Experiences of students who attended the OTAC conference this year:
This year, the OTAC Conference took place in Sacramento. 9/11 students who attended drove 7 hours to partake in this event. This was their journey:
Kristin de Guzman
"The OTAC conference reminded me of how small, yet vast the OT world really is. In just two short days, I sat through short seminars which gave me many useful tools to add to my "OT Tool Box;" I attended an awards gala to witness first hand, the recognition of many OT greats who stand out in the field; and can now put a face to the name of several Eleanor Clarke Slagle lecturers and to important figures within the OT profession.
Despite the sleep-deprivation and wake-up calls at 6am, I am confident to say it was a very rich experience. It was defintely worth it and I hope that more students can experience the OTAC conference in 2010 in Pasadena. (Afterall, it IS free coffee and tea in the morning!) The OT world is your oyster- might as well make the most of it! "
Rose Robel
"OTAC provided a way for us to get outside of our normal school curricula and explore other opportunities occupational therapyhas to offer. It was nice to see OTs in practice reinforce topics that we learn about in school. The OTAC coordinators and members were so welcoming! Most of all I loved the time spent with our classmates: getting to know them, venturing out in Sacramento, and building memories. "
Priya Sadarangani
" Attending OTAC was a new experience for me. I enjoyed meeting experienced occupational therapist as well as forming deeper and meaningful friendships with some of my classmates. I would like to give a special thanks to Debbie Wasserman, the OTAC coordinator, who was not only a pleasure to talk to but a really helpful person. I would also like to thank Irina Silchuk and her family for opening up her home to us to stay at and everyday having a buffet for us. "
Karen Celeste
"The OTAC Conference was a great experience. I got to hear some amazing seminars by current OTs out in the field. I also had the opportunity to meet the current AOTA present Penny Moyers. I am looking forward to the OTAC Conference in 2010, which will be held in PASADENA. The conference allows students to attend seminars and learn more about the current OT world and the health care system. Seminars pertained to population (pediatrics, adult, etc) and/or specialties (hand therapy, school based, advocacy, etc). There were also opportunities for advocacy, networking, and ways to support OT services. I suggest students to attend the expo to learn about the many job opportunities available out in California. Special thanks to Debbie Wasserman for helping 11 CSUDH students! Overall, it was an awesome trip!"
