It’s Back to School: meet some of the new and returning MOT students

With the 2015/2016 academic year fast approaching, we sat down with some of this year’s new and returning MOT students to find out what attracted them to the program, and what excites them about the year ahead.
 

Catharine Eckersley – Class of 2016

Hometown: Chilliwack, B.C.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy?

Nine years ago, as an eager first-year kinesiology student, I became involved in a volunteer adaptive ski program teaching children with mental and physical disabilities and abilities to ski/snowboard. I loved the creativity, challenge, and emotional reward of assisting the children to fully participate and enjoy the activity with their friends and family. I thought, wouldn’t it be great if I got paid to help people do all their favourite activities and help them, even just a little, to have the best day and life possible? I taught the same girl with cerebral palsy for four years, became part of her family, and found about OT through them.

What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?

There’s too much to look forward to this school year! I’m most excited about being able to contribute to this amazing program through my involvement with the OT Student Society (OTSS), gaining diverse hands-on practical experience with my six-months of placements, and being able to explore the world of research with our Capstone project on scooter-training.

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?

That, like many other OT students, the year I was accepted into the program was not my first year applying. Or my second. Or my third.
In hindsight, I am grateful that I was accepted when I was, as it provided me with the time to obtain more education, gain work-force experience, volunteer internationally, and become a more passionate, appreciative, and “all-in” OT student. I’m now Co-President of the OTSS, involved in various extracurricular OT research projects, and was this year’s Faculty of Medicine’s recipient of the Janet Louise Berryman Scholarship in Medicine.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Working in a clinic, providing services to youth and adults with brain injuries. Taking on students as a placement preceptor. Designing specialized adaptive equipment to make everyday life easier. Creating unique activity-based group programs for people with mental health issues. Considering pursuing a PhD. Advocating for seniors rights. Shaping Canadian healthcare policy. Who knows? Hopefully living the dream; working a meaningful OT job, contributing to my community through volunteer activities, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance with family and friends. Oh and in the mountains, I have to be in the mountains.
 

Chelsea Gowan – class of 2017

Hometown: Port Coquitlam, B.C.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy?

My interest in OT began back in high school, when I was able to work with students with disabilities. I completed my Rehabilitation Assistant diploma in 2010 and loved the work that I did and what I was able to learn. This led me to become even more interested in OT and the variety of areas that OT’s can work.

What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?
Being able to take part in a lot of different practical experiences/community visits. I want to be exposed to as many new experiences as possible.

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?

I have a twin sister who is a teacher in the tri-cities!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself living in the interior of BC. I’ve always wanted to live up there and have land. I’d love to own my own OT consulting business, or to be working with a great team of community OTs.
 

Joel Helland – Class of 2017

Hometown: Kelowna, B.C.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy?

After completing the Therapist Assistant Diploma at Okanagan College in 2011, I chose to pursue occupational therapy. Within the TAD program, I learned about 3 areas of therapy (Rec, Physio and Occupational). I felt that my qualities and characteristics naturally aligned with what makes up an effective therapist.

What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?

Getting to know the faculty members, classmates, and peers from other graduate programs. I am also quite looking forward to focusing in on one subject, with one specific goal, while surrounded by 53 other like-minded friends. Also, is there a more beautiful campus and area to study than Vancouver’s UBC campus? I think not!

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?

As of April 2015, I became a dad for the first time to a beautiful baby boy named Levi.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Working full-time as an occupational therapist, hopefully raising 2 children by then, having most (if not all) of my student loan paid off, in my own home with my wife and kid(s), and continuing to live life to the fullest.
 

Nicole Heron – class of 2017

Hometown: Victoria, B.C.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy?

I have interests all over the map so sticking with and pursuing a certain field proved difficult. With my mom being an OT, the idea of occupational therapy as a potential career path had been there all my life. However, when I realized that occupational therapy combines science and art – analytical skills with creative solutions – it finally clicked. I didn’t have to choose between my inner science kid and artist. I can apply my whole self, which aligns with one of the pillars of occupational therapy: holism.

What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?

I am thrilled to finally start building upon the base of my psychology undergraduate education. The UBC program will allow me to transform my interest for occupational therapy into the practical knowledge and skills I need for my professional career. Additionally, I am excited to work closely with my MOT cohort, all the while exploring different parts of B.C.

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
My favourite evenings are spent on the dance floor. I was big into UVic’s Ballroom Dance Club and even entered a couple of competitions (e.g. waltz). Now, I hope to loosen up with some swing dancing and lindy hop in Vancouver.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself working as a professional OT in B.C., perhaps in one of my current areas of interest: hand therapy, ergonomics, or technology for people with disabilities. That said, I’m keeping an open mind and looking forward to having my ambition influenced by UBC’s master’s program and various fieldwork placements.
 

Anna La Lau – class of 2017

Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy?

I wanted a career that would challenge me. Also, I have always been interested in working in the healthcare sector and I know from previous positions that I love working with patients. Occupational therapy just seemed like a natural fit!

What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?

After a year off from school, I am excited to get back to the university environment.

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?

Wandering around in the woods is one of my favourite pastimes.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I love to travel so I hope to continue venturing abroad, while working as an OT. Other than that it is very hard to tell!
 

Danita Morin – Class of 2017

Hometown: Comox, B.C.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy?

Since volunteering at my local therapeutic riding society when I was in middle school, I have always enjoyed working with children with developmental, physical, and cognitive challenges. Looking into rehabilitation careers, I was drawn to occupational therapy because of the profession’s holistic approach to promoting health, and encompassing physical, physiological, and sociological aspects of wellbeing.

What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?

I am most excited to meet my classmates and for my first fieldwork placement!

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?

I have been to Disneyland on three different continents – Anaheim in the United States, Paris in Europe, and Tokyo in Japan…and my favorite character is Tinkerbell.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Good question! In five years, I hope to know my favorite OT specializations, own a Scottish Fold cat, and have travelled to South America.
 

Negah Mortazavi – class of 2017

Hometown: Tehran, Iran

What sparked your interest in pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy?

It all started with a speech I heard in one of my classes made by a person who had multiple disabilities. This individual captivated me and subsequently I did some further research and realized that occupational therapy is something I am extremely interested in.

What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?

To meet all the students and professors who share the same passion as me and to study and learn to become an occupational therapist.

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?

I was an honor student, very research focused, and planning to continue my education to obtain a PhD in psychology. My work with individuals with acquired brain injury made me realize that I will be more satisfied working in the occupational therapy field.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself in the field of occupational therapy, either working with children with learning disabilities, or assisting a group of elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease, or applying technology to enable a person after an accident, or perhaps conducting research on the effectiveness of a program.
 

Jonathan Roth – class of 2017

Hometown: Teaneck, New Jersey, USA

What sparked your interest in pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy?

I initially thought about the profession based on positive experiences that family members had working with OTs. I was drawn to the individual and small group interactions between the occupational therapists and the patients. I work best in these settings because I can give people my undivided attention. During my observations in a variety of clinical settings, I was inspired by how calm, patient, and positive the OTs were with all the cases they worked.

What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?
I am most excited about launching a new career in OT (I was previously trained as a conservation biologist).

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?

I used to be a disc jockey for a heavy metal radio show in college. I have subsequently expanded my music collection, which now includes classical and jazz.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself working as an occupational therapist in a geriatric inpatient setting either in the US or Canada. However, I am open to other options based on my experiences in the MOT program.
 

Fiona Stevenson – class 2016

Hometown: Lake Country, in the Okanagan. But I am originally from Scotland, and have lived in Canada for 6 years.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy?

I remember learning about Occupational Therapy in high school in Scotland, and thinking then it would be a really good fit. I completed my undergrad in Psychology and English and knew throughout my 4 years that UBC’s program was exactly where I wanted to end up. It is grounded in so many aspects of life I value: individuality and independence, compassion, understanding, time and patience. I love how in OT there is a fundamental and holistic focus on all aspects of the individual. I was always passionate about psychology and I also love my creative side. I am able to engage with both of these passions daily with OT. I get to spend quality time with my clients, and help them in tangible ways that make a genuine difference in their lives. It’s an amazing feeling, and I feel privileged to be in a position to help people in such a special way. It inspires me for my future career.

What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?

Continuing to learn and develop my skills as a budding OT! I am really excited for my next fieldwork placements too. During every placement you gain a little bit more knowledge and a little bit more experience, and of course learn so much while you’re there. It’s great to dip your toes into different environments and learn from so many people, often from the whole interdisciplinary health team. The last year I spent as an MOT1 went incredibly quickly and was a great experience. I look forward to being an MOT2, completing my master’s, and being able to call myself an occupational therapist a year from now!

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve always wanted a red Ducati, ever since I was little (that’s on my post graduation shopping list!)

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years I would love to be working in a job where I am fulfilled and satisfied with the work I am doing. I would love to be settled down in a little house with my partner and a big golden retriever, and still find the time to continue to do all of the other things in life I find fulfillment in, like cooking, being in nature and hiking, day trips, and Okanagan summer days.