Where to start? It’s been a busy couple of months, and ever since my role change, I’ve had to learn how to juggle multiple responsibilities. Being present with my service users, thinking outside the box, staying flexible, and remaining loyal to my values and the foundations of independent living—all while pushing people to their limits and safeguarding them at the same time. It’s exhilarating, but I won’t deny that it’s also exhausting.

Multitasking has always been a big part of who I am. I take on a lot, and sometimes, it’s been hard to just say no and pause for a moment. Recently, I had that opportunity—to step back and recognize where I came from.

Thanks to the MAOT and its 40th anniversary, I was able to reflect on the journey of our profession, its roots, and the incredible progress we’ve made. The OT department started with just three therapists, eventually growing into a team of five, and through sheer perseverance, we built a whole service. Gaining recognition, respect, and acknowledgment was not an overnight process, but a continuous effort that took dedication, passion, and resilience.

Looking back, it has been more than five years of growth, learning, and challenges, all leading to a firm belief that we are on the right path. And when someone recognizes that effort—when a nomination for an award comes along—it reinforces that belief even more.

To the person who nominated me: Thank you for believing in my abilities and those of my colleagues. To the MAOT: Thank you for this initiative—we need more recognition, more visibility, and a stronger voice. I promise to keep advocating for the profession, sharing its wisdom, and pushing for the acknowledgment we deserve.

To my colleagues: Thank you for your support. To my service users: Thank you for challenging me. To my employer, directors, and managers, past and present: Thank you for teaching me. Every lesson, every challenge, and every success has contributed to this journey, and I am grateful for it all.

Here’s to continued growth, resilience, and advocacy—for ourselves, for our profession, and for the people we serve.