Revision

I shouldn't really even be typing this....I should be doing revision for my test on Tuesday. I've been studying a Certificate in Wine and Spirits for the last 8 weeks....and I have my exam on Tuesday after work. I'm actually quite looking forward to the challenge...but I still need to read up on my geography! I'm expected to have a good understanding of the soil types in the various wine producing regions. The course has been a great contrast to the working day at COT...but has actually been quite complex. Its certainly hasn't just been about sampling wine. Fingers crossed for Tuesday! Does anyone else have a surprise addition to their CV....or a skill that is just a bit different?

Change the world for one person....

The student postcards arrived this morning! David, COT design officer, who had become super creative to generate the "Get Connected" image brought them up the office. I think they look great - and really hope students like them and find them eye catching. I'm still really pleased with quote.....keep an eye out for a postcard near you to spot the full quote!

33 people are now members of the Facebook group - Occupational Therapy Students: Get Connected. Slow but good progress! I'll post a few more DVD recommendations next week.

I think the news I'm going to do my MSc has sunk in a bit now! Must get the paperwork off to the Elizabeth Casson Trust and the Constances Owens Trust to apply for some financial assistance towards the course fees. I just want to get going now! The first module starts on the 29th September. Good timing....as I'm off to Berlin to the ENOTHE event (European Network of Occupational Therapists in Higher Education) the week before! Lots of exciting stuff coming up...including lots of visits to Universities to meet the new and continuing OT students.

I've got a place!

A memorable day! Clair (Education Officer: Quality, Assurance and Guidance) brought the post up to our office. She spotted the Salford post mark and handed me the letter smiling! I opened it slowly....with both Clair and Remy (Education Manager: Quality and Standards) watching me!!! I spotted the words "pleased to confirm"....and started smiling too! I was then able to read out the official confirmation I had a place on the MSc programme in Advanced OT from the University of Salford!!! I honestly never thought I would be this excited about doing my MSc....but it just feels right...and I'm ready for the challenges ahead. I'm looking forward to being a student again!!! I just have a full-time job to deal manage this time around!
Clair and I will have a cup of tea to celebrate!

Using technology to network

I've been mulling over how we can "refresh" the BAOT student local groups.....by using our computers a bit more to keep in touch! There are so many different ways to connect online now...discussion forums, facebook, bebo etc. The student local group network aims to connect students with each other... and me. However, organising meetings and then updating me on the issues discussed....can, I'm sure, be a bit dull and time consuming. If we can utilise our electronic networks a bit more...maybe the network will be come a bit more "dynamic"? Suggestions, as ever, are welcome.

Record time

The posters have arrived already! I will soon be sending them off to the various OT programmes....to be displayed in key places. You might see one soon!

There are now 16 members of the Facebook group!

Leaflets, Postcards and Posters

I "signed off" all the student marketing material yesterday. The A5 leaflet, A3 poster and postcard designs have gone off to the printer....so I will soon be surrounded by boxes! This material will support the presentations provided either myself or one of my COT colleagues at your University or College. They are bright and eye catching so hopefully will help raise the profile of OT?

I've recently launched the Facebook group- Get Connected: Occupational Therapy Students. So far 13 people have joined! It will enable students and new graduates to keep in touch - in a different way. Have you joined yet?

The "Get Connected" model used in the new BAOT student marketing material! I honestly never thought I would get involved in developing leaflets when I started my OT programme all those years ago!!!!!!

Welcome to my blog!

Welcome to my blog!
Reflection, reflection, reflection.....is what my blog is all about! I'm going to be out and about visiting OT students around the UK so in addition to updating you on my lastest visit....you will hopefully get an insight into the role of COT student officer.