The opening lecture was delivered by the department’s Vice Chair, Asst. Prof. Dr. Beyza Aslı Bilsel. In her introduction, Dr. Bilsel addressed the students by saying: “Today, you are not only starting your university life but also taking the very first step on a professional journey where you will touch human lives. The knowledge you will gain throughout this process will guide you not only in your academic career but also in your personal development.”
Throughout the course, students were introduced to:
The fundamental philosophy and core values of occupational therapy,
The importance of daily living activities for health and social participation,
Effective study strategies and time management for academic success,
The wide scope of practice areas and career opportunities in occupational therapy.
Dr. Bilsel enriched the lecture with contemporary examples and short case discussions, capturing students’ attention and reinforcing the relevance of occupational therapy in various fields.
The students also learned about the broad practice areas of the profession, ranging from pediatrics and geriatrics to mental health, community-based practice, and technology-assisted interventions. Practical advice on course planning, preparation for clinical observation, and developing interdisciplinary collaboration skills was also shared to support their academic journey.
The “First Step into the Profession” course not only introduced students to the culture of the department but also strengthened their motivation as they began the new academic year. At the end of the lecture, students emphasized that this starting point helped them clarify their goals and prepared them to embark on their occupational therapy journey with enthusiasm.
This very first lecture was recorded as a meaningful and memorable beginning to both the fall semester and the professional identity development of first-year occupational therapy students.
