Ever since I got accepted into LLU’s program, a lot of people have been asking me,
“What made you decide to pursue occupational therapy?“
Ever since I was a little girl, I always wan—…Ha. Just kidding.
I spent nearly three years preparing to be a future educator. But during my third year in college, I went to Beijing for missions. I was presented with an opportunity to go, so off I went! 你好!
Throughout the duration of my trip, my team and I visited a few orphanages. At first glance, I thought the caretakers were simply providing the basic necessities for the orphans. But when I observed them more carefully, I realized that they were equipping the children with essential skills for a more enjoyable and productive life (not to mention, using this as a form of ministry). So awesome.
To put it simply, I was inspired. But I had to come back to reality: I could not pursue this type of work for numerous reasons. Who changes their major during their fourth year in college? Which profession in the States would be most similar to this one? Special Ed teaching? Are there orphanages in Cali? The idea of it was nice but it seemed like such an unrealistic, unattainable goal. So, I journal-ed my thoughts and left it at that. The end…or so I thought.
Six months later, I returned to the States and my college life resumed. I began my fourth year at CSULB, bombarded with uncertainties and frustrations regarding my future career. But God graciously brought people into my life who directed me towards OT. I still remember when my cousin first mentioned it to me. My reaction was something like, “What is OT? You just wipe old people’s butts and help them brush their teeth?” And for awhile, that was the extent of my knowledge.
But once I became more familiar with what occupational therapy actually entailed, it occurred to me that this was the same type of work that I witnessed in Beijing. Mind.Blown.
Now, fast-forward a year and a half.
I will be an OT student very soon. I am one step closer to reaching that goal that I once deemed “unrealistic” and “unattainable.” This just goes to show that our lives are truly in the Hands of God. His Plan will always prevail! And I can’t tell you enough how thankful I am for that. :)
