Inspirational Story

What has your education journey looked like so far?

I picked health and social care, applied science and sociology for my A levels.

Following my A levels, I completed my degree in Occupational Therapy.

My degree was challenging at times, but I knew it was a rewarding profession which motivated me to be resilient.

What influenced your choice of profession?

Through personal experience – an Occupational Therapist visited a family member after having a stroke and I saw how much the Occupational Therapist made a difference to my family members life.

Increasing independence and autonomy is now a goal I aim towards in my career.

What were your thoughts before and after starting the course/your role?

I was nervous to start off with but as I researched and explored the role of Occupational Therapists, I was determined and enthusiastic about starting the course and completing the course.

After completing the course I was excited to start working as an Occupational Therapist.

What do you love about your role?

I am now working independently visiting service users who have mental health illnesses and/or are under assessment for dementia. I am learning new things every day which increases my experience.

I love interacting with service users and their family through building relationships. I enjoy caring for others and when I receive appreciative comments about the impact I have made in their lives, it is really fulfilling. It gives me gratitude for my health whilst I am young and healthy.

What does your role look like day to day?

I complete risk and cognitive assessments to support a person to function meaningfully in their home environment.

I work with service users to ensure that they are safe and independent as much as possible in their occupation, by providing support, strategies and aid equipment (if required).

I support clients to continue doing the daily activities that maintain their health & well-being and are important to them.

Would you like to share anything regarding South Asian Heritage Month?

I think it is brilliant working with a group of people from different ethnic backgrounds, it allows us to recognise and understand different ethnicities and be aware of these when working clinically also.

South Asian Heritage Month provides learning opportunities for others and allows people of South Asian heritage to reclaim their history and identity.

Promoting identity is something that fits perfectly with OT!!