15th SAOTSC Newsletter

THE OT TIMES

A NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE 15TH SAOT SC SEPTEMBER 2019

Editor's Note --------------------------------------- 1 Message from 15th SAOT SC President ------- 3 Message from Assoc Prof Bhing Leet --------- 5 About 15th SAOTSC Our Council ---------------------------------------- 7 Events OT Day 2019 --------------------------------------- 9 Year 1 Induction 2019 ---------------------------- 11 Community Outreach Bishan Home ------------------------------------- 13 Smartphone with Seniors ---------------------- 15 KIDSPIRATION: Baking for Fun --------------- 16 Professional Development First Aid Workshop ------------------------------ 18 Terrarium Workshop ---------------------------- 20 Learning Journey 2019 -------------------------- 22 Special Events Soiree ---------------------------------------------- 26 Others Upcoming Events -------------------------------- 28

CONTENT

EDITOR'S NOTE

Cynthia Neo, Head of Publicity of 15th SAOTSC The 15th SAOTSC started off with the hope of leaving a legacy for our juniors. We used to consist of 7 main committee members and 7 sub committee members but have since expanded to 17 council members to accommodate the expanding student body. This includes a new department of Special Events which aims to enhance solidarity within the OT student population and assimilate these students into the wider healthcare community.

Throughout the AY2018-2019, the 15th SAOTSC strove to improve our annual events and develop new platforms for our students to learn and grow. Many of the events this year are new initiatives brought in by our various committee members who have worked hard behind the scenes to liaise with external organisations to bring the events to the student body.

The 15th SAOTSC Publicity committee also launched our first ever SAOTSC website. The website seeks to be a comprehensive platform that keeps students updated on our latest events, photos, annual newsletters. It also has a feedback system which allows students to communicate with the council all year round.

We hope that the student body has benefited greatly from the various projects and events executed by the 15th SAOTSC in the past one year.

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Cynthia Neo, Head of Publicity of 15th SAOTSC On behalf of the 15th SAOTSC committee members, I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our OT students, professors, lecturers and clinicians for supporting our events thus far. Without each and everyone of you, 15th SAOTSC will not be who we are today.

It has been a privilege to be able to serve the OT student population for the past 2 years. As we officially pass on the baton to our next batch of leaders, I hope everyone will continue to give them your utmost support.

Editor-in-Chief: Neo Shi Hui Cynthia Head of Publicity Assistant Editors: Oh Sing Fang, Sebastian Wong Publicity Officers

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MESSAGE FROM SAOTSC PRESIDENT

Ivan Tan, President of 15th SAOTSC Dear fellow OTs-to-be, It has been a great joy and privilege to have served you this past year alongside dedicated council members. We started off the year with great ambition and no time to waste. Even though we formed the 15th SAOT Student Council, in reality we were largely starting from the ground up. With the move from NYP to SIT, the SC’s role and programmes had to be realigned and restructured in order for us to be poised to serve the best interests of the student members.

Various learning journeys were organised to meet the high demand of members hoping to have a glimpse of an Occupational Therapist’s role in practice and how it varies across different settings.

Opportunities to attain skillsets and experience beneficial for our future careers were created to give SAOT student members an edge even before they step into full clinical practice. Community Outreach is also no longer viewed as just our way of giving back to the community, but also a platform for members to gain invaluable experience interacting and engaging various client groups.

Community Outreach programmes also allow members to bring Occupational Therapy concepts and principles learnt in the classroom out to the community, benefiting both members and beneficiaries. For example, the smartphone usage workshop for seniors was conducted with the goal of increasing occupational participation and engagement, utilising technology to aid community mobility, preventing inactivity and isolation.

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MESSAGE FROM SAOTSC PRESIDENT

Ivan Tan, President of 15th SAOTSC Now, as the AY comes to a close, it brings great satisfaction that indeed the goals set for the year has been achieved and the direction set is aligned to the association’s vision. Thank you for making this a possibility by having given us the mandate along with your enthusiastic and active support throughout the whole year. Now that the groundwork has been laid, we can look forward to the 16th SAOT Student Council bringing us to even greater heights!

Thank you for your unwavering support, Tan Thiam Soon Ivan President 15th SAOT SC

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MESSAGE FROM ASSOC PROF BHING LEET

Programme Director, SIT BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy Programme Dear occupational therapists and occupational therapy students, Time flies! The 15th SAOT SC has taken over the baton for one year and has organised a number of events for the student body. All three cohorts of students had a fun time during SoirĂŠe on 27 June and it was amazing to see talents uncovered during the event! Kudos to the SAOT SC main committee and sub-committee members!

I am proud to announce that SIT now has its four full batches of Occupational Therapy students! It is indeed a challenge to serve such a big student body and to instil a sense of professional identity.

To provide a glimpse into interesting fields of practice by occupational therapists, the SAOT SC has planned learning journeys and will continue to find ways to expose students to different practice settings. I hope that the SAOT SC will continue to organise activities that appeal to the junior and senior students, so as to encourage bonding across cohorts. The friendships that you have forged during student days will go a long way to enrich your adult lives!

As you are aware, there is increasing recognition of the contributions by occupational therapists across health and social sectors. When One-Rehab framework rolls out, there will be changes in the healthcare landscape which will enhance the accessibility and impact of occupational therapy services. As occupational therapists and occupational therapy students, we need to constantly promote the health-enhancing effects of participation in meaningful activities. I would like to appeal to all students across the years to find opportunities within your social circles to bring about awareness of Occupational Therapy!

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MESSAGE FROM ASSOC PROF BHING LEET

Programme Director, SIT BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy Programme To all Year One students, welcome to the occupational therapy family. May you discover the gem of Occupational Therapy and carry with you always!

To all Year Four students, you will complete your Occupational Therapy degree programme in less than a year and graduate as conditional-registered occupational therapists. I wish you all the best in the last leg of journey as Occupational Therapy students!

Best Regards, Assoc Prof Tan Bhing Leet

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ABOUT 15TH SAOTSC

OUR COUNCIL President

Vice-President

Ivan Tan

Gwee Gin Jen

Treasurer

Head of Publicity

Head of Special Events

Bernice Liang

Cynthia Neo

Ng Xin Rong

Head of Community Outreach

Head of Professional Development

Gina Oh

Amelia New 7

ABOUT 15TH SAOTSC

OUR COUNCIL Finance Officer:

Publicity Officers:

Tiong Ung Sing

Oh Sing Fang Sebastian Wong

Community Outreach Officers: Kor Xin Yeh Esther Ng Cheh Yek Hong

Special Events Officers:

Professional Development Officers:

Gena Wong

Low Yu Ping

Ariel Lim

Samantha Tan 8

ANNUAL EVENTS

OT DAY 2019

Occupational Therapists and Professors gathered together for the official opening of SIT Health Garden

Singapore Occupational Therapists’ Day is celebrated on 11 January every year to recognise the important roles played by occupational therapists in the local healthcare scene. In SIT, OT Day was celebrated on 9 January 2019 and was jointly organised by the SAOT SC, SIT OTStudent Management Committee and SIT Health & Social Sciences Faculty.

SIT students and staff were all welcomed to enjoy the buffet and participate in the range of activities and games that showcase what OT do.

Students also had the opportunity to experience the difficulties some of our clients go through in their daily lives.

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ANNUAL EVENTS

OT DAY 2019 In addition, this year’s OT Day also

marked the official opening of the SIT Health Garden that Professor Tim Xu and other students have been working on the past year. This garden not only liven up the school atmosphere, it also serve as a learning ground for OT students during the course of their studies in SIT. In Picture: Prof Tim and Prof I-Ling I enjoyed OT Day as there were a variety of stations for us to participate in. I also felt that it was very creative and cost-efficient to use balloons and flour to make our own personalised stress ball which is something we can incorporate for our future clients. All in all, it was a great learning experience for me.

Tessa Chan Jun-Qi, Year 1

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ANNUAL EVENTS

INDUCTION 2019

The Year 1 Induction is an annual event where the incoming Year 1 students are warmly

welcomed into the SIT OT family. This event kickstarts the interaction between the students and the professors, as well as allowing them to learn more about Occupational Therapy

During the Year 1 Induction, I was able to understand Occupational Therapy a little better when the professor talked about his experience in Occupational Therapy. This enabled me to know him better and see him as a senior that I can look up to instead of just a Professor.

Afterwards, we were introduced to the Singapore Association of Occupational Therapy, during which we learnt about what they do and the different events and activities that we can participate in. After the talk, I am inclined to join the membership for SAOT as it provides me with a lot of opportunities to join varied events at a much lower cost. My favourite segment of the Induction was when we got to receive a letter from clinicians. The letter was personalised and the words of the clinician were very motivating which made me feel special and more welcomed into this course.

Chan Kheng Hsien, Year 1 11

ANNUAL EVENTS

INDUCTION 2019 15th SAOTSC President, Ivan Tan, and Senior Lecturer, Hua Beng, giving the new Year 1 OT a talk about the Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists (SAOT) and their initiatives.

The most memorable part of Induction was receiving letters from the clinicians as it was really encouraging and reassuring.

Even though I have a strong passion for helping people and interest in occupational therapy, I still had lots of reservations and doubts about joining SIT occupational therapy. I kept thinking, "Is this the right choice?" or "Will i regret taking this path in the future?". However, after reading about the experiences of the clinicians and seeing how they are still going strong and happy with their choice of career, I have become more hopeful and I wish to be just like them in the future.

During induction, we also had to write a letter to my future self 4 years later. This was meaningful yet awkward as it was a rather new experience. Nevertheless, I look forward to reading this 4 years later to see whether I have changed or achieved my goals. Finally, entering uni, I am scared and nervous yet excited for what's to come. I strive to become a good occupational therapist in the future and I hope I can make a difference in the lives of others.

The journey may not be smooth nor easy but I'm ready for what is to come!

Eileen Ang, Year 1 12

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

BISHAN HOME

SPREADING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT The annual community outreach programme organised by the SAOTSC at Bishan Home is back! This year, the student volunteers and residents had the chance at making cake pop, playing carnival games, carolling and as well as taking lots of photos at the photo booth!  The residents all had an enjoyable morning celebrating Christmas and interacting with our student volunteers as seen from their smiles and excitement. We can’t wait to be back again next year with more fun games and activities!

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH

BISHAN HOME This year’s community outreach at

Bishan Home was really fun and fulfilling as we got to interact with the residents through games and cake pop making.

The most memorable moment from the event was during the carolling session when I made eye contact and smiled to

one of the residents, she smiled back and sang even louder and happier. It was really heartwarming witnessing how our little actions could make a positive impact on others.

OT students and the residents posing at the photo booth

Valerie Twang, Year 2

This event at Bishan Home was something I had been looking forward to as it is a rare opportunity to be able to interact with people with intellectual disabilities. It gave me a glimpse on how working in the mental health sector would be like and a chance to consider the possibility of working in this setting in the future. A moment that stood out to me was actually at the beginning of the event. As we walked into the venue, the residents were cheering and some were even cheering out of excitement. It is very rewarding to see how our presence alone is able to make their day.

Joses Lee, Year 3 14

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

SMARTPHONE WITH SENIORS

Smartphone with Seniors is a new initiative by our 15th

SAOTSC Community Outreach team to reach out to the elderly living in the west over the course of 1 month. As many of them are not as tech-savvy as the younger generation, this is a great opportunity for both the OT students and the seniors to interact with one another and learn how to use modern technology to maximise their occupational performance & improve their daily life.

A moment to remember is not just about using smartphones but the interaction with the elderlies and learning about their past experiences . There are a lot that we can learn from them despite being strangers. Being in an OT programme, it has taught me about helping people to engage in their daily activities independently. With the advancement in technology, it is important that we help to educate our elderlies to use smartphones. This enables them to communicate with their family members and friends. I believe that being connected to our loved ones is vital. With this knowledge, they are able to engage with them independently.

Especially in this aging society, we should have more education programme related to technology in years to come. This is to ensure an inclusive society for everyone.

Nadhirah, Year 2 To me, the best moment would be seeing the smile on the senior's face when he learnt how to use a mobile application to check for bus timings for the first time. The app is convenient and allows them to save and manage their time effectively. The greatest lesson I took away from this programme is understanding that everyone is different. I learnt the importance of prioritising meaningful occupations and leveraging on them to improve the lives of my future clients.

Chan Kuang Hong, Year 2 15

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

KIDSPIRATION: BAKING FOR FUN

KIDSPIRATION is a baking event organised by our 15th SAOTSC Community Outreach team in collaboration with PAYM for the children living in Jurong West. Through this event, the children gained an opportunity to learn baking skills and

make their own quiche. Mr Patrick Tay, Member of Parliament for the West Coast Group Representation Constituency also visited the event and interacted with the volunteers and the children.

One memorable moment from this event was when I had to try to convince two boys to engage in the activity. One boy was tired while the other had a breakdown which made it a challenge to capture their attention of their boys during the start of the activity. However, in order to aid the children to be more comfortable in their current environment, I learned to give them space and time to adjust. Speaking in an empathetic way and creating a safe environment also allowed the child to be comfortable and more open with me. As the children started to adjust themselves, the initiation of one-step instructions & guidance is important to prevent the children from getting overwhelmed. These strategies facilitated me in guiding the boys throughout this activity. One personal takeaway from the event was the emphasis on client-centredness. Even in

a group, we should not neglect the clients individually - especially if there are varying dynamics in a group setting. As for children, they may have different temperaments, especially in a foreign environment. Thus, this makes it more crucial to understand them as much as possible and henceforth modify the activity based on their varying needs.

Ong Hui Xin, Year 3 16

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

KIDSPIRATION: BAKING FOR FUN

A memorable moment for me during this event was seeing the children become more comfortable to interact with us. They initiated conversations with one another and were enthusiastic in carrying out the steps involved in baking. Seeing the smiles on their faces as they carried out the baking activity gave me a sense of fulfilment. As a facilitator during the session with the children, it was essential to manage the

varying learning needs and communication styles of each child within the group. It was useful to reflect on the modules that have been instrumental in imparting knowledge, skills and experiences in managing group dynamics and facilitating children's occupations. Although the children had varying learning styles and interests, it was interesting to observe how each child took on a different role within the group to facilitate task performance and to assist peers in the group. In addition, I felt that grading was pivotal to the success of the activity. It was important to provide the appropriate challenge to facilitate each child to succeed the task. Through adjusting the task difficulty and changing the environment, we could motivate and engage each child and provide appropriate challenges and opportunities for success. This is supported by theories learnt in our modules, which discusses about the zone of proximal development and the importance of facilitation from a skilled individual. Furthermore, the handson approach of the baking activity provided varied sensory experiences that could have improved their participation in this activity.

Jeanette Tan Hui Min, Year 4 17

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

FIRST AID WORKSHOP

The First Aid Workshop was organised and conducted by a certified first aider from our 15th SAOTSC Professional Development team, in order to expose the OT students to different bandaging techniques and lifesaving skills.

Through the realistic simulations, the students managed to put what they learnt into practice. This not only helped to enhance their learning but also enabled them to enjoy the workshop thoroughly.

The workshop was really fun and meaningful.

We had the opportunity to revise our BCLS and AED skills and learn some of the first aid skills for common emergencies like fractures, and seizures. It was interesting to learn the rationale behind the steps for each first aid procedure. Through hands-on activities and role-play, I was given the chance to practice using the most suitable first aid method for different situations. As a future allied healthcare professional who would be more likely to face emergencies, I believe that what I learnt will better equip me to handle them when I encounter them later on in my practice.

Ong Sing Li, Year 3

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

FIRST AID WORKSHOP

The First Aid Workshop organised by SAOTSC was highly enriching and enjoyable. The workshop was

conducted on a stationby-station basis which provided a more dynamic experience.

Throughout the workshop, we were kept on our feet and we were able to learn and practice a variety of first aid techniques in the short span of 2 hours. For one station, we managed to learn some acronyms used in first aid such as that for burns (4Cs - Cool, Constrictors, Cover, Consult). We also revised the signs of a stroke, which we had previously learned in our Year 1 module. This served as a timely reminder to take what we learnt in class seriously as they could potentially save lives. Following that, we learnt several bandaging techniques for arm and forehead injuries, and then applied our learning in mock-up situations in which we worked as a team to “treat” our friends. The organisers even went the extra mile by putting on really convincing makeup to construct wounds. It was very fun trying these techniques on one another and was a very meaningful way to spend time with my friends. Overall, the clear demonstrations and step-bystep guidance made me realise that first aid is not as complex as it looks. With the willingness to learn, along with practice of the techniques, one could easily learn something extremely valuable and even life-saving.

Choo Ya Qi, Chloe, Year 2 19

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

TERRARIUM WORKSHOP

The Terrarium Workshop was organised and conducted by our 15th SAOTSC Professional Development department, where they exposed the OT students into building a terrarium each with a given condition. Some participants had hands-on experience on how clients with homonymous hemianopia and hemiplegia would feel as they create their terrarium. Others had to role play on ways to get their simulated client with dementia or mild intellectual disability to participate in the activity. This not only reinforced and recapped the different conditions the students were taught throughout the trimester but also provide them a meaningful learning experience in the creation of their own terrarium.

The

Terrarium

meaningful

and

workshop practical.

conducted Each

group

by

SAOTSC

was

was

assigned

a

neurological condition that would affect their occupational performance in constructing a terrarium. These conditions were being taught during this trimester for the Year 1s and the workshop helped to revise and reinforce our understanding. For our group, we were assigned the task of handling a simulated client

with

intellectual

disabilities.

The

client

displayed

disruptive behaviours and we had to think of ways to engage our client in this activity. One observation I made was how the group were so focused on helping our client build the terrarium that we ignored the scenes and disruption made by the client.

This made me reflect upon how we can come with different ways to target various client groups with shorter attention span.

Lee Hong Ye, Charlie, Year 2

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

TERRARIUM WORKSHOP

This horticulture event was definitely something I have not

experienced before.. The outcome of my terrarium caught me off guard. Initially, I wanted to arrange the sand in layers, but it ended up mixing together. To my surprise, my terrarium looked like Paddle Pop ice cream! It was not something I planned for yet it turned out more beautiful and unique than I had in mind. Though it felt mundane and unexciting when I first heard that we had to write up an activity analysis before we could begin building our terrarium, however, it turned out to be enjoyable and fun.  I liked how this was incorporated into the workshop as activity analysis and grading are our bread and butter in OT.

My biggest takeaway from this workshop was to make the terrarium with my assigned health condition which was hemiplegia. Given the restrictions of only one hand being functional, it was not easy, and I experienced how tiring it can be for some of these individuals. However, it enabled me to think critically about how we can adapt and modify such leisure activities for our future clients.

Kwan Shu Hui, Rachel, Year 2

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LEARNING JOURNEY 2019

This year, the PD committee organised a mass learning journey for our OT students to the different Social Service Agencies and institutions. Through this learning journey, students had the chance to witness first hand the facilities and amenities in the different locations and the role of OT in service provision in these places.

AWWA I gained insight into how their philosophy of “to empower the disadvantaged to maximise their potential to lead dignified and independent lives� ties in with the various services and programmes AWWA provides across the various age groups whilst also considering holistic care in terms of viewing the impact of disability on not just one person but considering their family as well eg caregiver/respite care. I have learnt that it is important to have a broader perspective on the various needs from the ground to be able to understand and make an impact such as what they have done to diversify service provision. Having gone through this programme helps me to add to my own knowledge of what is currently available to keep in view as resources that can be introduced to clients as appropriate in my future practice.

Hannah Lai, Year 3

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LEARNING JOURNEY 2019

Rainbow Centre

The visit to Rainbow Centre’s Yishun Park Campus is such an enriching experience. It has given us the opportunity to not only observe OTs at work which allows us to appreciate their role in a special need school, but also given us the opportunity to interact with children with special needs. We were able to observe various programmes, such as the Special Education Programme and Early Intervention Programme, which differs from paediatric programmes in hospitals. In addition, we were able to tour around the school and its facilities, such as sensory rooms, gyms and classrooms, and understand how they are used by the staff and students.

The OTs there were very friendly and were very open to share their knowledge and experiences with us. They answered our questions enthusiastically and even encouraged us to apply our clinical reasoning and our knowledge on theories while we observed their therapy sessions.

We have learnt a lot from this event and we are glad to have been able to participate in it.

Cherie, Year 2

In Picture: At AWWA, OT students had the chance to try out different games and activities in the sensory room 23

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LEARNING JOURNEY 2019

The visit to Rainbow Centre (Margaret Drive) has been nothing short of

enriching. Being attached to different Occupational Therapists, both from the Early Intervention Programme and Special Education, I had the opportunity to have a glimpse of how the programmes run and how the OT collaborates with the other professions in the care plan of each child.

I personally was involved in several individual/direct sessions where I saw how the OT works at the goals set for the child all while incorporating play, which children are inclined to. Apart of which, I saw how the OT educated the teachers on joint compressions, aimed to provide the teachers the skills to better help the kids. I also observed how the OT and ST were involved in food play and snack time to introduce the children to different textures food to help with their occupation of feeding.

The OTs were very friendly and forthcoming with questions. They answered the queries I had, which gave me a better understanding of the services and the centre so much more. I will definitely recommend this programme to others!

Rachel Tay, Year 3 SPD SPD’s system is well-organised and has a lot of services which caters to all age groups. There are many opportunities for graduates to be exposed to various sectors: children, elderly, transition to employment, sheltered workshops.

Personally, I think that the gradual progression to open employment is very helpful. It helps me learn that employment can be slowly graded up for the clients as their skills improve. And that we need to be enabling in providing jobs that they are interested in, not just f&b and cleaning jobs for every client. I am also impressed by the continued support clients receive from SPD (e.g support groups) when they are in the work force.

This helps the clients to express their worries and that they will know that they are not alone with their problems.

Ayesha Beevi, Year 2

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

IMH

LEARNING JOURNEY 2019

For me, this visit to IMH was a very eye-opening one. Although mental health is a big sector that many OTs work in, I realized that I had a very superficial understanding of an OT’s role there and always felt that OT for mental health was very different from what you would experience in other acute or community services. Through this visit, I saw that the focus on community integration and empowering clients to increase their independence in daily life still shone through. Learning more about the services offered by IMH and their collaboration with community partners was also quite value-adding and was a good exposure to more services that I can read up more on.

I really enjoyed the tour around the IMH compound, where we could see some of the environments that the clients lived in, and the occupations available for them. It was really nice to see how the long-stay clients were given roles and responsibilities like doing chores within their wards, and that there were many opportunities for them to be equipped with new skills through the empowerment programmes. I also really enjoyed hearing the stories behind the paintings and pottery displayed around IMH which were done by the clients. This together with watching some of the clients work in the Bizlink CafĂŠ and the thrift shop run by Salvation Army was a great reminder that many times, our clients are much more capable than what we expect, as long as they are given the opportunities and trainings that are suitable for them.

This experience also reinforced the importance of leisure activities and its connection to client-centred practice, as I think it really motivated clients to be able to have the choice to engage in activities of their interest, for example tending to the hydroponics garden.

In Picture: OT students presenting a

Chan Mu Rong, Year 2

Token of Appreciation to Ms Hannah, Senior OT at IMH

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SPECIAL EVENTS

SOIRÉE

Another year, another Soirée! The theme for this year's Soirée is 'Night at the Movies' which saw many performances by our very own OT celebrities and idols! From High School Musical to Cinderella to mass games and magic show, it was definitely a night to remember!

Bonding games with all 3 cohorts of OT students

Our very own High School Musical by the Year 1 OT students!

Something that will remain imprinted as an invaluable memory would be the moment my tutorial group took the stage for the last time. After tireless efforts spent in practice, and for many of us stepping outside our comfort zones, there was an unspoken sense of pride that radiated from the group as we danced our hearts out. We did not have to be the closest of friends to make the dance happen or to have fun. There was enthusiasm in working towards a common goal; everyone had a role to play and we did it well.

This event also provided a good opportunity for us as OT students to spend our time in leisure activities despite academic demands. After all, we learned that leisure is essential in providing balance and satisfaction in life.

It is important that we practice what we preach, and I am thankful that there are committees that provide these platforms to do so.

Petrina, Year 2

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SPECIAL EVENTS

SOIRÉE

A moment to remember in Soiree 2019 is definitely when I was given the opportunity to witness my juniors' performances. It certainly brought back memories to when I was in Year 1 & 2 when my batch was preparing for Soiree in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Seeing the enthusiasm of the performers was heartwarming and knowing that my juniors are talented not just in the Occupational Therapy world but also in the performing arts industry makes me a proud senior. I think one of the most memorable one is the High School Musical performance as actually,

without fail, regardless of the batches, one of the groups among the First Year Occupational Therapy Students will put up a performance related to High School Musical, it seemed like an unspoken tradition. Regardless, I would certainly remember the performances displayed by my juniors. Having experienced Soiree for the past 2 years, I do understand that it is not easy to juggle practices with school and also holidays. The sacrifices that every performer went through in preparation of Soiree is greatly appreciated by not just me but I’m sure the rest of the Year 3s. Aside that, it definitely made me realised that the legacy of Occupational Therapy as well as Soiree will be continued and passed onto responsible and nurturing hands of future Occupational Therapists, which is surely relieving!

It is always nice and heart-warming to take a break together and unwind after days of studying and cramping knowledge. This should not be limited to just in school where we have Soiree but once we are practicing in the future.

While we always encourage our clients to have an occupational balance, to spare some time to do their leisure, the message should also be instilled and embedded in us. Work is definitely

Our professors and lecturers can sing and even play the guitar!

going to be tiring and energy-consuming aside from the meaningful side that Occupational Therapy delivers, hence it is important that we know our limits and take breaks when needed. Talk about patient education in terms of energy conservation, we should practice it too. Getting together as a batch may be difficult, but when everyone decided to come and just check on each, it is certainly a beyond-touching experience. Regardless, it is important that we, as future Occupational Therapists do our leisure too, hence achieving an Occupational balance and probably a good fit in our Person, Environment and Occupation!

Nurulizyan Binte Zulkiflee, Year 4

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OTHERS

UPCOMING EVENTS While 15th SAOTSC term has officially come to an end, we still have more events planned for all OT students!

1. CPE 2 Sharing (late Sep/early Oct 2019) 2. Public Health Service (12 & 13 Oct 2019) 3. Animal-assisted Therapy (TBC) 4. Healthcare Outreach Project (late Dec 2019)

For more updates regarding these events, do find us here: Website: www.saotsc.wixsite.com/site Instagram: @saotsc

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SAOTSC EVENTS!

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