OCCUPATIONAL IDENTITY

Ashleigh Ryalls

Daughter & Sister

My family is very important to me, my identity is very tied up with being a daughter and a sister. We go on family camping trips, have regular time together, talk often on the phone, celebrate together, and provide support. I place great value on the presence and support of my family in my life.

Flat mate

As a flat mate I have to fulfil responsibilities such as paying my share of the rent and bills on time, completing my share of the flat chores, such as the cleaning and cooking, socialising with my flat mates; watching television, eating meals together, and being respectful of my flat mates.

Animals have always been a part of my life, I am the proud owner of a four year old dog. I really enjoy this role, being responsible for him; feeding him, walking him, playing with him, and in return getting a happy, loving animal companion.

Animal lover

Being a student comprises a large part of my occupational identity, in

performing this role I participate in lectures, complete readings and

research relevant material. I also attend social events with my class

mates and exercise regularly at UNIPOL.

STUDENT

Employee

(Blog.com, 2011).

Ever since I was fifteen I have had paid employment, I have always enjoyed working, the independence having my own money gives me, the friends I make and people I meet, the satisfaction of doing a good job and learning new skills. This is a big part of my identity, I thrive on interacting with others, love the sense of achievement I gain in mastering the skills involved in my work, and feeling that I am making a contribution. In my current job I interact with customers, sales representatives and designers, complete sales, order stock and maintain the tidiness of the store.

FRIEND

Being a friend is another large part of my identity, this role requires me to be there to support my friends, to be accepting, and be there in good times and bad. The majority of my time spent performing the role of a friend is having fun and laughing together. Listening, supporting, talking, laughing, catching up, sharing occupations, and celebrating.

I love the outdoors, I have grown up in a family who spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor occupation. I have spent many Summer vacations camping with my family at Lake Hawea, we go boating and water skiing, and go on lots of bush walks. I really enjoy spending time at the beach, swimming, walking the dogs, and lounging in the sun. There are also many beautiful walking tracks in Dunedin that I visit. I like being outside in the garden, and over the past few years have gotten quite interested in growing my own vegetables.

OUTDOOR LOVER

Ever since I was a child I have enjoyed arts and crafts, I have always liked to draw, and got involved in painting through school art classes. I often make the birthday cards I give, and like to try my hand at new craft techniques such as the mosaic shown above. I get great satisfaction out of making something from scratch, working out how each stage of the craft is done and producing the finished product.

CRAFT ENTHUSIAST

Ukulele player

I have recently begun playing the ukulele. I attend a teaching session once a week, and practice throughout the week using the handout provided by the tutor, I also use the internet to find online tutorials to further my learning.

Future Occupational therapist

I am currently engaged in the role of a student to fulfil my aspiration of becoming a qualified occupational therapist. This is a role that will allow me to work with a range of people in a variety of settings, and to use meaningful occupation to promote health and wellbeing.

(Husband to Anglophile, 2011).

References

Blog.Com. (2011). Spongebob Squarepants employee of the month. Retrieved from http://pwolucibleyxuz.blog.com/2011/12/20/spongebob-squarepants-employee-of-the-month/

Husband to anglophile. (2011).From providence to London (and beyond): For family and friends who might be interested in our adventure. Retrieved from http://prov2london.blogspot.co.nz/2011/03/occupational-therapy-in-london.html