Ashleigh Ryalls identifies with several key roles including being a flat mate, animal owner, student, friend, outdoor enthusiast, artist, and aspiring occupational therapist. She takes her responsibilities seriously in each role, from paying rent and socializing with flat mates, to caring for her dog, completing her studies, and supporting her friends. Ashleigh also enjoys spending time outdoors, engaged in activities like camping, gardening, and beach walks. She finds fulfillment in her artistic hobbies such as drawing, painting, and crafts.

1. Ashleigh Ryalls

3.  As a flat mate I have to fulfil responsibilities such
as paying my share of the rent and bills on time,
completing my share of the flat chores, such as the
cleaning and cooking, socialising with my flat
mates; watching television, eating meals together,
and being respectful of my flat mates.

4.  Animals have always been a part of my life, I am the
proud owner of a four year old dog. I really enjoy this
role, being responsible for him; feeding him, walking
him, playing with him, and in return getting a happy,
loving animal companion.

5. Being a student comprises a large
part of my occupational identity, in
performing this role I participate in
lectures, complete readings and
research relevant material. I also
attend social events with my class
mates and exercise regularly at

6.  (Blog.com, 2011).
Ever since I was fifteen I have had
paid employment, I have always
enjoyed working, the independence
having my own money gives me, the
friends I make and people I meet, the
satisfaction of doing a good job and
learning new skills. This is a big part
of my identity, I thrive on interacting
with others, love the sense of
achievement I gain in mastering the
skills involved in my work, and
feeling that I am making a
contribution. In my current job I
interact with customers, sales
representatives and designers,
complete sales, order stock and
maintain the tidiness of the store.

7. Being a friend is another large part of my identity, this role
requires me to be there to support my friends, to be
accepting, and be there in good times and bad. The
majority of my time spent performing the role of a friend
is having fun and laughing together. Listening,
supporting, talking, laughing, catching up, sharing
occupations, and celebrating.

8.  I love the outdoors, I have grown up in a family who spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor
occupation. I have spent many Summer vacations camping with my family at Lake Hawea,
we go boating and water skiing, and go on lots of bush walks. I really enjoy spending time at
the beach, swimming, walking the dogs, and lounging in the sun. There are also many
beautiful walking tracks in Dunedin that I visit. I like being outside in the garden, and over the
past few years have gotten quite interested in growing my own vegetables.

9.  Ever since I was a child I have enjoyed arts and crafts, I have
always liked to draw, and got involved in painting through school
art classes. I often make the birthday cards I give, and like to try
my hand at new craft techniques such as the mosaic shown
above. I get great satisfaction out of making something from
scratch, working out how each stage of the craft is done and
producing the finished product.

10.  I have recently begun playing the ukulele. I attend a teaching
session once a week, and practice throughout the week using the
handout provided by the tutor, I also use the internet to find online
tutorials to further my learning.

11.  I am currently engaged in the role of a student to fulfil my
aspiration of becoming a qualified occupational therapist. This is a
role that will allow me to work with a range of people in a variety of
settings, and to use meaningful occupation to promote health and
wellbeing.
(Husband to
Anglophile, 2011).

12. Blog.Com. (2011). Spongebob Squarepants
employee of the month. Retrieved from
http://pwolucibleyxuz.blog.com/2011/12/20/spo
ngebob-squarepants-employee-of-the-month/
 Husband to anglophile. (2011).From
providence to London (and beyond): For family
and friends who might be interested in our
adventure. Retrieved from
http://prov2london.blogspot.co.nz/2011/03/occu
pational-therapy-in-london.html