Madison Sutton
January 10, 2015
Kelsey’s Kharacteristics
My life has changed enormously over the past year. After
graduating from Owen J. Roberts High School, I decided to further my education
at Quinnipiac University. Not that many people have heard of Quinnipiac
University, otherwise known as QU. That being said, I frequently find myself at
social gatherings being asked the repetitive question, “So, where do you go to school?”. After being asked this question so
many times, my response is practically rehearsed. I explain that Quinnipiac University
is located in Hamden, Connecticut. As most conversations linger, what I am
studying at QU becomes a reoccurring topic as well. Conversely, when I try to
explain to someone what I am studying at Quinnipiac University, my description
almost always varies.
I am an Occupational Therapy major. According to the
American Occupational Therapy Association, “Occupational Therapists and
Occupational Therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in
the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday
activities” (www.aota.org).
My depiction of Occupational Therapy constantly varies in conversations mainly
due to my personal feelings regarding the career; such a career where Kelsey’s
characteristics are present. Occupational therapists do not ask “What's the matter with you?”, but rather
“What matters to you?” (www.aota.org).
I first became interested in Occupational Therapy towards the end of my senior
year. I volunteered at a facility called Theraplay,
an outpatient institution facilitating Occupation Therapy, Physical Therapy,
and Speech Therapy. I automatically fell in love with the profession. After
several hours of observing multiple therapists working with patients, I knew Occupational
Therapy was the career I wanted to pursue.
Looking back at my first semester of college, I honestly
could not be prouder of myself. I truly changed my study habits for the better and
seriously started thinking about my future as an Occupational Therapist. In
high school, I did not have to study that much because most of my grades came
easily, as long as I managed to pay attention in class. However, college has been
a totally different story. I find myself spending countless hours at the
library and spending much more time with my Professors and student peers than I
originally anticipated. I take my studies very seriously because I recognize
the effort I put into my work will only help me in the future. I cannot help
but think of Kelsey when I glance back at my first semester of college due to
her characteristics of determination and compassion. I never imagined I could
become so passionate about Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapy appeals
to me for numerous reasons, but the main reason being I completely love the
idea of helping others who are less fortunate than me. I know Kelsey had
similar beliefs as well.
I remember during my sophomore year; Kelsey’s junior
year, Maddie Cobb won a starting position on our high school soccer team. Being
only a sophomore, Maddie always seemed to be very nervous before each game. I
vividly remember one game in particular; the varsity team was playing against
Downingtown West. Maddie Cobb was taken out of the game after continuously
being yelled at by Coach Margusity. She was in tears when Kelsey approached
her. I remember this specific moment in time because my best friend was truly
in emotional pain. Kelsey comforted Maddie in such a way, that I can still
picture in my head. I remember the bright stadium lights and shiny green turf
that set the scene while Maddie was crying and gasping for air upon being
substituted out of the soccer game. On the sideline, Kelsey simply held Maddie’s
face in her hands and kept repeating that she was playing fine and Coach Margusity
was simply being difficult. After several sniffles and a few failed objections,
Maddie managed to calm herself down thanks to Kelsey and eventually went back
into the game. Kelsey helped Maddie in such a way I can only hope to help
future patients; Kelsey gave Maddie hope.
Kelsey has truly inspired me in relation to my future as
an Occupational Therapist. The past few months I have spent at Quinnipiac
University have helped me realize what is truly important in life. I have made
special bonds with many people whom I am fortunate to call my friends. I joined
the Occupational Therapy club at QU and have participated in numerous community
proceedings. I partook in a 5K running event and even had the chance to
personally listen to the struggles and triumphs of a quadriplegic veteran. I
acknowledge the fact that I am very lucky to be living the life I have and I
truly feel that becoming an Occupational Therapist will help me give back to my
community. After finishing my first semester at QU and making the Dean’s list
with a GPA of 3.59, I know my hard work has been completely worth it.
Kelsey embraced life with a sense of compassion and lived
life with a sense of determination. Such characteristics also play an important
role in my own life because looking back at Kelsey’s past truly influences my
future.
Madison Sutton
06/01/2015
Relay For Life
Relay For Life is an event run by the American Cancer
Society. Relay For Life brings communities together to fight against cancer.
Participants help raise money for cancer research and help raise awareness of
the different forms of cancer and how they affect cancer victims and their
families. The Relay For Life celebrates and honors cancer survivors,
caregivers, and those who are still fighting their own battle against cancer. The Relay For Life of Pottstown is our local
event, and this year’s event raised almost 300,000 dollars.
The
Relay is a really different experience for me as an Occupational Therapy
student as oncology is not directly involved in my course of study. The focus
of my training is working directly with patients to help them become functional
again in their lives. While there are definitely opportunities for an OT to
work with cancer survivors, we do not get to see the impact that cancer can
have on the families of the patients. Participating in the Relay gave me the
opportunity to see cancer’s impact on many levels and feel the inspiration that
comes from the engaging community event.
The American Cancer Society encourages cancer survivors,
their families, visitors, and community members to come and participate in the event’s
festivities. This year’s Relay For Life of Pottstown occurred on May 30th
to the 31st in Pottsgrove High School’s stadium. My sister and I attended
the relay this year and participated in a variety of ways: we donated money, decorated
luminaria bags and, of course, walked around the track.
The
walk around the track was particularly important for me as it is symbolic of
the tireless efforts of cancer patients and their families as they fight
cancer. It really symbolizes the tough fight that cancer victims have and made
me realize what an amazing community of people there are out there and how powerful
it is to participate. In addition, my sister and I decorated a luminaria bag in
memory of my uncle (who died due to cancer complications) and another luminaria
bag in honor of my cousin (currently battling colon cancer).
The
lighting of the luminarias was a really incredible event and really reminded me
of the hope and positive spirit which Kelsey always showed. When the sun goes
down and the luminaria ceremony begins, the stadium just glows. All of the
donated luminaria bags are lit up and the word “HOPE” is written out across the
bleachers in the stadium.
This year, Relay For Life of Pottstown’s theme was “superheroes”.
Tents were superhero themed and plenty of participants were wearing superhero
costumes.
I am also participating in the American Cancer Society
Relay For Life event occurring at my college, Quinnipiac University. Although
the event will not be as big as Pottstown’s Relay For Life, awareness and money
will nevertheless be raised. I am the team captain of a team that consists of
about fifteen of my friends. The Relay For Life event will occur on my
college’s campus and a luminaria ceremony will also transpire. Quinnipiac
University’s Relay For Life will take place on September 11th. My
team has set a goal of fundraising 500 dollars.
Relay For Life events are truly inspirational. Relay For
Life events celebrate life and encourage individuals within communities to live
their lives fully. Kelsey also lived by similar standards. She always managed
to find the happiness in small things. She filled rooms with smiles and laughter,
taking on life with positivity. Relay For Life celebrates the beauty of life;
just as Kelsey did.
Thank you Maddie for sharing your story with all of us and for honoring Kelsey......she would be so proud.....
1 comment:
Absolutely amazing story and spirit Maddie! The world is a bit brighter and more beautiful because of people like you, Kelsey and the lives of those you touch. God Bless you always.
Kathleen Saring
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