My Occupational Identity

Olivia Simmons: component 1- part two.

Family Belonging to family is one of the most important parts that make up my occupational identity.  We have a lot of fun and laughs together through family trips, holidays and just hanging out and their support and upbringing has contributed a lot to the person I am today. 

Being a friend Being a friend is also

one of the most important parts that

make up my occupational identity.

My friends have introduced me to new

occupations and hanging out with my

friends is what I spend the majority of my time

doing. My friends- whether it be old

friends I have had for years or new ones have all shaped who I am as

a person and contributed to my

occupational identity.

Christchurch

Retrieved from: http://ilammotel.co.nz/christchurch/

Belonging to Christchurch is a big part of my Occupational Identity as it is where I was born and where I grew up and where all my family live. It holds a lot of memories and is where a lot of my occupations have taken place over the

years.

Being an older sister

The role of being an older sister has helped form my occupational identity as I am very close to my siblings and spend a lot of time

with them. They have taught me a lot about who I am as a person through being a role model to them.

Travel Travelling has formed my occupational identity through having 6 months overseas I experienced many different cultures and met heaps of new people and formed many strong friendships. Through doing this and exploring many different countries I became more independent and aware of the world around me.

Being a flat mateBeing a flat mate makes up my occupational identity as I have a very close relationship with all of my flat mates and we have a lot of fun together . Flatting has bought on many new roles and responsibilities such as cooking for each other, cleaning and having to pay bills etc.

Cycling

Cycling formed a big part of my occupational identity especially when I was at high school.

It gave me a sense of belonging through belonging to my school team and was really social. Cycling gave me a good sense of achievement through competing

in different schools events and is still something I really enjoy doing every now and then as It is a

good way to stay healthy and keep fit.

WalksI love going for walks with my family and friends which make up part of my occupational identity. When I am home in Christchurch I enjoy going on many walks with my Dad around Hagley park or the port hills (as seen in the picture) and I enjoy going up the reservoir and signal hill with my flat mates when I am in Dunedin. I find going on walks really relaxing and like exploring new places while doing exercise. It is also a good time to catch up with family and friends and get fresh air and to keep a healthy balanced life .

Becoming an Occupational Therapist

O Retrieved from http://everydaymadeeasier.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/helpful-links.html

Being a student studying Occupational Therapy at Otago Polytechnic through study, fieldwork and meeting new people has impacted on my occupational identity as I want to become an OT in the future. Through studying occupational therapy I have learnt more skills that will help me become a qualified professional which has helped me learn about who I am as a person.

Being a pet owner

I have grown up with animals and pets being a big part of my life and therefore being a pet owner has made up part of my occupational identity. My family dog (Milly- as seen in picture) has been a big part of my life for the past 11 years. Taking Milly for walks, feeding her and chasing her down the street when she runs aways has been an occupation I have held for many years.

References:

Everyday made easier, helpful links [image]. (2012). Dunedin, Otago. Otago Polytechnic

Ilam hotel [image]. (2012). Christchurch, Canterbury.