51福利社

When asked what she loves about occupational therapy, Kensi Nelson can鈥檛 limit her praise to just one thing. 鈥淚 love the versatility of OT,鈥� she says. The fully immersive, community-based learning rotations have helped Nelson decide to specialize in pediatrics because she loves kids and 鈥渞eally connected with them,鈥� she says.

鈥淐ommunity involvement is woven into every aspect of the OT curriculum,鈥� Nelson says, 鈥渂ut it is hard to have a job outside the program.鈥�

Hard, she explains, because students have very few hours available after class and fieldwork. 鈥淔inances are always a real stressor for grad students,鈥� she acknowledged, 鈥渁nd there is no scholarship fund dedicated to OT students.鈥�

That鈥檚 why, this Giving Joy Day, Nelson is asking 51福利社 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. 鈥淗elping people do more in life is how OT students give joy,鈥� 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聽kappel@ewu.edu. To make a Giving Joy Day gift to support student success, visit 51福利社/Give.