March 2022 – through the round window

I’ve been smoke free since December 2021 and I’m immensely proud of myself. I’ve relied on patches, gum, meditation, positive self-talk and will power to see me through. It’s still early days but I’m determined to succeed because my sense of achievement is so immense, and I plan to build on that. For me, 2022 is all about turning corners and contemplating new horizons. The world is my oyster. Next steps…? Focus on going meat free. That’s likely to be a tough journey because I’m wedded to chicken soup. Breaking the meat-eating habit will be a seismic shift and I’m not sure if I’m looking forward to the challenge but I’m definitely willing to try it… Do or do not, there is no try. Yoda.

I’m a student occupational therapist in my final year. I started at Brunel in September 2019 and I’m hoping to graduate in July 2022. I remember being interviewed by Carolyn Dunford and one of the questions she posed was, how would you define occupational therapy? I said something about recovery and rehabilitation, and I think I mentioned wellbeing. I’ve since learned that occupational therapy is a complex universe. It has a rich history, the practice is worldwide and it’s rooted in everyday life.

RCOT has specialist sections for OTs working in specific areas (listed above). I’ve joined the mental health section and I plan to expand as I gain more experience. In the meantime, I’m hoping to take a break after graduation, assuming all goes well over the next few months – I have one more practice placement to complete. Once that’s done, it’s time to celebrate.

Working through the course has been a long haul – everything was affected by the covid lockdowns. Teaching went online and I remember sitting in my living room to take exams. My mental health relapsed and it took a long while to claw my way out of the dark. Thankfully, I was well supported by my family, friends and local CMHT. My care coordinator happens to be an OT and she’s been amazing at setting me on the road to recovery. I’m aiming to be in her place, doing the same kind of work.