Happy New Year, and welcome to the January edition of the OT Student Pulse! We’re kicking off 2026 with inspiring student reflections, community updates, and an exciting opportunity to apply to serve as a Student Ambassador at AOTA INSPIRE 2026. Keep reading to learn, connect, and start the new year with momentum.
Lizzy Koenig, an OTS, shares a reflective poem and narrative that explores leadership as a quiet, intentional act rooted in presence, encouragement, and belief. Through lived fieldwork experiences and leadership coursework, the author illustrates how small moments—such as a simple “you can”—can create powerful shifts in confidence, growth, and purpose. The piece reframes leadership as everyday advocacy that transforms both clients and clinicians.
Lessons Learned From a School-Based Fieldwork Project
Cassidy Johnson, a third-year OTS, reflects on a school-based Level IIB fieldwork project focused on evaluating and improving playground accessibility across a large school district. Through the challenges of implementing a large-scale project, the author highlights key lessons in flexibility, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving that are essential to effective occupational therapy practice.
American Guinea Pig, 2 years old Edda of University of Minnesota, OTD, 2026
Eloise is a sweet 2-year-old American guinea pig who keeps life fun and full of personality. Her favorite occupations include playing chase, learning new tricks for her beloved pea flakes, and chirping each morning to wake her owner up for class—right on time for her veggies!
Check out AOTA's Evidence Connection articles as a quick way to apply evidence into your practice. Each article demonstrates how a practitioner walks through their clinical decision-making and uses the clinical recommendations and evidence from AOTA's Practice Guidelines to address their client’s needs. Consider reading this practice resource if you enjoy learning from case studies.
Application Deadline is Friday, January 16 at 11:59 pm ET
Calling all content creators! Join our pilot class of student ambassadors at #AOTAINSPIRE2026. You’ll drive excitement and create engagement for our signature conference, held April 23–25 in Anaheim, California. From sharing personal AOTA INSPIRE experiences to connecting with attendees, student ambassadors will contribute directly to the success of AOTA's biggest annual event. Interested? Apply before Friday, January 16th!
Live Online Meeting | 8:00 pm ET | January 14 & 21, 2026
Please join us for an evening with the 2026 AOTA election candidates. More information to come! The above link directs to the January 14th event. Find the January 21st event here.
Did you know that AOTA offers group registration rates for AOTA INSPIRE 2026? Ask your program to help you set up a group rate for you and your fellow students to attend, or just reach out to conference@aota.org for details!
With over 300 sessions, across 40+ topic areas, you'll find opportunities to learn about the OT topics you're most curious about. Discounted early bird rates end February 23, so register soon!
