Dana Mulcahy has been involved in many occupations throughout her life that have helped shape her identity. These include playing netball from age 14 and coaching teams, boating with her family which has brought them together, learning cooking and baking recipes from her mother, studying which she has done since age 5 to become an occupational therapist, playing rugby from age 5 until an injury in 2011, horse riding from age 8 in competitions, socializing with friends and family, taking her dog Reg for walks, limited travel so far with her family, and having a close family who are very important to her identity.

1. Dana Mulcahy
Occupational Identity

2. Netball – I have played netball since 14. I coached, captained and umpired
teams. Netball took up a big part of my high school years. I had a year off
last year and am back playing again this year.

3. Boating – Ever since we were born we have been going to the Waitaki lakes in the
weekends. I usually go with my family and friends and we always bring our dog. We
engage in various water sports as well as just chilling on the beaches with food and
drinks. It has always been an occupation that has brought our family together.

4. Cooking and baking – my mum has always perserved fruits and bottled sauces and
relishes etc. My sisters and I have learnt these handed down recipes from her and
it is something we all enjoy doing together.

5. sStudying – I went to St Josephs Primary School and then Craighead Diocesan
School. After high school I came straight to Otago Polytechnic to study
Occupational Therapy as I want to become an occupational therapist. Studying
has been a main occupation of mine since the age of 5.

6. Rugby – I played rugby since the age of 5. I played with boys up until high school and
was in rep teams with them. At high school I played in our school team and made
Hanan Shield and South Island Teams. I received a head injury at the end of 2011
playing rugby which had a huge impact on my life and stopped me from playing rugby.

7. Horse Riding – I ridden horses since about the age of 8. I went to pony club, shows
and competitions. Over the years I have decreased the amount of riding I have done
due to other commitments however I still enjoy to go riding with friends when given
the opportunity. We still have one horse at home.

8. Socialising – I enjoy socialising with my friends and family and doing various
activities with them. Socialising with important people to me has always been
an important part of who I am as it gives me a sense of belonging.

9. Going o
Taking my dog for walks – I often take my dog Reg for walks to the beach or to the scenic
so that he can run around freely. I either take him by myself or with other family
members. Reg is a big part of my life and I love taking him for walks.

10. Travel – I have done a little bit of travelling with my family. These experiences
have shaped me and changed my perspectives on things. I intend on doing a lot
more travel of the world after I have got my degree.

11. Family – they are always there fore me through the good and the bad. They give
me a sense of identity as I have grown up with them and been taught valuable lessons
from them. They are very important to me and are the roots to my occupational
identity.