Student Spotlight Kayla Bridges

1. What drew you to occupational therapy, and why did you choose the University of Montana OTD program?

I was drawn to occupational therapy because when I was a kid I received occupational therapy to address a loss of mobility in my legs. An occupational therapy team worked with me to restore my ability to walk, and ever since then I have known that I wanted to do the same for others. However, it was not until I was 19 that I landed on occupational therapy. I met with an OT in Helena and we discussed more of what the field entails, and I was sold on its holistic approach to treatment providing treatment to a patient's mind, body, and spirit.

I chose UM due to its campus's sense of inclusivity, equality, and academic support it offers and its welcoming and encouraging environment. It is also close to nature and has a wide range of opportunities for their students outside of academics. However, I specifically chose the OT program due to the fact that the professors genuinely want to see you succeed, it fostered a supportive environment both in and out of the classrooms, the small cohort sizes (which have allowed us to all become very close and supportive to one another), and provides hands-on classroom experiences and fieldwork starting the first semester.

2. What has been your most meaningful learning experience in the program so far?

For me, the most meaningful learning experience of the program so far has to be our fieldwork experiences. So far we have spent time working with adult and pediatric clients. Being able to see a diverse age range provides the opportunity to explore what field we may be interested in working in in the future, while also allowing us to think critically about treatment interventions and apply/observe what we have learned in class into a real world setting, which promotes our educational experience and prepares us for our future practices as well.

3. Which OT population or practice setting are you most interested in right now, and why?

Which Setting: I am most interested in working in the NICU setting working with newborns and their families.
Why: Ever since I was a kid I knew I was destined to work in the pediatric setting, however due to my sister, myself, and other family members being NICU babies it has drawn me to the NICU setting. This area of OT plays such a critical role in supporting healthy development and providing education on specialized infant care for their families as they prepare to transition home.

4. What your favorite occupations?

My favorite occupations are playing tennis and playing the guitar.

5. What is one skill you’ve developed at UM OT that you’re especially proud of?

One skill that I have been able to further develop during my time in the UM OT program that I am most proud of so far is my critical thinking and problem-solving skills when assessing clients and developing appropriate intervention plans.

6. What advice would you give to future OTD students considering UM?

Maintaining occupational balance is key to success and is something that is encouraged at UM. The professors here do not want your life to solely focus around school and encourage you to take time for yourself and maintain balance in your life, which I believe is a unique feature to our program.

7. What do you enjoy doing outside of OT school that helps you recharge?

I enjoy playing tennis, hanging out with friends, playing my guitar, ice skating, and spending time outside. All these occupations allow me to reset and decompress after a long week's work, and allow me to maintain occupational balance between school, work, and my personal life.

8. Looking ahead, what kind of occupational therapist do you hope to become in five years?

Looking ahead, in the future I hope that I am an occupational therapist that is providing the best possible care to my clients, and I know that through this program I will be prepared to do just that. I hope to be working in a specialized care or advanced NICU setting, and providing parents and their children with individualized intervention plans that promote healthy development while also prioritizing family goals and priorities in order to help the child succeed once they leave the NICU.