OTD News - Volume VIII, Issue 1

Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) Page 4 OTD News, Volume VIII, Issue 1 By: Saige Abrams, OTD-S The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) has had an amazing academic year! They kicked off the new year with such events as a photo scavenger hunt, multiple catered lunches and a professor jeopardy game. Students were able to break the ice running around campus taking selfies with different professors and items around the school. During the jeop- ardy-style game, students formed groups trying to answer as many questions correctly as possible for a Halloween themed prize. Every event helped students network with various cohorts all while de-stressing from exams and presentations. In addition to on campus events, SOTA hosted many popular off campus events as well. First was The Great Escape room in Tampa, where students broke off into groups and got locked in a room for an hour trying to escape through hidden clues and keys. SOTA also hosted a Chipotle fundraiser where students could come and eat after class and enjoy dinner to- gether. SOTA members are highly involved in both regional and national organizations such as the Florida Occupational Thera- py Organization (FOTA) and the American Occupational Therapy Organization (AOTA). SOTA provided students with scholarships funds to attend both conferences and has a delegate for each organization. The delegate shares news and oppor- tunities during meetings, further involving the students in the occupational therapy world. Over twenty SOTA members at- tended the AOTA Centennial Conference this year with SOTA scholarship funds! Volunteerism and community involvement are core values to SOTA. Each member is required to volunteer five hours in the community. The SOTA members organized multiple volunteer opportunities this year. First was volunteering at the Trin- ity Café, where students served lunch and socialized with guests who are less fortunate. SOTA members also made holiday cards to give out this past season to a local Veterans Association. Lastly, SOTA has been very involved in raising money to send students to Jamaica for a medical missions trip scheduled for June. April is occupational therapy month, and you know we couldn’t resist a celebration! SOTA members decorated the entire school with balloons and even created a photo booth in the lounge to take pictures and celebrate one hundred years! On the last day of institute, SOTA hosted an ice cream social for the whole campus to encourage interprofessional dialogue and a final farewell to our senior class. Finally, SOTA hosted a dinner cruise for all its members and guests where they can enjoy a four course meal and dancing off the coast of St. Pete. SOTA and its ninety members have had a jam packed year of fun and excitement! SOTA is a great way to meet new friends and strengthen existing relationships. There are so many ways to get involved whether running for a leadership posi- tion or joining one of their many committees. It’s fun, easy, and a great way to stay in touch with the occupational therapy community and community at large!