Michelle Kyle Baughman

Good day, CRS! As April comes to an end, we would like to feature one hard-working individual—Michelle Kyle Baughman—a 2nd year Occupational Therapy student at Liceo de Cagayan University. Let’s get to know her more!

To begin, Kyle revealed that OT was not her first choice. In fact, she did not know what OT’s were and what they did back in 2020 during the enrollment period of her first year. She became interested in the occupational therapy course after some research and despite how challenging she saw it would be, she decided on the course as her final decision. Kyle also hopes to also pursue med school to be a psychiatrist.

A few memorable moments are the things that make college more bearable and enjoyable. For Kyle, her most favorite memory was during her practical assessments when the class would either act as a therapist and a normal patient, “and ended up being a prospective patient because of the result of our assessment”. And to add on, during their class discussion, they would self diagnose and say “Hala in-ana lage ko”.

The 2021-2022 school year started remotely, Kyle managed with being online through a very important mantra, “This too shall pass”, reminding us that a few tough moments does not equal a tough life. That we must look forward to a better and brighter future ahead, while also living the best we can in the present. Eventually, the OT 2nd year students were able to attend face-to-face classes. Kyle shares that the classes, so far, have been fun yet challenging, especially the adjustments from fully online to in person learning such as the routines of waking up early to prepare and go to school. Her routine during remote learning had included joining classes in pajamas, that I’m sure we all can relate to. Furthermore, her favorite part about f2f is the physical presence of her classmates, in which they would work and cram together. Also, she enjoys all the materials they learn from practicals and case discussions; from planning for the intervention to learning how to handle future patients.

As students in a medical course, it may get tough, academically. Here are Kyle’s coping mechanisms, which includes making a time table or daily/weekly schedules, as it is important to know what she needs to do so that she does not miss deadlines and fall behind. Scheduling and managing time are just one of the few key things to ensure success, that way you are less likely to be overwhelmed by all the assignments. Next is to get enough sleep; she takes naps and allows the body and mind to recharge. Along with rest, is taking breaks. Then celebrate every milestone, “to be honest, inom with friends every after exam week”, shares Kyle. And lastly, surround yourself with those who motivate you to do better, not just from school but to those at home and others as well. She sends her gratitude to her family, for providing her with “their undying support and for always believing in me and my capabilities even on times wherein me, myself would doubt my capabilities,” and to God also for sustaining her and her family.

Kyle’s advice to current and first year OT’s is to “Always remember that, “it is the ADL that we engage in that makes us who we are’”. Just enjoy the journey and don’t forget to take a rest because learning isn’t just limited to the four corners of the OT lab and e-forums. We wish you well on your journey, Kyle!

Writer: Kissy Chyne Zaportiza, CRS Newsletter Writer