Lydia is currently an OT student studying at Otago Polytechnic to become an occupational therapist. She balances her student role with responsibilities as a flatmate such as cooking, cleaning, and paying bills. In her free time, Lydia enjoys photography, hiking, winter sports, running and traveling which she hopes to continue in the future.

1. Occupational Identity..
Past, Present and Future
Lydia

2. Current Occupational Identity &
Role: OT Student
Attending classes, studying & fieldwork. Currently lots of time spent at
Robertson Library. Becoming a student, also involved me moving to
Dunedin to live for the next three years.

3. Future Occupational Identity: Qualified
Occupational Therapist – I am currently studying at the Otago
Polytechnic, in the hope to become a Occupational Therapist.

4. Flatmate
As a flatmate I contribute in several ways: paying my share of the rent
and bills, cooking, eating together, gardening, cleaning and socialising.

5. Cook
I regularly cook and this includes, preparing meals, cooking, eating together and of
course clean up: washing dishes and drying. When I was flatting in Canada, I was also
in charge of cooking on the Barbeque. Occasionally I also bake.

6. Occupational Identity: Friend
• I really value the time I spend with my friends. This has involved numerous activities over the years
such as: hanging out, coffee dates, meals, movies, shopping, road tripping, various physical
activities and photography.

7. Photography
I have enjoyed taking photos since I was 12 years of age and I still enjoy participating in this
occupation. In the future I would like to attend a photography class to further develop my skills in
this area.

8. Hiker & walkingI enjoy being in the outdoors and
exploring beautiful locations. I have
been privileged enough to have done
many walks and hikes in New
Zealand, the Rocky mountains of
Canada & the Dolomites of Italy.

9. Winter sports & activities: x-country skiing, snowboarding,
snow shoeing & sledding.
I enjoy participating with my friends, in a range of winter activities (snow dependent)
that have a mixture of fun and exercise.

10. Runner
• Running is something I currently haven’t been doing, but is an occupation I
have done in the past and one I hope to continue in the future.

11. Traveller
I enjoy travelling, both within NZ and overseas. Before I become an OT student, I spent a few
years working and travelling in Canada and UK. I also managed to visit 15 other countries during
this time. I still hope to do some travelling in the future: currently Morocco is next on the wish
list!

12. References
• Occupational Therapist [Image]. (2013). Retrieved from
http://pathways.org/pathways-center/services/occupational-
therapy#.UZYHg0rWbKc