Fall 2015 Perspectives

18 • NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Over the past several months, the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) has given back tremen- dously to the community. By volunteering with charity organizations and government agencies, the association’s members have used their unique skills as occupational therapy students to lend a helping hand to those in need. For example, they assisted individuals to be safer in their cars and ensured that individuals who are homeless have a healthy meal. In doing so, they have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their commit- ment to the core values of the profession and NSU. Several SOTA members volunteered at Trinity Café, which is a local charity organization that has been providing meals for the past 14 years to those who are homeless and hungry. Trinity Café’s goal is to not only provide a hot meal to those in need, but to also give them a sense of personhood and belonging. Changing things for the better is a common theme in occupational therapy, and the students have demon- strated this by participating in several CarFit events. Endorsed by the Florida Department of Transportation and developed by the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Association for Retired Persons, CarFit seeks to help older adults fit better in their cars. During these events, the students helped inform, demonstrate, and facilitate safe-driving practices. Through these events, the students have left an indelible impression in the community, as well as in the O.T.D. program. n TAMPA Student Organization Engages with Tampa Bay Community BY JORDAN POWERS AND JONATHAN PITTS, O.T.D. STUDENTS