In the fourth grade, my classroom was directly beside my mom’s Life-Learners classroom. The values my mother demonstrates everyday throughout her work and personal life, I grew to adopt. I remember visiting her class everyday, as often as possible, as a peer-buddy. By meeting with the Life-Learners students, immersion set me on a course to feel comfortable with and accepting of people with disabilities at an early age, which then helped me develop a calm persona and natural instincts in a variety of conditions. Now I understand that people with disabilities are our peers, have a lot to offer society, and have a great potential to be successful.

Throughout middle school and high school, I continued to volunteer in my mom’s Life-Learners classroom. …show more content…
Even though my team had thorough training, nothing really prepared us for crisis management. Crisis management does not get easier, but I learned how to better advise, react accordingly, and apply ethical reasoning, especially in regards to fidelity and justice. As an employee of JMU’s ORL, I made a commitment to uphold fidelity and justice. I also made a commitment to my residents so they may have a memorable first-year. Although I dealt with confrontation and aggressive behaviors, I did not let these moments affect my perception of people’s character or my commitment to be of service to them. I still walked back to the dorm from the opposite side of campus to do lock-outs, worked until four in the morning on weekends, helped design academic plans, and provided service accommodations. My job as an RA was demanding, but the reward paid off as I saw my residents become more involved and return to JMU for a second year. I am proud of the rapport I built with residents because although I am no longer their RA, they still seek my guidance as second-year students. The experience and problem solving skills I acquired, as an RA will help me as a prospering OT. I will be working with clients who may be unmotivated or overwhelmed in moments of distress but I will be able to maintain my composure, demonstrate patience, and not let these behaviors or emotions overcome my ability to communicate and provide