Student Shares the Joy of OT Work

When asked what she loves about occupational therapy, Kensi Nelson can’t limit her praise to just one thing. “I love the versatility of OT,” she says. The fully immersive, community-based learning rotations have helped Nelson decide to specialize in pediatrics because she loves kids and “really connected with them,” she says.

“Community involvement is woven into every aspect of the OT curriculum,” Nelson says, “but it is hard to have a job outside the program.”

Hard, she explains, because students have very few hours available after class and fieldwork. “Finances are always a real stressor for grad students,” she acknowledged, “and there is no scholarship fund dedicated to OT students.”

That’s why, this Giving Joy Day, Nelson is asking EWU supporters to help establish a dedicated Occupational Therapy scholarship fund. Although she will graduate this spring, before a scholarship is fully funded, she hopes her story will benefit future OT students. “Helping people do more in life is how OT students give joy,” says Nelson, who hopes that others will give joy, as well.

To help establish an Occupational Therapy scholarship, please reach out to Kaarin Appel at kappel@ewu.edu. To give to other funds that support student success, visit EWU / Give.