Occupational therapy assistant student Benita D. has always wanted to make an impact in people's lives. Her journey to the field began while working in early intervention, where she noticed many children receiving occupational therapy services.
"At first, I didn’t really know what OT was," she said. "But after looking into it, I realized it was a profession where I could make an impact."
Benita is currently enrolled in the OTA program at American Career College-Orange County, where she enjoys the interactive and practical approach to learning.
"My experience at ACC has been such a fun experience because we’re not just sitting down in front of the whiteboard," she said. "It’s a lot of hands-on learning, and what I really like is that we learn something and then we apply it."
One of the highlights of her education was the opportunity to collaborate with students with master of science in occupational therapy. During a recent event at West Coast University, Benita and her classmates worked alongside MSOT students to explore interventions and equipment used in therapy sessions.
"The benefits that I see working with MSOT students is that we get to see and hear more of their perspective and intake on what we’re learning about," she said. "When I look around and see people in the same room, with the same purpose, sharing the same knowledge, I feel like this field has an opportunity to grow and thrive."
Beyond the classroom, Benita is passionate about community service.
"One thing that really stands out is how we get to give back to the community — like volunteering for food drives and helping with disaster relief efforts," she said. "For example, we are planning a trip in March to assist those affected by the recent fires in LA."
Looking ahead, Benita is eager to step into the field and make a difference.
"I want to be the kind of therapist that clients look forward to seeing — someone who makes therapy motivating, engaging, and comfortable for them," she said.
