NSC Launches Innovative Occupational Therapy Intervention Program
In January 2017, NSC launched a new innovative program for newcomers in partnership with Jefferson's School of Occupational Therapy. Below are reflections from one of our first students, Kelly Lapp.
If this fieldwork has taught me anything thus far, it is to “keep open.” Keep open your own mind to better serve every client, co-worker, friend, and stranger that you meet. Keep open your optimism and persistence to allow yourself to fail, to learn from your mistakes. Keep open your eyes to observe and experience in full everything that you see and all the good that surrounds you everyday. And most importantly, keep open your heart to see the world from your client’s eyes and hold nothing but good intentions for them.
When I first saw this wall in NSC’s cafe, I did not know how to interpret it. As my 12 weeks at NSC continues to unfold, I realize that this statement is so applicable to this wonderful organization’s mission, as well as the mindset that all of America should hold. Taking on this new fieldwork placement was both intriguing and scary for me. As a community based setting without permanent OTs and considered a “nontraditional setting,” I knew that it would be a new learning experience for me.
For me, I've always envisioned being an OT with a set but flexible schedule. It has been challenging and exciting for me to program plan and incorporate OT services into the workflow of NSC while also simultaneously learning the roles of all my colleagues here. Learning about so many different resources that NSC is knowledgeable of and how they create a safe haven for their clients during the resettlement process is incredible. I have never been one to know much about world policies and avenues of immigration, so I have learned more than just how to apply a year and a half of OT curriculum. I have been exposed to more systems than I even knew existed and see how the world works from countless perspectives. Having been abroad numerous times, I still cannot relate to or imagine the trivial point of being immersed into such an unknown and fast paced culture that is America and where I have always been blessed to call home.
These past 6 weeks I have tested my limits and learned how to advocate for my profession, as well as the clients I am lucky enough to serve and share my passion of OT with. NSC has changed my perspectives of different places and cultures around the world, making me appreciate and aware of the vast array of different resources that Philadelphia and America has to offer for this population. I would not be as successful at this placement without the incredible people I have been fortunate enough to meet and work with. The staff themselves all have such an amazing variety of backgrounds I've grown and learned from. I am beyond impressed with the way NSC serves, and I hope I can continue to impact individuals here who deserve to live America to the fullest and have doors to opportunities be “kept open.”
-Kelly Lapp
Thomas Jefferson University
Occupational Therapy Program
