Although there are many factors that contribute to my passion for occupational therapy, my athletic background and my grandmother's amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis are where it all began: These are the participating factors to write about in this occupational therapy essay. My early life included many hours of practice and competition in dance and gymnastics. During that time, I began to experience all the wonderful ways the body works. I found myself looking for ways to understand the complexities of movement. Over the years I excelled in both dance and gymnastics, winning numerous awards, gold medals and acclaim. While I was proud of my abilities and accomplishments, part of me realized that I was very lucky. Even in my youth and immaturity, I recognized that there were people who couldn't move the same way. This realization sparked my interest in therapeutic care. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay My grandmother's ALS diagnosis during my freshman year of college had a huge impact on my decision to pursue occupational therapy. After several years of battling a debilitating disease, my grandmother needed extra care to carry out activities of daily living. As this progressive disease deprived my grandmother of the ability to complete small tasks such as buttoning a shirt, putting on a pair of shoes, or feeding herself, I watched as her occupational therapist constantly assessed her needs, created a care plan, and assisted her in managing simple tasks in an attempt to improve the overall quality of his life. The compassion and attentiveness of his occupational therapist made me want to emulate the same level of expertise and professionalism in the future. As an exercise science major, I believe my tenacity and dedication gave me the wherewithal to succeed in the most challenging classes during my undergraduate studies. I intentionally sought out the most reputable professors knowing that they would hold me to high expectations while providing tutoring. I continually requested feedback and used all the information provided to supplement my work. A significant milestone in my academic career occurred in the fall of 2018 when I was approved for a certified occupational therapy assistant internship in the Lebanon Special School District. Additionally, I observed as an intern at the Dynamic Therapy Center when I left schools for the day. Although I have always been interested in occupational therapy, my desire and determination grew as I completed my internship. I found myself reflecting on the children's progress from week to week. It was rewarding to see them master writing names, cutting correctly, and identifying shapes and numbers. Each of these skills was important to their academic success. My internship revealed how much I enjoyed working with children. My passion was recognized through my work during my internship because I was offered a full-time position as a camp technician and assistant program director at the Dynamic Therapy Center. With each passing day my passion intensified considerably. The privilege of working closely with OTs and COTAs convinced me that I had chosen the right path. Maybe chosen isn't the right word; I believe this is the field in which I am called to serve. The Dynamic Therapy Center specializes in providing therapy.