2. Daughter
Being 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.
3. Wife
With 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.
4. Sister
Initially 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.
5. 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.
6. Friend
We 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.
7. Travelling
New 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.
8. Farm girl
Growing 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.
9. Adventure seeker
I 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
