Sarah identifies strongly with several occupational identities, including being a daughter, sister, and student. She has worked as a waitress for 5 years, enjoys surfing as a hobby, and sees herself as a cricket and rugby player based on involvement since childhood. Sarah also finds meaning and stress relief in dancing, clubbing with friends, and recently joined a LEAP exercise group in Dunedin. Maintaining connections to family and making friends in her OT program have also been important sources of occupational identity and support.

1. Occupational Identity and Satisfaction
By Sarah Laing
2nd yr OT, Otago

2. Being apart of a family is a
key occupational identity I
find in life. This can be
broken down into being a
daughter, sister, niece and
granddaughter. I’m always
striving to be a good role
model for my siblings and
making my family proud. I
know that if I ever need a
hand, my family will be
there to help/support me.

3. Growing up on the farm for my whole life
has developed who I am today. My
personality, values and work ethic come
from what I have learnt from getting out
on the farm.

4. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/thelincolnwhangamata/timeline
Working as a waitress has
been an occupation I have
engaged in for the past 5
years. I have learnt skills of
working in a team and dealing
with customers.
Over the 5 years I have
become a lot more than just a
worker but I have become
apart of my employers family.

5. I started surfing two years
ago, just for something to do
at the beach when I wasn’t
working. Its also great for
getting fit, as paddling out
takes a fair bit of effort.
I still see myself as a
beginner, as I only surf when
I’m at home over the
summer. This isn’t not
consistent enough to be
more than a beginner.

6. Cricket
Cricket has been apart of my life ever since I
can remember. I grew up playing in the
backyard with my brother and family then at
high school I played for the boys team for 7
years and various rep teams.
Within cricket I am identified as a bowler and
a wicket keeper. I find both of these positions
rewarding, as I gain confidence and motivation
from when my hard work and training pays off.

7. Rugby
I played Rugby for the last 3
years of high school. I was key
player for the team as I was
able to lift the teams spirits if it
wasn’t going our way. I haven’t
continued rugby in Dunedin
because training starts early in
the year when I am playing
cricket. I still see myself as a
rugby player because I do wish
to play again in the future.

8. Dancing/Clubbing
I enjoy going out with my friends and having a dance,
as it is a fun way to hang out with my friends. It is
also a good way to exercise without having to create
a training session, you just go for it. Sometimes just
dancing in the kitchen or lounge randomly is a great
way to relieve stress.

9. Being a student is a
occupation I have been
apart of for majority of my
life. For the past year and
a half when ever someone
asks what I’m doing my
first response is an OT
student . All in the hope to
become a qualified
Occupational Therapist.
Retrieved from http://www.cafepress.com/mf/24299135/ot-studen_tshirt?productId=198501775

10. OT Family
Since coming to Dunedin I have
made some amazing friends who
have become my Family away
from home. They have been
there for me when I've had no
one else. We have had some
amazing times, with plenty more
to come.

11. LEAP
Since returning back to
Dunedin this year I have
become involved in
Leap, at least once a
week. Its an amazing
workout and a pick me
up after a long day at
course or studying.

12. Reference
• Retrieved from http://www.cafepress.com/mf/24299135/ot-
studen_tshirt?productId=198501775
• Retrieved from
https://www.facebook.com/thelincolnwhangamata/timeline