Faith P.鈥檚 path to becoming an occupational therapy doctorate student at 国产主播鈥檚 Center for Graduate Studies wasn鈥檛 always clear. Her journey, which began with a kinesiology degree, has now led her to a program she is passionate about 鈥� and one that is helping her build the career she always dreamed of. 

Faith鈥檚 love for the human body and its systems started early. She pursued a bachelor鈥檚 in kinesiology at another university, knowing she wanted a career that allowed her to understand and work with the body. It wasn鈥檛 until she met a friend 鈥� someone who had already graduated from her alma mater 鈥� that she first learned about occupational therapy. 

鈥淪he was in the process of coming back for some additional credits to pursue the master鈥檚 program [at West Coast],鈥� Faith explained. 鈥淲e got to talking, and she introduced me to the world of OT. She raved about it, and as she shared more, I just fell in love with the idea.鈥� 

This conversation sparked something in Faith. It was her friend鈥檚 enthusiasm for OT and her own deep interest in human health that made Faith take the leap and apply for the OT program at WCU-CGS. 

鈥淪he told me the program was amazing, and that West Coast had a great track record with the NBCOT exam,鈥� Faith recalled. 鈥淭hat was really what sold me, knowing the program was designed to help me succeed.鈥� 

Faith was also pleasantly surprised by the support and resources available at WCU-CGS, which exceeded her expectations. 

鈥淚 never expected to have so many opportunities to connect with people,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he resources, the community 鈥� it鈥檚 all beyond what I imagined. I鈥檓 not just learning a profession; I鈥檓 building long-lasting relationships and a career that I never thought I could create.鈥� 

One of the most rewarding aspects of Faith鈥檚 experience has been the strong sense of community she鈥檚 found at WCU-CGS. 

鈥淭he connections I鈥檝e made have been crucial to my success,鈥� she shared. 鈥淔rom the moment I stepped on campus, I鈥檝e felt like I鈥檓 part of something bigger than myself.鈥� 

Faith鈥檚 cohort has become like a family. 鈥淲e talk every day, even outside of school. It鈥檚 not just about OT. We鈥檝e really become close friends,鈥� she added. 

She鈥檚 also been able to build relationships with faculty, mentors, and other students through various leadership roles. Faith serves as a coordinator for Peer Assisted Learning (PALs), where upper-term students mentor newer cohorts, helping them with practical exams and study sessions. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 an amazing experience,鈥� Faith said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like I鈥檓 giving back what I鈥檝e learned, and it鈥檚 been a great way to connect with other students.鈥� 

In addition, Faith is the president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association, where she works alongside other student leaders to promote community engagement, fundraising, and wellness for OT students. 

鈥淚 never expected to be president of SOTA,鈥� she laughed. 鈥淏ut I had the support of my community. They encouraged me to step into this leadership role, and with their help, I鈥檝e been able to succeed.鈥� 

In contrast to her undergrad experience, WCU-CGS has provided Faith with a clear and structured path. 

鈥淭hey gave me everything I needed 鈥� classes, timelines, even resources like the library and fieldwork coordinators,鈥� Faith said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been so much more organized and supportive than my undergrad experience. I feel like I finally have the guidance I need.鈥� 

For anyone considering a career in occupational therapy, Faith had some wise advice: 鈥淛ust go for it. Don鈥檛 doubt yourself. It鈥檚 hard work, but you can do hard things.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.