Volunteer OT in New Zealand

My name is Olivia Niehoff.  I am a first semester graduate student at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and am working towards getting my Master’s Degree in occupational therapy.

I have always believed in one’s ability to impact the life of another human being. Ever since I can remember, I have wanted work with kids. Whether it be making them laugh on a bad day or helping them overcome a challenging obstacle, I have always wanted to help make a difference in a child’s life. I have never been able to think of a better life calling than helping children.  It is this love for children and love for helping others that lead me to want to get my Master’s Degree in occupational therapy.

There are countless things that an occupational therapist can do for children. One of the major roles an occupational therapist can play in child’s life is through educational outlets such as schools. Many times, an occupational therapist can help a child both inside and outside of the classroom. By working on social skills, handwriting, verbal cues, strengthening exercises, and social integration skills, children with disabilities can begin to become more confident in who they are and more eager to participate in their everyday school environment.

I am so eager to jump into this field, that I can almost feel the walls of the college classroom slowly caving in on me! I am ready to get out and satisfy my passion for helping children and put my education to the test. I have also had a heart for taking risks and pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone, and there’s no better time than RIGHT NOW to do just that!

I am very excited to announce that I have recently been given the opportunity to combine these loves by doing a volunteer program in Auckland, New Zealand with a program called Travellers Worldwide (link: Travellers Worldwide). On May 17, I will be travelling to Auckland for 7 weeks to volunteer under an occupational therapist in a special education facility called Endeavour Centre in Mount Roskill Primary School (link: Endeavour Centre ). During my time at the Endeavour Centre, I will have the opportunity to work with young kids, with a wide array of disabilities and therapeutic needs. I will not only be challenged to learn more about what it means to be an occupational therapist, but I will also be challenged to learn more about myself. This could quite possibly be one of the greatest adventure of my life, and I am both excited and scared.

Unfortunately, life’s greatest adventures are rarely free. My program fees cover my volunteer arrangements and living expenses, and that’s about it. Flights, food and other transportation means are all left to yours truly; and the prices are looking steeper then I intended. While I am well on my way to having them covered, I am looking for a little help! So here I am, a girl with a big dream and an empty wallet, asking you to support my experience in New Zealand. Although your monetary donations will not go directly to Endeavour Centre, they will allow me to serve the children who attend this school. In turn, your donations will impact the hundreds of kids I will have the privilege to come in contact with. With your help, I hope to impact the lives of so many children who lack the opportunities and resources we have access to in the U.S. Please support me - in any way that you can - in fulfilling my dream and working to improve human lives at the same time! I cannot possibly do any of this without you, and I truly appreciate any donation, words or encouragement or prayers sent my way. THANK YOU!