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CC the fUTure OT

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             Someone pinch me….



Working on week five of OT school and it still hasn't hit me yet   
 that everything I prayed for, worked hard for, heck I would even
 go as far to say poured my heart and soul into is happening. 
It's here, and it still hasn't truly sunk in yet.






                                                                                                                                          

 About Me: 

My name is Carlie Carter and I am a Native Memphian. I have a passion for working with people with different abilities. I am a huge dog person, and being a dog mom is one of my favorite roles thus far. I am blessed beyond measure to be here at UT, pursuing OT school. 








Why occupational therapy?  
Now that you know a little about me, you can understand better why I want to be an OT. I came across this concept a while back that really stuck with me. Ikigai is a Japanese term that translates to "a reason for being." I believe that everyone has a very unique story to tell that is ultimately their reason for being. Things that make them feel alive, they may seem insignificant from the outside looking in, but to them these things are the things that remind them there is a life outside of work and responsibilities that is supposed to be lived and enjoyed. 

To me that is exactly what OT is all about. Getting people back to doing things that make them feel alive. Of course, for some feeling alive is their career or responsibilities. But, it's not enough to just live. We, as a society, get so caught up in goals, deadlines, and careers that we forget the small details that make up the greatest moments in life. So.. why OT? Because for me and my reason for being is to help people, I am passionate about it, it's what the world needs.

Ikigai focuses on finding four things that allow you to find your reason for being—Passion, Mission, Vocation, Profession. OT balances these four pillars for me perfectly and I am so blessed to be able to study in a field I’ve dreamed of since a little girl. Many people go into a career field solely based on pay or job availability and land up being unhappy not only at work but in their day to day life as well. The best part about OT is that it resembles Ikigai wholeheartedly. Not only is OT my Ikigai and my purpose and wellbeing it will give me the opportunity to help a variety of people find their reason for being. I have always believed that one of the best ways to put a smile on your face is to help someone find their smile. I am so excited to keep going on this journey and cannot wait to see what the future holds! How can you turn your passion into a profession? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!



Comments

  1. Dr. LancasterFebruary 3, 2019 at 5:52 AM

    Beautiful - I love this! We're going to study something called the Kawa Model that has some similarities to this concept. I think you'll find it interesting - but not surprising - that the Kawa Model, which is based on Eastern medicine philosophy - is very well researched and is used a lot in the field of OT.

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