Working as an occupational therapist requires creative problem-solving skills. In the garage where I worked there was an ongoing debate over whose responsibility it was to inventory and stock simple hardware. Mechanics contended that it was the responsibility of parts clerks, and parts clerks maintained that since the hardware was not in the computer inventory, that it was not their responsibility. As the new parts clerk the buck was passed to me. However, I was struggling to keep up with the monthly inventory counts. After some thought I devised a plan.I made flags out of magnets and heat shrink. Since mechanics regularly retrieved hardware from the bins, when they noticed inventory was getting low, they would put a flag on the bin. When I walked past and saw a flag out, I would stop to write out a restock request on the order sheet. With this plan in place they were not required to stop what they were doing to write down a restock request, and I could order necessary parts without having to look through all the bins every day. I look forward to finding creative solutions in collaborating with clients as an occupational therapist.

While working as a sales manager I learned that the part of my job that I liked the most was when I got to help people on a deeper level than just getting them the right part for their next repair or upgrade. One occasion that was particularly poignant happened when I was helping a customer change their car battery.The young father was care worn and distressed as he tried to make small talk with me while shepherding his young child who was on the verge of a melt-down. As we talked, I acknowledged his struggle, and the challenges he faced. I could see him relax, and it was as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders. My best work on my favorite days had nothing to do with bottom lines and sales goals, and everything to do with connecting with and serving others in deep and meaningful ways. Experiences like this one helped to redirect my career path to the discovery and pursuit of Occupational Therapy

Assisted occupational and physical therapists in administering therapy.Assisted residents to and from therapy sessions.