This is a small photo collection of occupations that I consider as being apart of my occupational identity.

1. Assessment One: Occupational
Concepts Portfolio
Part Two: Practical Task

2. Student Occupational Therapist
I first decided to study occupational therapy because I wanted to help others by making a
positive difference in their lives. Studying occupational therapy is an occupation that I regard
as purposeful, productive and goal-directed because the end outcome is to graduate and
become an registered occupational therapist. This embodies the idea of occupational
identity providing an accumulative sense of who one is and who they wish to become as
occupational beings (Kielfhnor, 2002). Furthermore being apart of the occupational therapy
school enables me to belong to group as well as become apart of a wider community in the
future.
Image of
occupational
therapy students.
Retrieved from
http://www.belmon
t.edu

3. Book worm
Reading books is one of my
favourite things to do in my spare
time. I think the reason I love
reading books so much is because I
can relax and I enjoy getting lost in a
good book for a few hours. Thus
reading is a prominent part of my
occupation identity. This embodies
Kielfhnor’s (2002) idea that our
occupational identities are shaped
by an array of aspects including our
interests.
Image of books. Retrieved from:
https://www.google.co.nz/search?hl=en&gs_rn=12&g

4. Surf Life Saving
Surf Life Saving is an occupation that I tremendously enjoy. Being a volunteer
lifeguard and a surf sports competitor has enable me to experience and
embrace a wide arrange of opportunities which has constructed my identity.
For example, being employed as a Regional Surf Lifeguard for the last four years
and winning a gold medal at nationals. For this reason I believe Surf Life Saving
has been purposeful, goal directed and a truly rewarding occupation.
This photograph was taken
at the start of the pre-
season Taylors Mistake to
Sumner board race in
2009.

5. Daughter
Being a daughter is a
huge part on my
occupational identity.
Given that some of my
occupations are
influenced by roles and
obligations of being a
daughter. One role/
responsibility of being a
daughter includes being
there in times of need
or celebrating success
(e.g. supportive).

6. Gymnastics
Gymnastics is an occupation
that I have performed in the
past. Unfortunately I had to
give it up as I had injured my
back and knees. I now enjoy
watching the world class
athletes performing at the
Olympics on YouTube. I loved
gymnastic as it built my
confidence and tested my
capability. Being apart of a
team and belonging to a club
made the experience
enjoyable.

7. Girl Guides
Girl Guides is an occupation of meaning and purpose which has shaped my occupational
identity. It is an occupation that I have performed in the past and see myself becoming a
leader in the future when I have time. I believe being a girl guide has given me life skills
and has improved my level of confidence. Furthermore being a girl guide enabled me to
belong to a group and form close friendships.

8. Artwork
Art is an occupation
that I consider as an
productive activity as
well as a leisure
activity. I enjoy
spending a few hours
each weekend
painting. When I
have finished piece of
art I get a sense of
accomplishment and
satisfaction which
contributes to my
overall wellbeing.

9. Sprint Kayaking
Sport is a huge part of my life, thus it is an aspect that makes up my occupational
identity. I have had the privilege of completing at Nationals and being selected for
the New Zealand Development squad. Sprint kayaking is an occupation that I have
engaged in in the past. I hope to reengage in the sport in the near future as I miss
the training and being apart of a team. Hence, being apart of a team and belonging
to a club made the experience enjoyable.

10. Paid
employment
Surf Lifeguard
Over the last four summer holidays I have been employed as a surf life guard at multiple
Canterbury beaches. Being a regional lifeguard is a fantastic job as I love spending time
at the beach. This has allowed me to develop a strong work ethic , learn how to conduct
myself in a professional manner and take responsibility. Overall this occupation is
meaningful and purposeful as it has helped me to financially support myself while
studying away from home. Furthermore, being apart of a lifeguard team supports the
notion of belonging to a group and paid employment funds who I wish to become.

11. Volunteer work at the YMCA
During the summer holidays I volunteer as a holiday programmes instructor for the
YMCA. I find this experience rather enjoyable as I love being around kids and I get to
spend time with my friends as they also volunteer . The role of an instructor includes
entertaining the kids, taking activities and making sure they are safe. Through this
occupation I develop leadership and communication skills that contributed to building
my confidence and construction of my occupational identity.

12. Reference
Kielhofner, G. (2002). Model of human occupation: Theory and
application (3rd ed.). Maryland: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins.