On November 2, 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in the UOTA conference at Utah Valley University. From 8am-5pm, I was able to go to different classes about different topics and items regarding occupational therapy and how I can better my practice in the future. I was able to learn a lot during this day, and I will apply all the things that I have learned into my future practices as an occupational therapy assistant.

            I was able to go to 5 classes throughout the day. These classes consisted of information of the NBCOT exam, The joy of emotional balanced people through meditation and guided imagery, Rehab/adult sensory, a more effective approach to help with challenging behaviors and the conscious brain: insights into self-awareness. All of these classes were very helpful and insightful into occupational therapy. I was able to relate a lot of the things learned into the classes that I am taking right now. One of the things being taught was about sensory and implementing that into sessions. In school, we have also been working and learning about sensory,         so it was cool to relate to what was being taught at this conference.

            One of the things that stuck out for me throughout the day was about being more conscious in the brain and how to do so. I learned that this can and will be a huge benefit for the clients I help because it will help them to change their perspective and to become more conscious and aware of their brain and body. I find this interesting because of how powerful the brain really is. Throughout my first semester of fieldwork, the Occupational therapist I worked with was a mental health OT. I learned a lot about the brain and mental health relating to occupational therapy through watching him do meditations and guided imagery. As I learned more about the brain and its relation to occupational therapy during this conference, it was very insightful, and I was able to relate it to my fieldwork and what I learned there.

            The last thing that really stuck out to me was when Chad Hymas was talking. He has a very powerful story, and I am grateful for his example to me and to everyone around him. From him, I learned how important occupational therapy is to be client centered. the people that I will get to help as an occupational therapy assistant will be my priority. I want to help them no matter what challenges they face. This will help me to become a better occupational therapy assistant and will lead to personal and clinical growth in my life.       

            The UOTA conference was a great opportunity and experience that I was able to participate in. I gained greater love and insight for the profession of occupational therapy. I am so excited to one day practice in this field and to be able to help those in need to get back to doing their daily, meaningful occupations.