One major hurdle left

Last Friday I completed (and passed) my second internship. Phew. Now I have one more hoop to jump through--the licensing exam. This is the scariest part of my journey. I have major test anxiety. Seriously. I can't see straight, my heart is in my throat, and a literally can't read the text of the questions. However, I have made it this far and completed my masters degree. An amazing feat for someone with a debilitating form of test anxiety. Even though I love learning, I've never been a super academic person partly due to my disinterest in school until about 25 years old when I discovered something I really cared to learn. I studied, I did well in school and now I have to maintain my strength and interest in the topic of Occupational Therapy long enough to get through the next couple of months of studying. I'm actually enjoying it to some extent. I like to watch Jeopardy and try to have the same type of pride when knowing the answers to questions on practice tests.

After I pass (god willing) I will receive two more initials after my name, earning me the titles of "Registered" and "Licensed". Let's how that would look in text: Lee-Anne Bloom, MS, OTR/L. Right now I am Lee-Anne Bloom, MS or Lee-Anne Bloom, CMT (Certified Massage Therapist)

Also on the horizon, and possibly another hurdle, will be looking for a job. I want a job in pediatrics (children). I love the little buggers. They are so full of life, hope and play. How cool is it to be paid to play with kids? Not just a babysitter salary either. This is a licensed and skilled profession by the United States of America. Also, it happens to always rank as one of the top 20 jobs. The last rank I saw was #13 from Money Magazine.

It's fun to have the depth of knowledge in a subject. I feel more comfortable talking to parents, friends, family and other health care professionals about treating (with OT) diseases, disabilities, medical conditions, mental health impairments, etc. Studying for the big exam has renewed my knowledge on so many of the things I learned in school; it is contributing to the confidence I need to really be a licensed therapist.

Wish me luck!