Student Spotlight: Michelle Oakman
Michelle Oakman, a former professional ballerina in California, saw her career abruptly halted by the unforeseen disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. In search of a more affordable lifestyle, she made the bold decision to relocate to North Carolina.
Michelle’s dance connections played a pivotal role in her journey. Through these connections, she came across a local ballet company that continued to perform and offer dance instruction. Finding comfort and fulfillment in sharing her deep passion for dance, Michelle embraced the opportunity to teach at a nearby dance studio.
However, she started to contemplate a long-term and sustainable career path. This revelation guided her toward the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Cape Fear Community College.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENROLL AT CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
When I researched career and training options, I discovered the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. I found it incredibly intriguing. Now that I’m enrolled in the OTA program, I couldn’t be happier. It turned out to be a fantastic choice, and I’m thrilled that things worked out, especially since I was initially unsure about what to expect.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AT CAPE FEAR, INCLUDING YOUR MAJOR AND ANY ACHIEVEMENTS.
Learning about OT has been the coolest thing ever. OT primarily revolves around helping individuals lead more fulfilling lives within the comfort of their homes. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from daily life at home to participating in community events and rediscovering leisure hobbies that may have been neglected for a year or longer.
I enjoy volunteering at Eden Village as part of my clinicals. I believe that Eden Village is an ideal community for occupational therapy (OT) because the residents there have experienced homelessness for over a year. Transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing can be an extremely challenging process. I can only imagine the difficulties they might face, such as sleep issues and the general adjustments needed.
Eden Village provides an excellent opportunity for OT professionals to step in and offer valuable guidance, addressing essential life skills. They can help with tasks as basic as doing laundry or opening blinds – things that we often take for granted.
I’m certain that there are residents facing mobility challenges due to injuries, making this project more of a long-term, large-scale endeavor. This aligns with my current school project, which entails creating something sustainable for either the residents or staff within the community.
A concept I’ve been contemplating is organizing a jam band night, perhaps by collaborating with a local church or school to bring in instruments on a weekly basis for an hour. Live music has a magnetic draw, and it serves as an excellent icebreaker for individuals to connect with one another, especially those transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. I would also like to incorporate an uplifting movie night that can serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions among the residents. I feel these ideas would encourage community engagement and social participation.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE THAT CAREER PATH?
As a professional ballet dancer, I value the ability to move. I wanted to help people achieve their independence and mobility. Occupational therapists are there to provide resources to facilitate these activities. Their focus isn’t on forcing people to adopt a healthy lifestyle or adhere to strict diets; instead, they aim to enhance individuals’ comfort and overall quality of life. The goal is to enable people to carry out everyday tasks, whether they have permanent disabilities or not.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?
I plan to commit a couple of months to studying for the exam. I can schedule the exam right after graduation, but the last semester is workload heavy. My focus will be on completing the coursework, earning my pin, and then dedicating myself to rigorous exam preparation.
In addition to my exam preparations, I have an exciting trip to Japan in the works, just because, well, why not? After that, my plan is to embark on a job search. I’m open to working in various settings; I believe that any post-graduation work experience can be valuable, and I’m willing to seize opportunities wherever they may arise.
HOW HAS CFCC PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR NEXT STEP?
The clinicals and rotations offer valuable insights. When I spoke to graduates, I learned that they ended up securing jobs at the places where they had completed their rotations. This connection is particularly beneficial. It’s an excellent means of discovering whether a specific setting aligns with your career aspirations.
Whether your goal is to specialize in hand therapy, pediatrics, community mental health, or geriatrics, you have the flexibility to request a specific area or let the instructor make the selection, as I did. The beauty of it is, you never really know what you’ll truly enjoy until you give it a try. These rotations serve as an invaluable opportunity to gain a better understanding of where you might find your professional niche.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING STUDYING AT CFCC?
Don’t hesitate to do it. Pursuing your passion is so rewarding.
