Is it too long? The OTCAS site appears to have contradictory directions -- it says to write about 1 page, "no more than 7500 characters" including spaces. One page is a lot less than 7500 characters!
What do you think of the content? Thank you so much for any feedback you can give me.
I have been working as a professional musician for the past eight years (holding a doctoral performance degree for the past seven), and although I have found my experiences as an orchestral musician and adjunct college professor personally fulfilling, I have felt an increased desire to help other people in more meaningful ways and also to better provide for my family. One night as I was thinking deeply about this situation and researching various career options (related and unrelated to music), I discovered occupational therapy. At first I was intrigued. Then, witnessing the important role in the lives of individuals benefiting from OT, I found myself enveloped by an incredible feeling that this is indeed what I was meant to do. After speaking with a variety of therapists (occupational, speech, and respiratory), I have concluded that OT profession will be a wonderful career path to pursue.
I've noticed some parallels between my role as a private violin teacher and my future role as an OT. I communicate detailed and specific instructions individually to my students, which enables them to improve their abilities, the quality of their performance, and their personal satisfaction. In my volunteer/observation experience thus far, I have noticed that a therapist's role also includes that of a mentor, sharing with clients specific plans to improve their lives. In my teaching, I have found the attributes of empathy and patience to be paramount to positive and successful interaction. I have heard OT's emphasize the importance of these attributes in their work as well. I have also noticed that an OT's responsibilities include taking detailed notes, and following up with their patients. I have likewise found that these are vital components to my success as a teacher as well.
A few months ago, my Grandma started having increased difficulty making transitions from her bed to a chair, from her chair to the car, or to the bathroom. A cousin suggested enlisting the help of an occupational therapist, and I was fortunate enough to be able to observe the assertive, attentive, and considerate way that the OT began working with her. I was particularly impressed by a question posed by the OT at the end of his first visit: "Does Ruth have hobbies or interests that she has trouble doing that we could work on together with her?" Though it would seem obvious that Grandma can do little more than use the silverware and read a book by herself, this therapist was thoughtful, brave, and optimistic enough to ask about improving Grandma's life in any way possible. My goal is to combine the knowledge I learn from becoming an occupational therapist with these essential attributes which I observed from this OT: assertiveness, attentiveness, empathy, patience, and optimism.
