THEWIRE

By Brian Eastburn

 

For the purpose of gaining money to attend the annual national conference for second-year OTA students in Jacksonville, Florida, Delaware Technical Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Club (OTA) held a bake sale fundraiser on Oct. 20 and are also holding a greenery fundraiser through Nov. 14.

 

The conference, which is held on Nov. 15 and 16, will be an educational experience for the OTA members. It is a way to get exposed to OTs from all across the country, meet job recruiters, and learn about the certification exam. Also, they will get an opportunity to speak with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) leadership and learn about the new practices of the profession. The conference is only open to second year students, yet the whole team works to fund-raise.

 

“This is a great opportunity for the second-year students,” said first year OTA student Terri Anne Zocco. “Next year it will be our turn.”

 

The purpose of occupational therapy is to help people find ways of coping with everyday life and regaining the ability to do things on their own through different means than they are used to. 

 

OTA student Tim Jester has seen occupational therapy be successful firsthand, as a member of his family has been through a debilitating situation and has learned new ways to cope and live. Jester said he feels the job in itself will be very rewarding.

 

“I want to be able to help people get back their independence,” Jester said. “I want to make a difference in their lives.”

 

The bake sale, which included baked goods, hot dogs, meatballs and soda, was one of the ways the OTA was raising funds.

 

Sam Walls, an OTA student, feels students are actually helping themselves in the future by helping the OTA gain funds for the trip.

 

“By helping us go to the conference, we will be learning more and in the long run we can help you and your families when we are needed,” Walls said.

 

During the greenery fundraiser, through Nov. 14, the OTA will be taking orders for fresh wreaths and garland, door hangers and mailbox swag. Sizes vary and cost anywhere from $20-$35.

 

For more information about the OTA club or the OTA program, contact Nancy Broadhurst at nancy.broadhurst@dtcc.edu or Joanne Cassidy at jcassid3@dtcc.edu.