I’ve had some really amazing, humbling experiences in Pre-OT club this semester—our guest speakers have provided a new perspective and, even if for just an hour, I’ve been able to see the world through a new lens. Today I want to share some of the most memorable Pre-OT moments that have really stuck with me this semester.

Working like a Dog

A few weeks ago, our guest speaker gave us background on and talked about the importance of service dogs—and they brought an actual client of the organization with her service dog! It was so impressive and awe-inspiring. The client gave us a wonderful demonstration of the dog working—she showed us how the dog could alert her of sounds (like an egg timer) that she could not hear, how the dog would pick up dropped objects that she hadn’t heard hit the floor when they fell, and even how the dog could help the family communicate between rooms of the house. The demonstration was amazing to see, and I was taken aback by the whole experience. It made me appreciate how special service dogs are, and why you can’t pet them when they’re wearing the vest—it would be a huge distraction and could put their owner at serious risk.

Family Matters

This week, our meeting hosted the mother of a brain injury victim; she described her work with an organization called Shared Journeys (a non-profit group that promotes awareness of brain injuries and post-acute rehabilitation), and talked about her son’s recovery process and the life-changes that affected the whole family. It was so refreshing to get the perspective of a family member trying to deal with the “aftermath” of an accident—I have often heard the stories from the therapists’ point of view, but to hear from the point of view that will deal with this permanently…it was humbling, to say the least.

Every time I go to Pre-OT Club I am just overwhelmed with the sense that I am on the right path—it feels amazing to know that my career will bring me such joy and passion (once I finally get through all of the school parts!). And it makes all of this work I’m doing now worth it to know that I’m going to be able to do something I love.

Question of the Day:

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

I’m not a big Thanksgiving person—being a vegetarian in a meat-loving family has its drawbacks on Thanksgiving. But it has been kind of fun the past couple of years experimenting with new vegetarian recipes—I try to make something that everyone can enjoy as a side dish that will work for me as more of a main dish. I also love fresh cranberries, and the yummy rolls (I love bread!), and last year we made a lighter green-bean casserole with mushrooms that became a new family favorite. Yum! Tell me what your favorite Thanksgiving foods are @MyCSU_Kelly with hashtag #thanksgivingfaves