Juliet S

What got you interested in working as an occupational therapist?

My journey toward a career in occupational therapy (OT) began the summer after my freshman year of college. As a summer camp counselor, I worked with a young autistic boy. I enjoyed spending time with this camper and gaining insight into his unique perspective on the world around him. I came to realize that he had sensory and communication barriers, which allowed me to better understand how he perceived his environment. He would get frustrated at times, but I soon discovered the mechanisms that provided him with sensory and emotional relief. When he felt overstimulated by loud conversations among the other campers, he would begin to shake or flap his hands. I knew this was a sign for me to move him to a calmer setting where he could decompress. He loved taking barefoot walks in the nearby grassy field to ground himself, which I found to be a key strategy for providing him with sensory relief. As my relationship with this camper grew stronger, I learned how to use his neurological differences to assist him throughout the day and help him create a fulfilling and memorable time at summer camp.  The joy I found in spending time with this camper sparked a deeper interest in working with neurodiverse populations. When I returned to the University of Illinois in the fall, I volunteered at Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR), which provides recreational activities for children with disabilities. After a month of volunteering, I had the chance to observe one of my participants’ OT sessions at a local pediatric clinic. This experience left me excited to learn more about OT. Through my observations and further research, I discovered that OT offered the perfect balance of creativity and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of children, fulfilling both my professional and personal aspirations.

What do you love most about working as an occupational therapist?

One of my favorite memories as an occupational therapist was leading a social skills group at my clinic. The group consisted of three autistic boys, all around the same age. We engaged in a variety of activities, such as nature walks, building obstacle courses and laser rooms, and playing games. By the end of the group, each participant was genuinely upset that it was over. The boys even asked me to have their parents exchange contact information so they could continue socializing outside of the group. Throughout this experience, I witnessed firsthand the positive mental impact that having a safe space for neuro-diverse children to express themselves can have.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I love going for walks, backpacking, paddle boarding, skiing, listening to music, camping, and attending workout classes.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

When I was 9 years old I biked 75 miles to Starved Rock State Park with my dad. 

What is your favorite activity to encourage learning and growth with kids?

One of my favorite activities for parents to do at home to support emotional regulation and deep breathing is “Bubble Mountain.” This activity involves using a bowl with a small drop of dish soap and a straw to blow bubbles. Kids have a blast creating a bubble mountain with their parents, and it’s a great way to quickly calm the nervous system!