Osborn and his children John Steadman, 13, and Johannah, 8, enjoy a day in the outdoors. When Brandon Osborn, 38, began the entry-level OTD program in early May as part of its second cohort, he’d already spent 15 years working in several professions. That work had provided for his family—his wife, Jessica, and their two children, John Steadman, 13, and Johannah, 8—but it hadn’t fulfilled his dream of doing work he loves that also enriches the lives of others.

Osborn started work as landscaping supervisor after he earned his undergraduate degree in horticulture in 2007 from Auburn University. Three years into the job, he knew it wasn’t for him. At that time, the Great Recession had gutted many industries, but Osborn had a contact in oil and gas development, one of the few sectors that was booming.

“There was a major uptick in domestic drilling around 2009. Companies were offering great salaries for entry-level landmen who were willing to travel. I needed a job that could support my family, and I was fortunate enough to know someone who helped me get my foot in the door,” Osborn says.

He spent the next decade helping clients acquire oil, gas, and mineral assets. The work took him to Texas, Ohio, and West Virginia. When the pandemic brought the industry to a near halt, Osborn was determined to find a career he could commit to for life.

“I didn’t decide overnight to become an occupational therapist,” he says. “I had many conversations with my wife, and a lot of prayer. We decided that if I was going to have to reinvent again, I should do something that is meaningful, that will give joy, and that will be something that I want to do for the rest of my life.”

Here, Osborn talks about the experiences that led him to occupational therapy and how he balances being a husband and father with a demanding academic program.

Family time at the ice skating rink.

What did you know about occupational therapy before you considered it as a profession?

I didn’t fully understand occupational therapy until I saw my son benefit from the interventions. He has a sensory processing disorder, and when he was younger it was really pronounced.

One day I came home from work and there was a strange lady on the floor playing with my son and his trains. She was an OT, and after a few sessions we started seeing a world of difference in my son, who was around 4 at the time. He just came out of shell. It was amazing to watch.

As time went on, I saw how broad the field was. That therapist referred us to a colleague who specialized in equestrian therapy. My son loved it, and he never once thought of it as therapy. He just thought of it as riding horses, and every night he would say prayers for them—I think their names were Daisy and Duke.

Those experiences put occupational therapy in my field of vision. It took me a few years, but here I am.

What’s it like to be a student again after 15 years in the working world?

When I walked in [to the school], it felt like home. It wasn’t intimidating, it wasn’t a sterile environment. I could feel the instructors really cared about us and were invested in us. For the first time, I knew this was not just a job—it was something I was made to do.

I’d always wanted to go back to school, but life happens, and you start telling yourself, “I can’t” because of this or that. But now, even on a tough day, I can’t imagine not being overjoyed about being here, because it’s just a dream. It’s not only changing my life, but that of my family, and even future generations of my family.

Every day I leave here feeling like the sky’s the limit.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Getting back into the swing of full-time academic life has been something of a challenge, but it seems to come naturally. I’m also a full-time dad, and I’m still working. It sounds like a lot, but my family is a great support.

The Osborn family celebrates Johannah's first karate tournament. I couldn’t have done this without my wife, Jessica. I really married up when I married her. She’s the most supportive person I’ve ever met, and I don’t have the words to express just how grateful I am for her. My kids think it’s cool, though they mostly think of it as another job I go to—just one with a lot more homework. It’s definitely a team effort, and I feel like we’re all in this together.

Tell me a little about what you like to do in your downtime—if you have any!

I like to play golf when I can. I don’t play much, so I’m not good at it, but it’s fun and it’s relaxing. I enjoy spending time with my family. We go hiking a good bit—Birmingham has so many great options. I think Moss Rock is our favorite. And I try to cook. Lately, I’ve been dabbling with making homemade pizzas and barbecue.

What else would you like to share with your classmates and faculty?

I know I’m surrounded by people who are going to make a difference. They’re bright, they have they have so much talent, and they bring so many unique traits to this work. They are going to change the world, and I’m thankful to be a part of it.