The daughter of a physical therapist, Dara C. was introduced to the field when she was 10 years old but wasn鈥檛 immediately drawn to it.

Instead, Dara said, she responded to the 鈥渉olistic approach鈥� of an occupational therapist in her mother鈥檚 office and the techniques being used with some geriatric clients.

鈥淭hey were literally using toys for rehabilitation, and I just thought that was such a unique way to get someone to do what they want to do or need to do to recover,鈥� Dara said. 鈥淚 know that鈥檚 not the average dream job for a fifth grader, of course, but 鈥� ever since, my passion for OT has just grown.鈥�

After completing high school, Dara pursued a bachelor鈥檚 degree in kinesiology at Cal State University Dominguez Hills, considering it a perfect foundation for her future in occupational therapy. Post-graduation, Dara applied to several master鈥檚 programs in occupational therapy and ultimately chose 国产主播, partly on the recommendation of one of her mother鈥檚 colleagues who had graduated from WCU鈥檚 OT program.

Upon visiting the campus and interacting with the faculty, Dara decided to enroll at WCU.

鈥淪he really enjoyed her experience here, and I can see why,鈥� Dara said. 鈥淲e have smaller cohorts, meaning we are more intimate with each other. We all know each other on a personal level. The professors, they know our names, of course, but they also really care about us.鈥�

Approaching her period of fieldwork, Dara found it challenging to narrow down her field of interest. Initially inclined towards geriatrics, her experience in various courses, including pediatrics, mental health, and hand therapy, led her to consider alternative specialties.

鈥淭hroughout my time in this program, I kept switching because I was learning something new, and then I鈥檓 like, 鈥極h, this is amazing,鈥� and then I learn something new,鈥� Dara said. 鈥淚f I had to choose one, right now it would be to work with pediatrics, specifically infants, and working on their primitive reflexes and seeing if there are any delays cognitively.鈥�

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.