OccupationsJess Calder

Assessment 1Component 1, Part 2

The whole reason I am in Dunedin is to get a degree and become a qualified occupational therapist. Majority of my time is spent studying, attending lectures and tutorials, doing readings or completing assignments. If people asked what I do, I would say I’m studying occupational therapy, it is my main role and all the occupations involved make up part of my occupational identity.

Being an occupational therapy student

Dance has always been a huge part of my life and I was really involved before I came to Dunedin, I would still say dance gives meaning to my life though as I watch lots of dance videos online and follow what all my old dance groups are up to, however I am no longer as actively involved due to lack of time and money. Dance has taught me confidence, in being able to perform in front of crowds of people.

Dance

I’ve grown up around the ocean my whole life and so getting my scuba license was no surprise to my family and friends, I love being in the ocean and being able to experience it in a whole new way is amazing. This photo is from one of my dives in Vanuatu.

Scuba diving

My whole life I have grown up with pets at home, I am a huge animal lover and think I always will have a soft spot for animals. This is one of my grandad’s farm dog puppies. Looking after animals has taught me to be caring and patient.

Animal lover

Staying fit is important to me especially considering I haven’t been playing sport in Dunedin like I did in high school so I try to go to the gym a few times a week. I like doing physical activity and the gym is the perfect environment to try out different kinds of workouts.

Going to the gym

I love socializing and spending time with the people I love is definitely my favorite thing to do. This photo is of a few of my mates doing what we do best, being silly. I’m a people person so this is definitely part of my occupational identity.

Catching up with friends and family

Driving is a big deal for me as I find it means independence, and allows you to do so much more. This photo is with the car I first learnt to drive a manual in. Driving has taught me to be independent.

Driving

I would definitely identify with guitar playing, it is something my granddad taught me and I always play with my dad and when we have family reunions there are always a few guitars around and we always end up in a sing along. This photo was from a family picnic at my grandparents house.

Playing the guitar

This photo is of me and my four flat mates. Being a flat mate has definitely taught me about team work and to be easy going. Occupations involved in being a flat mate include cooking and cleaning which are occupations I actually enjoy doing.

Being a flat mate

I’m a sister to two brothers and this is definitely how I can define myself, especially because family is so important to me. Being there for my brothers for support is really special and I love the support they give me as their sister.

Being a sister