways within an ever-changing world. Throughout the course of your studies, you will become an exceptionally keen observers, active listener, creative strategist, critical thinker, resourceful leader, and practical educator who helps people set and meet goals, overcome challenges, and thrive in the face of adversity.
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I have developed a special interest in Occupational Therapy primarily because this field attracts good people who are interested in the most important things in life, rather than primarily making money and showing off what it can buy. Most of all, it is their sense of service to their fellowman. I also do a lot of work for nurses and social workers, for the same reasons. Several years ago, exactly, I was living in the south of Mexico, working hard on my computer, drafting statements, and I lived with a family. Grandpa was in a wheelchair, and he would get daily visits from an OT professional. As I worked, I would look up and observe. I reflected at that time about the importance of what I was observing, especially for grandpa. But it is also important to note that I feel strongly that the OT visit to grandpa was also healthy for the entire family and the visitors like me as well. Especially his two grandchildren, who at that time were about 8 and 13. Clearly, this served to cultivate a sense of community in the children as well. It was healing for them to see someone caring for their grandfather.
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When applying to occupational therapy (OT) school, your resume and personal statement play a crucial role in showcasing your qualifications, experiences, and motivation to become an OT. In this article, we'll delve into the essential components of an effective resume and personal statement, offering valuable tips to help you stand out from the competition.
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Building a Stellar Resume
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Start with a Strong Heading
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Begin your resume with a prominent heading, featuring your name in a larger font size. Include your contact information (address, phone number, and email) beneath your name. Optionally, you can add your academic degree and status, such as "BS" or "OTS" (Occupational Therapy Student).
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Highlight Your Education
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In the education section, detail your academic background. Include your major, GPA, and expected graduation date. Be sure to use month and year formats for your start and end dates, omitting the specific date.
Focus on Experience
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The experience section should be the most substantial part of your resume. Divide it into two categories: "Related Experience" and "Additional Experience."
a. Related Experience: Describe your healthcare-related experiences, such as internships, volunteer work, or clinical placements. Use action verbs and specific details to highlight your responsibilities and achievements.
b. Additional Experience: Include non-healthcare experiences that demonstrate your transferable skills, leadership, and commitment. Don't forget to customize descriptions to align with the skills OT programs se
Certifications and Awards
Highlight any relevant certifications, accolades, or awards you've received. Mention achievements like Dean's List, scholarships, or CPR certification. Ensure they are organized chronologically for clarity.
Formatting and Style
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Maintain a professional and legible format throughout your resume. Use capital letters and bold text for headings like "Education" and "Experience." Stick to a standard font like Times New Roman in size 10-11. Avoid cursive fonts or overly decorative styles.
Multiple Resumes
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Consider creating different resumes tailored to various job applications. Each version should emphasize the experiences and skills most relevant to the specific position you're targeting.
Writing a Compelling Personal Statement
Authenticity Is Key
Your personal statement should authentically reflect your journey and experiences. Choose a meaningful event or realization that led you to pursue OT as your path. Sharing a personal story can captivate your reader.
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Answer the Prompts
Ensure that your personal statement addresses the specific prompts provided by the OT program. Stay on topic and directly answer the questions asked, providing thoughtful responses.
Grab Attention Early
Start your personal statement with an engaging hook. Capture the reader's interest and curiosity from the very beginning. Share an anecdote or a life-changing moment that relates to your decision to pursue OT.
Real-Life Examples
Support your statements with concrete examples from your experiences. Discuss how these experiences shaped your passion for OT and your commitment to the field.
Seek Feedback
Share your personal statement with trusted individuals, such as friends, professors, or fellow applicants. Solicit feedback to refine your content, grammar, and overall writing style.
Proofread Thoroughly
Typos and grammatical errors can detract from your application's professionalism. Conduct multiple rounds of proofreading, utilize grammar-checking tools, and ensure your sentences flow logically.
Conclusion
Crafting an impressive resume and personal statement for your OT school application requires time, effort, and attention to detail. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can create documents that effectively communicate your qualifications and passion for occupational therapy. Remember to tailor each application to the specific program you're targeting and submit error-free documents to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Good luck on your journey to becoming an occupational therapist!
