All aboard! OTD students deliver holiday magic

MUSC Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program (OTD) students often transform their classroom learning with real-world connections. Prior to winter break, they sponsored a Polar Express-themed holiday party for children of all abilities in conjunction with the Park Circle Recreational Center. Beverly Spinks, OTD Class of 2027, helped create an enchanted wonderland.

What was your favorite aspect of the event? Was anything especially meaningful for you?

 My favorite part of the event was seeing the pure joy and excitement on the children’s faces as they joined in the activities. One moment that truly melted my heart was making ornaments with a young girl. She was so proud of her creation, and her huge smile lit up the entire room! It was such a beautiful reminder of how something as simple as crafting together can create lasting memories and make every child feel special. Seeing kids of all abilities laughing, smiling, and fully enjoying themselves made the entire event so meaningful and uplifting!

As an OT student, why are opportunities for community engagement like this important to you?

Community engagement opportunities like this are such an incredible part of being an OT student! They allow me to take what I’m learning in class, like promoting inclusivity and meaningful engagement, and bring it to life in real-world settings. Events like this help me better understand how to meet the unique needs of individuals and communities while building connections and making a real difference. It is so rewarding to see the positive impact these moments can have on others as well as my future as an OT!

What do you enjoy most about MUSC College of Health Profession’s OTD program?

What I value most about the CHP OTD program is its focus on experiential learning and community-based practice. The program emphasizes the importance of encouraging creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving to address challenges we may see in our community. This has allowed me to apply what I am learning in the classroom in meaningful ways and to gain a deeper understanding of the impact occupational therapy can have on individuals and communities. The program’s dedication to preparing students for success in both traditional and community-based settings provides excitement for my future as an OT.