Beyond Occupational Therapy: A Decade of Impact
Welcome to our first article at Koi Wellness. I'm Aya Porté, your occupational therapist (OT) and guide on this journey. This blog is a resource full of insights, tips, and real-life stories to empower parents, caregivers, and anyone passionate about nurturing more inclusive communities. Together, we'll navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of raising exceptional children. Thank you for being a part of our growing family.
This year marks a significant milestone in my career as an occupational therapist,—an occasion filled with reflection, gratitude, and a deep sense of achievement.
A Decade Worth Celebrating: Milestones and Reflections
This year marks 10 years of my being an occupational therapist! Time has flown by, but not without the addition of wisdom, adventure, and countless rewarding moments. As I approach my 34th birthday this year, I'm struck by the fact that it was exactly half my lifetime ago, at 17, when I decided to become an occupational therapist.
The decision to become an occupational therapist (OT), was not one I made lightly. It was a decision larger than myself, one that involved my community–TCK/CCK–and the most vulnerable members of that community–children. Looking back, it's surreal to think that it was my own vulnerability and lack of support that set me on this path. It's also to bridge that gap that I continue to do what I do today.
Overcoming Academic Hurdles
Back in my early years, I faced academic hurdles that tested my resolve:
I struggled to read until the 3rd grade,
And in 5th grade, a teacher confided in me that my writing was so bad, I would never make it to college, and even high school was out of the question in their opinion!
Despite these challenges, I was determined to defy the odds. Even while attending what was considered an "elite" private school, I often felt overshadowed by my peers' academic achievements, but I couldn’t give up. Wrestling with feelings of inadequacy, feeling stupid, and not belonging, I felt lost.
A Defining Moment: Defying Expectations
My defining moment came when that teacher dismissed my potential for college—an experience that fueled my determination to carve out my own path. I knew I had to prove to myself that she was wrong. With the support of additional tutoring and resources, I gradually overcame the academic obstacles and began to envision a brighter future beyond “not enough.”
Discovering Occupational Therapy: A Lucky Encounter
High school presented its own set of challenges, particularly when it came to planning for college. While many of my peers pursued traditional academic paths, I knew that I needed a clear and practical plan that aligned with my interests and strengths.
The prospect of spending tens of thousands annually for a vague Arts and Sciences degree was illogical to me. I disliked reading and found essay writing draining. I knew that in order for college to work for me, I needed a concrete plan.
Want to become a doctor? You eventually go to medical school.
To become a nurse? You get your nursing degree.
To become a school teacher requires an education degree and a certification to teach.
With this thought process in mind, I knew I needed a college path with a direct job ticket. That's when occupational therapy entered the picture.
The Road to Occupational Therapy
I sat down in the spring of my junior year of high school and spoke to my guidance counselor. I boldly said to her, “I have no interest in going to college unless I have a concrete plan. I have a really strong interest in working with kids, possibly kids with special needs and learning differences, but I know that being a teacher is not for me. What are your suggestions?” In a moment of serendipity, my counselor suggested occupational therapy, a term unfamiliar to me. Little did I know, this casual and informal conversation would shape the course of my life.
What is an Occupational Therapist?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a holistic healthcare profession dedicated to helping individuals achieve independence and improve their quality of life through meaningful activities. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who may be facing physical, developmental, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
A fundamental principle of occupational therapy is empowerment. Therapists aim to build clients' skills, confidence, and independence so that they can participate fully in their daily lives and pursue their goals with confidence. To the 17-year-old me, the profession of occupational therapy was a career path tailor-made for me.
Little did I know I would be keeping a child and their parent prisoner in their kitchen in the not-so-distant future. To read more about my time as a prison warden, click here.
Reflecting on a Decade of Growth
With a clear goal in mind, navigating the college application process became more manageable. I finally had an inner motivation and drive to want to achieve something meaningful. What streamlined the process further was my clear vision of college life. Combining what I wanted in a college, and what I wanted to study at college, and knowing if all goes as planned, it would result in a tangible outcome of a job, connected the bridge between myself, school, and higher education. And from there, the rest is history.
Fast forward to today, and I find myself celebrating a decade of growth, learning, and fulfillment as an occupational therapist. While the journey hasn't always been easy, every challenge has led me to my current path, and I wouldn’t change anything.
Remember, you're never alone on this journey, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. If you would like to learn more about how I can support you and your child, you can schedule a call here and connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Let's continue to positively impact the lives of our children and families together.