Emily Caldwell discusses several activities and relationships that contribute to her occupational identity. She enjoys socializing with friends, relaxing alone in her room, competitive rowing, cooking new foods, babysitting, traveling, spending time with her family, going to the beach, exploring New Zealand with her sisters, and being a student studying to become an occupational therapist. These various occupations give her a sense of belonging and allow her to socialize, relax, try new activities, and connect with friends and family.

1. Component One: Part Two
MY OCCUPATIONAL IDENTITY
Emily Caldwell 2015

2. Socialising with my
friends is a big part of
my life as I have
grown up with them
and the influence my
identity a lot. They
contribute to my
occupational identity
as we go do things
together such as ten
pin bowling or for
walks and we
introduce each other
to new and different
occupations. Being
with my friends gives
me a sense of
belonging.

3. Relaxing in my
room is a time
where I can be by
myself and self
reflect. It allows
me to have some
time to myself in
a quiet space
after a busy day
at tech and at my
flat. My room is
decorated in a
way where it is
relaxing and
calming. It allows
me to have time
to myself and
wind down.

4. I used to do rowing
competitively for
Te Awamutu
Rowing Club. I
really enjoyed
rowing as it
introduced me to a
lot of people, it
makes up my
occupational
identity as it was
once such a large
part of my life and
I still do it but not
so often. I feel that
rowing contributes
to my occupational
identity.

5. I love to create and
try new foods. I find
it very fun to
experiment with
these new ideas.
Sometimes it pays
off and other times it
doesn't’t pay off. In
this picture is
avocado chocolate
mouse. This
experiment was one
that paid off, it is a
very yum and
healthy dessert.
Creating ne foods
allows me to “do”
and be hands on
with this.

6. A few times a week I
babysit these cute kids.
They are a large part of
my life. It gives me a
sense of belonging as
they call me their sister
so in a way it is a second
family to me. It is
amazing to watch their
transition from young
baby's to “become”
toddlers, then to children.
It is such a satisfying
occupation and very
rewarding.

7. I love to travel
overseas and see
new places and
explore new
cultures. I have a
sense of
belonging in
Scotland in
particular as I am
half Scottish. This
gives me a real
sense of cultural
identity and
belonging. I am
very lucky to
have traveled to
the places I have.

8. I belong to a
family of 6.
This is a photo
of my older
brother and
sister and me
as a baby. I
also have a
younger sister
and Mum and
Dad. My family
mean a lot to
me and it gives
me a sense of
belong being a
sister and
daughter.

9. I love going to my
beach house. It is
at Tanners point
which is in
between Waihi
and Katikati. I love
the beach as it is
fun to have a new
environment to
live in and get
away from the city.
It has no Wi-Fi
meaning I can
have some time
away from always
being on the
internet and doing
school work.

10. This is a photo of
me and my little
sister Phoebe and
my older sister
Stacey. This is us
at Queenstown,
we explored the
South Island as a
family and it was
so much fun ! It
allows us to see
the beautiful
country New
Zealand. It gives
me a sense of
“doing”.

11. Being a student is
the largest part of
my life at the
moment. I am
studying to
“become” an
Occupational
Therapist. It is a lot
of fun as last year I
was at the halls, and
this year I am
flatting. Also being
part of the OT
student community
gives me a sense of
support from them
all and belonging to
a group.