Well, my first week of being an Occupational Therapy student at the University of Indianapolis has already come and gone! I can’t believe how fast it went. I can honestly say that it wasn’t nearly as bad as I was expecting. The faculty, staff, and “elder” students have welcomed all of us with welcoming arms. I appreciate all the advice, wise words, and encouragement already. I think the biggest adjustment that I have had to make is going from such a big university (Purdue University) to a much smaller one. It’s been interesting comparing the opportunities available at both campuses. Honestly, I think one of my favorite things so far is the availability of parking. For those of you who come from a big campus, the walking is NOTHING! For one, parking is free. Two, everything is so close. I also have loved the time and availability to meet with professors before, during, and after class because the student to faculty ratio is so great. I have loved my experience thus far and can’t wait for what is to come.
I’d say one of the most fascinating things so far about being in the MOT program has been Gross Anatomy. The cadaver lab was something I was really nervous for since all of the students and faculty have put such an emphasis on the material and how it is a sort of basis of our foundation in what all we will be learning. I love how the course is specific to occupational therapy students instead of mixing the course with other graduate students. We’ve already named our cadaver and in just the first week, we have dissected most of the muscles in the thoracic cavity. Awesome and stressful.
I’ll be honest, my brain is already fried. Something that has been a bitter reality is the amount of studying and long days of classes we will have as students. It is fantastic that we don’t have Friday classes this semester. It was great not having to schedule my own classes since we are placed when and where we already need to be. Time management skills are going to be refined yet again. I am still trying to figure out my balance of work and play time, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out soon enough. I can’t let myself forget that I need to have “me time” to keep myself sane. The studying is going to drive me crazy, but I’m excited to see where this journey leads me. Let the next two and a half years of stress, tears, smiles, pulling of hair, endless studying, and surgery of cadavers begin!
-Elise Leung, 1st year MOT student
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