Occupational Therapy Student Intern Blog Reflections Annabel V Paredes, Student at NYU During my undergrad studies at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation. At the time, I was doing an internship at a nursing home where I was first introduced to occupational therapy. I […]

Occupational Therapy Student Intern Blog Reflections Jessica Taveras Throughout my first couple of years in college, I switched majors regularly. I considered becoming a teacher, social worker and even a historian. None of those choices felt ‘right.’ I was only sure of one thing; helping people realize their full potential is what felt gratifying for […]

Occupational Therapist Student Intern Blog Reflections Luz Garrido I am a Dominican Republic native that came to the U.S. 14 years ago. As a middle school student learning English, I volunteered at the Hudson River Museum. As a junior docent, the museum would offer different career workshops. During one of the workshops, an Occupational Therapist […]

I currently work remotely as a social media intern. During COVID-19, Afya transitioned to providing healthcare facilities with the personal protective equipment necessary to help mitigate the crisis. Afya has delivered PPE to over 150 healthcare facilities and has distributed over 700,000 masks.

Despite being quarantined, with the world seemingly coming to a stop, it is important to realize that while we are comfortable at home that these doctors, nurses, EMTs, etc. are working so hard on the front lines in order to help victims of this crisis.

What can a 16-year-old girl possibly do to help in the fight against a virus that people twice my age, with years of professional schooling and experience, can not overcome? Not much, I thought. Afya even sent masks to kids my age at homeless youth shelters. I am helping publicize these efforts which lead to more donations and maybe some saved lives.

People notice actions. Active engagement and experience can shift hate. It challenges perspective and often opens pathways to a new way of thinking.