OTD News Volume VII, Issue 3

Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) Page 14 OTD News, Volume VII, Issue 3 By: Saige Abrams, OTD-S SOTA was formed at NSU-Tampa in 2012 by the first graduating class of the OTD program. The 2012-2013 executive board had the responsibility of creating the constitution and establishing membership for the organization while in its infancy. In the 2013-2014 academic year, SOTA helped organize various volunteer and community service events, as well as the collec- tion of donations and supplies for local and international schools and the Brandon Senior Center. SOTA members also partic- ipated in campus and community events to promote the profession of occupational therapy. As the student body grew, the SOTA board and members revised the constitution and added new officer positions to empower members to pursue leader- ship opportunities within the organization. In the 2014-2015 academic year, the SOTA board almost tripled size from 4 members to 11. The new SOTA board and members had a wonderful year organizing fundraisers, socials, and volunteer opportunities. They collaborated with local res- taurants for various community-building events and even hosted a bake sale, with proceeds helping to sponsor members at- tending state and national conferences. SOTA members of 2014-2015 ensured they were also giving back to the local Tampa community by volunteering and collecting charitable donations. Members provided enrichment to dogs at the local animal shelter, served meals to individuals who are without a home at Trinity Café, exercised for a great cause at the St. Jude’s Give Thanks Walk, promoted occupational therapy at St. Leo University, judged future scientists at the Florida High Schools Sci- ence Fair, and volunteered in their communities for World OT Day. SOTA also facilitated the collection of medical supplies and baby formula for Haiti and food items for Trinity Café. SOTA was recognized for their outstanding achievements and was selected as a finalist for Student Organization of the Year in at the annual Student Life Achievement (STUEY) Awards of 2014-2015. During the 2015-2016 year, SOTA continued to flourish. Members surpassed the required amount of service learning hours and completed a total of 613 hours in the community. Hours were completed nationwide with organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, Autism Speaks, Merrill Animal Clinic, USF- Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA), Carfit, Pacific Beach Farmer’s Market, Central Park Nursing and Rehabilitation, Florida Occupational Therapy Education Consortium (FLOTEC), churches, public schools, triathlons, NSU-Tampa Open House events, NSU OTD new student orientation, and many other amazing outreach opportu- nities. SOTA leaders and members of 2015-2016 established four committees during their time in office to increase member involvement and organization productivity, which included community service, social events, apparel, and fundraising. SOTA members were also heavily involved in the student government funding reform that took place in Nova’s College of Health Care Sciences. With the new leadership team of 2016-2017 recently installed and over 90 active members, SOTA is continu- ously working to make the OTD experience as fulfilling as possible for students while making the greatest impact imaginable on the community.