Belize Fieldwork - Therapy Volunteers

My fieldwork placement in Belize City was a very meaningful experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally. Most of my time was spent at Stella Maris School, where I worked closely with children and Maya the speech therapists.

One of the biggest takeaways was learning the importance of cultural humility, patience, and adaptability. Each day required flexibility, especially when plans changed or resources were limited, which pushed me to become more creative when developing intervention ideas and treatment plans. I also strengthened my pediatric OT skills, documentation abilities, and confidence in a clinical setting.

A highlight of the experience was working alongside Maya. She was extremely knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate about her work with the community. Observing her interactions and learning from her had a really positive impact on my experience.

Overall, this placement challenged me in many ways but also reminded me why I chose occupational therapy. I would highly recommend it to students who are open-minded, willing to learn, and ready to step outside of their comfort zone.