MSOT Newsletter Summer 2014 MSOT Newsletter Summer 2014 | Page 5

ment in their assistance as translators and facilitators. Despite of some language barrier, everyone was a great participant and all had a great time. To wrap up the day, everyone visited with each other, took pictures, shared laughs, and in true Japanese spirit, exchanged thoughtful gifts. Dr. Hwang Building OT from Coast to Coast – Japanese Students Visit Katharine Henderson, OTS Konnichiwa! The CSUDH Occupational Therapy department had the pleasure of hosting a group of about 40 Japanese OT students for a tour and visit to our campus. We can thank Professor Dr. Eric Hwang, along with a Japanese associate of his, for coordinating and overseeing the visit. The Japanese students had a busy day of OT-related events, including an informative lecture of OT in the US, lunch, a special campus tour, and mock OT treatment groups. The mock OT treatment groups were a hit and were led by three MSOT students from each section of Cohort 10. Treatment groups began with friendly introductions (name and favorite food) and the challenge to undo the tangle known as the “human knot.” Candace Chatman, MSOT ‘16, led a mental health group in creating a vision board with the goal of self-identification, values, and aspirations of future accomplishments, potential barriers, and needed supports. Kristina Larkins, MSOT ‘16, led an arts and crafts group in decorating miniature pumpkins with acrylic paint and thumb tacks, and focused on creative expression and fine motor skills, such as pincer grasp and lateral pinch. Ashok Sadasivaiah, MSOT ‘16, led a sensorimotor group in competing in obstacle courses and races to practice teamwork and gross motor skills. OTAC Conference Booth Lisa D. Langford, MA Edu. Counseling This was the first year that we were able to have a booth and participate at the Expo at the 2014 Occupational Therapy Association of California Exposition in Pasadena, California. It was an exciting time to see other partners and affiliates who support our students through fieldwork experience, or by attending the CSUDH OT Annual Career Fair. New ideas and innovations were presented by vendors that provide Occupational Therapists with resources, supplies, and new technology. Our OT Students stopped by the booth along with other students from West Coast University, USC, and Samuel Merritt. A highlight was to see Alumni from earlier cohorts come and speak to their appreciation of the CSUDH MSOT Program. To all CSUDH Alumni, continue to connect with us via our website or Facebook for upcoming events! Be sure to sign up as members of our Alumni page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CSUDHOTAlumni/ Jonathan Moh, MSOT ‘16, was a big help as assistant and timekeeper during the group leads. Lauren Yoshikawa, MSOT ‘16 and Yuka Yano, MSOT ‘16, are very mu ch appreciated for their all-day commit5