Helping others is a gift for OT student at STC
Student of the Week: Mark Ochoa
Mark Ochoa, originally from Mission Texas, says he has a love for helping others and hopes to pursue that dream at South Texas College.
Currently a student at STC, Ochoa is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy, and says OT is something special to him.
“Our main focus is to improve people’s daily routines and functions such as cooking and bathing,” said Ochoa. “We often take those skills for granted.”
Occupational therapists along with occupational assistant’s help people participate in activities they want and need to do through therapeutic use.
Ochoa discovered his interest for occupational therapy after doing some research and soon after, he says he was set on occupational therapy.
“I realized I wanted to be an occupational therapist when I was about 20 years old,” Ochoa explained. “I thought helping people would be a good way to fulfil my purpose in life.”
“One thing I really like about STC is that professors are very one-on-one with students. Here in our occupational therapy department, our professors actually challenge us further than the extent that is required for us to learn.”
After STC, Ochoa says he would like to continue his education and pursue a masters or a doctorate degree.
“In the future, I would like to pursue a master’s degree or even a doctorate in occupational therapy,” Ochoa said. “I think our field has a lot of area to grow into.”
Ochoa says his career goal would be to manage his own therapy center.
“I would like to become a head occupational therapist at a clinic or perhaps in several clinics.”
Ochoa says he has had a good experience at STC and feels that the professors actually challenge their students.
“One thing I really like about STC is that professors are very one-on-one with students, Ochoa expressed. “Here in our occupational therapy department, our professors actually challenge us further than the extent that is required for us to learn.”
Ochoa has a message for students trying to accomplish their goals.
“When it comes to accomplishing your goals, there will always be obstacles in the way. The important thing to remember is that you can’t stay down,” said Ochoa. “You always have to get back up.”