Finding Your Why: Navigating Grad School
With many students either starting or heading back to school, it’s important to address the challenge of staying motivated during graduate school. Grad school can be grueling: the daily grind of classes and assignments, and the delicate balance of personal and professional commitments outside of class. This is a necessary but demanding part of the path toward becoming an OT, I'd like to share my tips to help you navigate this transition.
Envision the finish line ahead of you. Given the multifaceted nature of the OT field, it is okay to be unsure of what setting you would like to practice in. My most significant advice for first-year students is to shadow, shadow, shadow! Utilize your weekday time off that first year to shadow as many clinicians in as many settings as possible. (I know, easier said than done! But if you can commit 2 hours to shadow every other week, that will add up to 12 hours per semester.) Shadowing not only helps you expand your professional network, but it also allows you to gain insights into the daily demands of being an OT. Personally, shadowing was a source of inspiration and excitement to enter this new field. Often, lectures can feel disconnected from real clinical experiences, as they lack the client experience I enjoy so much. By visualizing the end result, picturing myself working as an OT in a setting that I am passionate about, I had a source of motivation during demanding periods of school.
Try out something new. Whether it be a new student leadership position or a new volunteer role, take this time as a student to stretch yourself outside your comfort zone. As a student, you have unique access to your University’s resources and the perfect excuse: “I’m learning, I’m a student!” If your schedule allows, check out your student newspaper for opportunities to get involved, or check out AOTA for micro-volunteering opportunities. By trying out something new, you can learn and develop skills outside of OT school that are very applicable to your future career.
Schedule time for fun. Fun is usually the first thing to be cut when schedules get busy. Be sure to schedule weekly time with your friends or cultivate a hobby. I take a weekly ballet class and do everything I can to make it there, as it is usually the highlight of my week. Many cities have robust student arts ticket offerings with free or heavily discounted performances. Take full advantage of your student discount by inquiring about student offers—you may be surprised who will honor your student status.
Protect your peace. This tip may sound hypocritical, given that my last three pieces of advice were to add to your schedule, but protecting your peace is a must. Create a weekly schedule, setting aside time for class, work, self-care, and fun before taking on any new responsibilities. In all the extracurricular roles I engage in, including my role as an Associate Editor with OT Student Pulse, I ensure I have the grace and flexibility to engage as my schedule allows. When needed, practice proactive communication to tap into your support network when life feels like too much.
Congratulations to you for starting or continuing this journey toward becoming an OT or an OTA. I hope you have a fabulous school year and find time for fun, friends, and things that make you happy!
Carley Yanuck, MM, is a third-year OT student at Washington University in St. Louis, beginning Level II fieldwork. Prior to OT school, Carley performed with many different orchestras in the United States and Europe and continues to perform as a member of the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra. Carley holds a Master's Degree in Music Performance from DePaul University in Chicago. Outside of OT school, Carley also serves as an Associate Editor for the OT Student Pulse and is passionate about supporting the arts in St. Louis.