Someone call the Fire Station

Today has been one of the best shadowing experiences that I have had so far at MedEx. When I say that I have enjoyed myself today, I LOVED IT! Today I shadowed at Better Beginnings Pediatric Therapy and Early Intervention. I was able to shadow Ms. Jenna, one of the OT's there! Jenna started her morning at 8am with her first patient coming in at that time. Each patient has about an hour session which makes the days very interesting. Each child was so fun and unique in their own way. I really loved the aspect about caring for them and just as an observing I wanted to help them. One patient specifically that stood out to me was a 6 year old girl that was blind. She needed therapies that focused on sensory and direction. Jenna had to think of unique ways that would best fit her situation while also allowing it to be fun and interactive. So, Jenna filled a mini kiddie pool with shaving cream. The girl stepped into the shaving cream and loved it. She described it as "soft and mushy". Jenna noticed that she liked playing in the shaving cream so this is going to work perfectly for the therapy. Jenna tapped the girl on her elbow with the shaving cream and asked the girl to point to where she tapped her. The girl then tapped her knee. Jenna said "no, that was not where I tapped you" and she did it again. The girl got it right this time! I also noticed that she would always ask Jenna to snap or clap her hands. I asked why she did that and I learned that since she is blind, she likes putting that energy in another sense- such as hearing. I enjoyed spending time with her and getting to know her. She was so sweet and I hope I get to see her again.

Later in the day, Spartanburg Fire Department was able to come to the office as a sensory experience for the kids. The children loved it. They were able to take a tour of the fire truck, get a hat, and most importantly spray and get sprayed by the fire hose. I asked Jenna, "Is this what your day is like? Is it always this fun?" and she said "Yes, this is an everyday as a pediatric OT". This is what I want to do. I want to find fun and unique ways to interact with children in order to better their futures. I had so much fun at Better Beginnings today and I will be back there next Friday!