Introduction

I am an older student currently attending my 2nd year in the Occupational Therapy program. In 2004, at 40 years of age, I decided to retire from the United States Marine Corps after a very challenging and rewarding 20 years of service to my country. My wonderful wife of 12 years (Melissa) has supported me throughout my military career, especially during my years of transition while in college. My role has changed from a leader of warriors to Mr. Mom. What a culture shock!

Once retired, my immediate goal was to earn a bachelors degree and apply to graduate school. Having accomplished this in 2006, I wanted to attain a specialized skill in some form of rehabilitation medicine. I am a very passionate and hands on type of person. I previously worked in service support for 20 years while a Marine. I love to work and communicate with people, especially those whom need assistance of any form. I consider myself a fixer of problems, hard worker, and a very giving person. I love children and have raised 4 myself (Chris, Cory, Megan, and Justin) ranging from 20 to 23 years old. Additionally, I have an affinity for older persons. I relate this to an excellent relationship that I maintain with my grandparents who are in their 90’s.

Prior to appling to Graduate School, I accumulated over 200 hours of volunteer service with Physical and Occupational Therapy. While at the physical therapy clinic at the Naval Hospital, Cherry Point, North Carolina, I specifically assisted in the rehabilitative process from injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and spine. Furthermore, my time spent at Peak Performance, New Bern, North Carolina, involved occupational therapy assistance to patients with hand injuries. Although I enjoyed working with the gross motor skill rehabilitation involved in physical therapy, I was more concerned with helping children with fine motor skill problems and assisting the aging population with Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

I decided to apply to the Occupational Therapy Program because I felt this field would challenge my problem solving and creativity skills. Now that I have given 20+ years of service to my country, I would like to continue the trend by serving my community in the rehabilitation field.