Career Roadmap
Bill's work combines: Medicine, Education, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Alhambra High School
Bachelor's Degree
Statistics, General
University of California-Riverside
Graduate Degree
Occupational Therapy/Therapist
University of Southern California
Doctorate
Occupational Therapy/Therapist
University of Southern California
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Occupational Therapists:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Statistics, General
Graduate Degree: Occupational Therapy/Therapist
Doctorate: Occupational Therapy/Therapist
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Got accepted to USC's OT program in summer 2009, after 2 years of unemployment post-undergrad.
2.
Found out that I have Asperger's Syndrome in summer 2010 after I failed my 1st clinical internship.
3.
Got a pep talk from Jaclyn Schwartz, who defeated me in an AOTA OT student leadership position.
4.
Presented at an AOTA Autism Specialty Conference, where I had lunch with OT autism experts.
5.
Completed my 2 required clinical internships in summer 2012 & obtained my OT license 2 months later.
6.
Obtained my clinical doctorate in summer 2013.
7.
Worked 1st OT job- 3 months, failed attempt in private practice- 1 year, before I got into present job.
8.
Presented at TEDxGrandForks in February 2015.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
You are in OT school of all places. How in the world do you think you are autistic?
How I responded:
The more difficulties you are having in your career, the stronger your support system needs to be. Utilize social media to find peers who face similar challenges. Don't be afraid to get a team of experienced peers who are compatible with you and are capable to take you where you want to go for your career. Personally, you need great mental toughness. But when things get overwhelming, sometimes it's OK to take a step back and regroup.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I was in ELD for 3 years after coming from from Hong Kong as an 11 year old. Had difficulties in socializing with peers in english for 3 years. Constant practice using english at school after being mainstreamed in high school was crucial.
Before I started my current job, I was worried about having a repeat of my 1st OT job, especially considering I had no experience in the work setting. Having peers I can ask for advice & intense practice with techniques at home helped.
When I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 2010, I found out accommodations I need for OT school was hard, notably clinical internships. Trial & error helped me with accommodations. A strong support system on social media helped with the rest.