It is okay to not be okay!
That is the biggest concept I have learnt over my 8 weeks at Geronimo.
Even as a fourth-year student completing my placement at Geronimo it was definitely a bit scary as I have never had any experience with community OT before. However, the moment I stepped foot inside and met my lovely supervisor, I knew it was going to be a joy.
From the quick rundown of Geronimo and being provided with their graduate handbook (which was super duper helpful and informative), to meeting the team, every part of it was thrilling. Everyone at Geronimo has their own unique bubbly personality and that made me feel happier and welcomed each day coming in for the 8 weeks.
The supportive environment amongst all the OTs at Geronimo and my supervisor helped me overcome any challenges or difficulties I had but most importantly, it is okay not to be okay! Whether I felt unwell or anxious about something, I have learnt that it is completely okay to not run sessions with participants as the way I originally hoped for. I took every experience, good or bad, as a learning opportunity to take on as a future graduate OT.
My supervisor enabled me to learn so much more as a placement student and was always ready to answer any of my questions or concerns. There was not a time I can think of where I felt out of place, flustered or lost because my supervisor would always be next to me to help guide me back on track, and I did not feel ashamed or embarrassed to make a mistake. Geronimo has provided me with heaps of resources to extend my knowledge and it is something I will forever be grateful for.
Regular supervision and completing modules of the handbook in particular the resilience & wellbeing module, helped with my stress management and coping mechanisms for potential burnouts. However, during my time at Geronimo, it was not daunting at all as I thought it to be initially but rather an environment where it is comfortable, supportive, and engaging.
My favourite experience would most definitely be driving out to the different locations I have never been before and meeting the participants. There have been no bad encounters or experiences for me as a placement student, however, something I did learn overtime was that I am terrible at Uno Flip, but I can be a prodigy at Avalanche fruit stand!
Written by Eric Luu - 4th year placement student from La Trobe University