Why Hadassa Chose the BA Psychology - Occupational Therapy Track

Hadassa Koplowitz shares her journey towards earning her BA in Psychology - OT Track.

How did you first hear about Sara Schenirer?

My sister graduated from Sara Schenirer with a master’s degree in special education and always told me how do-able it was. I saw firsthand how she was able to balance her school assignments with her other responsibilities and how the program fit into her busy schedule. Her experience convinced me that Sara Schenirer was the right fit for me and that no matter how much work it would require, it would never be impossible to complete.

What inspired you to pursue occupational therapy?

I wasn’t always sure what I wanted to do, but I did know that I wanted to help people. After some research, I narrowed down my choices to either speech or occupational therapy, but chose  O.T. because I felt that it was a bit broader. Unlike speech therapy, which is more narrowly focused on language and processing, occupational therapy would give me the opportunity to help individuals achieve competency in a wider array of everyday activities. I also spent time observing OTs at work, and the way they implemented therapies and interacted with patients seemed rather enjoyable. I am an energetic person and realized this would be a great path for me to pursue as a career.

How prepared did you feel when you first started?

Even though I was somewhat nervous, I felt confident when I began college because I anticipated that the classes would be similar to others I had taken in the past. The courses did require more work than I was used to in high school, but my professors always made sure that we understood every aspect of a lesson before moving on, which was quite beneficial. I was also frequently amazed by how simple it was to get assistance from my teachers. When I emailed my professors with a question or when I wasn't sure about an assignment, they always responded right away and were extremely helpful.

What has been your favorite part of your experience so far?

I love the fact that there is an in-person option for some of the classes. I really enjoyed being able to learn in a personal setting, as well as share in the social aspect of it. I think that the most challenging part of the program for me was taking the science prerequisite courses. The classes were two-and-a-half hours long and sometimes it became difficult for me to concentrate for that length of time, especially if I had something to do afterward like go to a wedding. However, our professors always gave us a break and sometimes even dismissed us a little early.

What skills do you think are important for success in occupational therapy?

I think that it's important for anyone working in the medical field to be very knowledgeable in all the sciences. For example, I took two anatomy and physiology classes that taught me about every part of our bodies, including bones, muscles, nerves, and joints, and how they all function together. I am so lucky to be able to go into the field of occupational therapy with a fundamental understanding of how our bodies work.

How much time do you spend on coursework outside of class?

It depends on the week, but I would usually spend around 3-4 hours on coursework weekly. Sometimes it felt challenging to complete all the homework and assignments, especially when there were deadlines, but I found that the best study tip was to not leave anything for the last minute. I tried to do my homework and assignments as soon as I could and that made things more manageable.

How does the schedule fit with your lifestyle?

The evening classes were convenient, but I had a harder time with Sunday classes because I had to get up early in the morning. Those classes also took up most of my day. Additionally, sometimes I would have to miss a wedding or an evening event because of college, but it's very helpful that we were allowed one absence per course.

How would you describe the support you receive from Sara Schenirer staff and professors?

It’s great! For example, I once had a problem with a test score and my professor, along with a Sara Schenirer staff member, helped me figure it out. I also appreciate that the director Mrs. Shonek, and all of our professors, constantly remind us that they are there for us and want to help us succeed. I love the feeling that I am really being taken care of during every step of my college journey!

What advice would you give to new students starting out?

You can do it!! Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the volume of coursework, I tell myself that it will all be worth it when I complete the program. It's a very good idea to keep reminding yourself of that! In addition, there may be times when the coursework seems very demanding, but try not to leave things for the last minute so you don’t feel so pressured. Everything is manageable.

What are your goals after earning your degree?

I am looking forward to pursuing a career in occupational therapy. I truly enjoy working with children and I want to dedicate my career to helping them. Whether it's working at an agency or eventually opening my own practice, I know that what I learn at Sara Schenirer will help me be the best occupational therapist possible. I’m excited about continuing my education and acquiring more specific strategies, ideas, and knowledge in the occupational therapy master’s program.