Jadyn
Hefley
Major & Career Goals
Major:
B.S. in Kinesiology, Exercise Science
IU Indianapolis School of Health and Human Sciences
I am majoring in Exercise Science on a pre-occupational therapy track. I chose Exercise Science as my major for many different reasons. A few reasons include my background as an athlete, recovering from different injuries throughout my life, my interest in how the body moves and functions, and the versatile education. My years as an athlete allowed me to see many different sides to rehabilitation and strengthening. This includes my time in physical therapy, having different coaches over the years, visits with my athletic trainer, and training with my strength and conditioning coach. My background in athletics is the root for my interest in majoring in Exercise Science.
Academically speaking, an important factor that went into choosing Exercise Science as my major was my level of interest in what I am studying; along with will it prepare me for my professional career. I find the material to be very interesting, and I find myself always looking to learn more.
There are many courses Exercise Science offers that prepares you for your future endeavors. This includes courses such as anatomy, physiology, structural kinesiology, nutrition, various teaching and performance related courses, psychology, biomechanics, physics, chemistry, math, and many more. Exercise Science builds a great foundation of knowledge for those who are wanting to pursue graduate school. After graduating with a B.S. in Exercise Science, I want to go on to graduate school for occupational therapy.
Career Goals:
Occupational Therapy
My career goal is to become an occupational therapist (OT). I have always been interested in specializing in pediatrics. I am currently a volunteer at The Children's TherAplay foundation and Riley Hospital for Children. Both of these locations focus on the rehabilitation/recovery and health of children. However, I am always actively seeking out opportunities to explore more specialties and settings within the OT field. This includes shadowing experiences, volunteer opportunities, and connecting with different faculty/students.
When I first really started considering what career I wanted to pursue, I had one main goal in mind: I wanted to help people and make a difference in their life. It wasn't until I shadowed two different occupational therapists, one in a school setting and the other in a nursing facility, that I realized this is what I wanted to do; this is how I wanted to help people.
Medicine
adds days to life.
Occupational therapy
adds life to days
-Unknown
The job of an OT is to help individuals, of any age, with varying illnesses, injuries and disabilities, function independently. They help to improve their quality of life so they can go about doing the things they want to do or need to do. OTs play a crucial role in promoting a patient's mental wellbeing, improving the patient's quality of life, and assisting in the patient's recovery and rehabilitation.
Occupational therapists can work in a range of different settings, this can include Hospitals, schools, mental health facilities, outpatient clinics, nursing facilities, home health, etc.
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I chose this career path because I feel like the work occupational therapists do has more of an impact than many realize. An Individuals ability to be able to function individually or be able to carry out tasks that they want/need to do is what makes us feel whole.
OT's can be seen helping individuals perform small tasks that many of us don't even have to think about doing. This can include tasks such as brushing our hair, changing our clothes, writing with a pencil, or even just being able to feed yourself. I believe that is the beauty of occupational therapy. OT's helping someone perform those small, overlooked tasks again.
OT's can work with individuals to address more than just physical rehabilitation, they focus on the mental health aspect as well. With the use of different therapeutic modalities and interventions, I want to be able to help someone feel whole and live their life to the fullest again.
