Maggie Lesiak

My greatest supporters throughout this journey of working towards my degree were definitely my family and friends. No matter the situation, they were always willing to step up and help. It did not matter if it was quizzing me for a test or helping me create a project--they were continuously in my corner cheering me on.

The things I enjoyed most about my experience at CCC were my professors and classmates that turned into friends. I could not have made it through my program without them. My professors were always willing to help and encourage us to do our best so we can become as successful as possible for our future as COTAs. They had our Occupational Therapy Assistant program laid out so well and were always welcome to suggestions on how to make the program better for future students. It was also great to have the same classmates throughout the past year and a half. I got to know everyone so well, and they became like a second family to me.

Ever since I was younger, I have always dreamed of working with kids. With this degree, I am hoping to get a job in a pediatric outpatient or school setting. I have always found sensory to be interesting, and it plays such an important part in every one of our lives. I want to work with kids so I can help them to release energy in a purposeful way to increase their academic performance and be as successful as possible in the classroom and at home.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to passing my boards and finally beginning the career that I have been striving so hard for over the past year and a half. Thinking back to when I was in high school, I always knew I wanted to help make a difference in people's lives--and through occupational therapy, I get to do just that. It makes me so excited knowing that someday soon I will be changing people's lives for the better by helping them accomplish their goals and live their lives to their fullest potential.