What is Graduate School Like? Perspectives from First-Year OT Students

My first week in graduate school here at the University was really a great experience. I was impressed with the parking lot and the convenience because it was right in front of my School. I attended one class to the other and occasionally found myself in the wrong class, which could have been because I was overwhelmed with the amount of information that was given to me. I began to realize that graduate school was not going to be like my undergraduate program because a lot is expected from me, such as research. The faculty members were really friendly and constantly asking how I was doing with managing school and family life (I have three kids and drive from Muncie every day to school). Another thing that struck me was the teaching method in the School. Professors not only teach verbally, but they bring in guest speakers, as well. The guests speak about a disease or condition that they have that relates to the topic of discussion; this gives us a realistic approach to what we are discussing.
-Anne Ajiyi Bamidele
First Year Master of Occupational Therapy Student
University of Indianapolis


Hello! I’m a first year graduate student in the Occupational Therapy Program. I am from Ohio and was very unfamiliar with the area and was very nervous to start this new chapter of my life. I was lucky enough to find roommates through the MOT program. I live directly across from the University with three second-year OT students and one other first year student. So, not only do I have less than a five minute walk to campus, but I started off already knowing people which made the transition much easier. Although the stress level in our house can get high, we always have someone to turn to because we are all going through this together.
As good as it sounds; it wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies. The first couple weeks were overwhelming. I was three hours from home and the transition was hard. I spent many nights doubting myself, my abilities, and my decision. I felt alone, like no one else was struggling. My attitude quickly turned negative, and I found it hard to focus. It was easy to be too hard on myself and get trapped in a downward spiral. I am very grateful that I was able to use the support network within the University to realize that I wasn’t alone. I highly recommend making connections with both faculty and classmates and utilizing the resources and people available to help you through this life changing experience. Simply talking with people helped me to realize that although this is a huge challenge, I can and will succeed.
-Marcia Rosebrock
First Year Master of Occupational Therapy Student
University of Indianapolis


My attitude about going to graduate school was negative. I was nervous about beginning a new school and worried about how I would fit in. The first week at the University of Indianapolis changed my attitude 100%. My professors were all helpful and positive which let me know I was going to be just fine. My advisor walked me through everything I needed to know and answered all of my questions. The things that stand out at this school are how organized the program is and how friendly the staff members are. Everyone wants you to succeed, and that is a great feeling!
-Charissa Feathers
First Year Master of Occupational Therapy Student
University of Indianapolis


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