The other day I was involved in an online discussion with some colleagues about delayed gratification. We talked about setting goals and the need to be oriented toward the future, to put off the immediate gratification of today in order to work toward the accomplishments of tomorrow.

I've had my own share of experience with the concept of delayed gratification. As many of you know, I was struck by a van five years ago and sustained a wrist fracture with several torn ligaments and a compression fracture at L3. When I was lying on the pavement waiting for the ambulance, I realized I could have been killed. I had a second chance, and I thought to myself, "Wow, I guess I better do something really good with my life." That moment set off a chain of events that have led up to my recent accomplishments.

I decided that despite my accident, surgery and recovery, I wanted to finish the book that I had started a month earlier. I published Common Phrase Translation: Spanish for English Speakers for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy in 2006. I also wanted to teach a Spanish for Occupational Therapy class, and get my post-professional master's in OT.

Five years, one month and 12 days after the accident, I launched the Functional Communication: Spanish for Occupational Therapy class here in southern California, hosted by interface Rehab Inc., with thanks to Anant Desai. It was extremely rewarding to see the fruits of my labor, and the positive outcome of the plan I had set for myself so long ago.

In January I taught a test class, Spanish for Physical Therapy, to work out the logistics so that my OT class would be a success. From that class, I learned that I needed more native-speaking assistants to increase the correct auditory input. I also needed to add an audio CD so the students could practice at home after the class was over.

All that preparation was worth it when I hosted my Functional Communication: Spanish for Occupational Therapy class last month. We had 22 learners from diverse backgrounds, all occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. The students came to the class with vary-

ing degrees of Spanish fluency but they were all committed to increasing their communication skills in Spanish to improve service delivery for Spanish-speaking OT clients.

During the two-day class, I could see the determination on their faces as they tried to say the phrases correctly. They were leaning forward, listening to each other, repeating the phrases and really working together. They were learning from each other.

I will be presenting a poster session of my study of the effectiveness of the class at the World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress in Santiago, Chile, in May 2010.

When we make a plan, set a goal and put one foot in front of the other despite difficulties, we set into motion energy, action and an opportunity to make a difference not only in our lives, but in the lives of others. We may think at the time that it isn't a big deal, that it may not make much of a difference, or that it is too difficult. But over time we can see a ripple effect which becomes bigger than the original thought or idea.

I encourage each of you to bring forth your ideas, put them into action and keep working, working, working toward the goal. Don't quit! It may take a long time

for you to see the results, but the delayed gratification is worth it. It certainly was for me. I've accomplished two of my goals, and I will walk the stage for my MSOT in August 2010.

As Paul Mugo, Kenyan-born OT practicing in the United Kingdom, says, "Yes, I can." I add, "and so can you."

Jacqueline Thrash, OTR, columnist, educator and author, can be reached at www.commonphrase-translation.com and thrash@pinkiemae.com. She'd like to acknowledge Stephany Tritt, PT; Aurora Rowland, OTR/L; Alice Murphy, DPT student; Erika Lopez, rehab tech; Maryjane Dunn, PhD; and Eddie Thrash for their assistance and support with the Spanish for OT class.