Alana Petersen describes her key occupational identities which include travelling, wakeboarding, being a student studying occupational therapy, fishing with her family, playing football, baking, exercising, growing up on a dairy farm, cleaning, and spending time with her family. Many of these occupations provide her with a sense of belonging, challenge, and opportunity to learn and spend time with friends and family.

1. ALANA PETERSEN
My Occupational Identity

2. Travelling.
Travelling is something I am very
passionate about as I love exploring new
things. I find it meaningful as I get the
opportunity to learn through different
cultures and experiences.

3. Wakeboarding.
I have recently learnt this
occupation and it has been a
challenging, yet satisfying
experience to be able to conquer.
It was a test to my determination
and a great excuse to bring friends
together and do something
outdoors, learn and have fun.

4. Student.
I am currently in year two of
studying a Bachelor of
Occupational Therapy.
I feel a sense of belonging
within my class of fellow
students and have a lot of
motivation and determination
to become a qualified
Occupational Therapist.

5. Fishing.
Fishing is something I have
grown up doing as my
family have always been
into it.
It’s a great way to bring my
family together in the
holidays and spend a day
out in the boat.
Its most meaningful to me
as it provides me with a
sense of belonging within
my family as we are out
there doing it together.

6. Sports: Football.
I was involved in sports all throughout high
school and made some really strong friendships.
Football was my priority sport and is still a big
part of my identity. I was captain of the 1st
eleven football team which was a rewarding role
to have.

7. Baking.
I love to bake and
try out new
recipes. It makes
me feel good
when I can share
my creations with
friends and family.

8. Exercise.
Exercise is an important part of my life and I have always been very fit and
active. It is my way of relieving stress and gives me energy to fulfil my day with
other occupations.

9. Dairy Farming.
I have been brought up on a farm as my parents are
dairy farmers. It is a huge part of my identity and is
an amazing lifestyle. This gives me a sense of
belonging and I always love going home to visit my
parents and going on the farm to have a break from
the city life.

10. Cleaning.
Cleaning is
something that I
enjoy doing as it
helps clear my
head and makes
me feel satisfied.
I like a clean
environment
around me and its
important to me to
have things tidy to
create a positive
environment.

11. Being with Family.
I adore my family
and they are my
support team to
help me when I
need it. With
them I have a
sense of
belonging no
matter where we
are. We are all
very close and we
love doing things
together. I am a
daughter,
granddaughter,
sister, cousin and
niece.