Occupational IdentityPhoto Presentation – Abby Wilson

DaughterBeing a daughter was the first role I had and it will continue to define who I am. It guides my everyday life and is my continual place of belonging, no matter how dynamics change.

WifeWith becoming a wife comes a new identity, and a new set of roles to ‘do.’ It provided me with the opportunity to ‘become’ a part of a new family, which I know ‘belong’ to. It is with my Husband that I can ultimately ‘be’ my true self. I find this role to be very meaningful and therefore satisfying.

SisterInitially I was a sister. Our family grew and I then ‘become’ a sister-in-

law. I then ‘became’ an Aunty to three boisterous nephews and adorable niece. Without first ‘being’ a sister I wouldn’t have ‘become’ an Aunty. I feel a real sense of ‘belonging’ with my nephews and nieces and believe

that with our growing family comes increased satisfaction.

Grand daughter‘Being’ a granddaughter holds special meaning for me. My Grandmother has always been a loving influence in my life and continues to do so. As the head of our family she encases the ultimate sense of belonging. She gives me direction for the future and brings meaning from the past. Together we have undergone transitions which continue to bring us together. The role of granddaughter is a central role in my life.

FriendWe have been friends since school and continue to grow with each other. We

continue to ‘do’ activities together and ‘be’ apart of each others lives. We are by each others sides as we ‘become’ grown up with all that it entails. Most importantly

we always find ‘belonging’ when we are together.

TravellingNew Zealand is my favourite place to travel. It lets me gain insight into different communities and understand different cultures and the barriers and facilitators that others face. It gives me a sense of belonging as it connects me to my history and to my land.

Farm girlGrowing up on a farm shaped my occupational identity. Much of my childhood was spent ‘doing’ a range of farm jobs. It has created an infinity with the outdoors and now there is no place I would rather be. Our family farm is where I find the most ‘belonging’ with the land.

Adventure seekerI enjoy experiencing and ‘doing’ new thing. Trying out occupations enables me to try new things, learn new skills and meet people from all walks of life. It enables me to learn more about myself and to become a more confident person. I have been skydiving, paint balling, white water river rafting, kayaking trips, mountain climbing, caving, quad biking and more.

Baker Baking and creating food not only enables me to ‘do’ a therapeutic occupation by also allows me to express myself wholeheartedly and bring an element that I can utilise in many of my roles.

Occupational Therapy Student

‘Being’ a part of the occupational therapy community shapes my occupational identity. I identify positively with being a learner and enjoy each new experience as it allows me to gain new knowledge and broaden my horizons.My main goal is to become a registered occupational therapist. After I complete my degree I will change roles from a student and ‘become’ an occupational therapist.