Student profile: Occupational therapy
We caught up with occupational therapy student Aswithaa Visakeswaran, to find out why she chose her degree and what it's like studying at the University of Sydney.
Why did you choose Occupational Therapy?
I chose occupational therapy because it encourages critical yet creative thinking, it offers a wide field of clinical practice, and the incomparable fulfilment I will gain from being able to find strategies that have the ability to transform an individual’s life.
What does a typical day at uni look like for you?
A typical day is jam packed with lectures and tutorials to enhance our knowledge to be better clinicians on the field! There’s always time to hang out with friends and grab a bite to eat amidst all the study.
What has surprised you most about your degree?
What has surprised me the most about my degree is the various roles occupational therapists play in a variety of settings. Though we are health practitioners, we are also investigators, advocates, learners, consultants, managers and so much more.
It was only upon starting university that I had realised that being an occupational therapist requires you to KNOW the UNKNOWN and be prepared to face and handle any task at hand and I look forward to learning how I can do this.
What do you like most about studying at Sydney?
Ever since I was a little girl, USYD has always been my dream university and what I love most about studying here so far is the friendly faces, the scenic environment and the countless amounts of opportunities to get involved and enhance your learning.
What advice would you give other students just starting out?
Don’t have expectations! Allow yourself to experience everything that comes your way. If you do chose to study occupational therapy, figuring out how to explain to others what we really do and the role we play really helps.