I was raised in south Gippsland, Victoria, however my family originates from Lunawanna-Alonnah country in Tasmania. I have a deep-rooted passion for occupational therapy that derives from personal experience with an occupational therapist as a teenager, along with a love for helping people.

I am extremely grateful to be deemed a recipient of this scholarship, and would like to address my appreciation to the Australian Rotary Health group.

As a qualified Occupational therapist, I aim to improve Indigenous health by offering a culturally safe and diverse practice for all clients. As an Indigenous woman myself, I understand how western medicine can be and is daunting, so I will be able to provide my cultural understanding and knowledge to ensure that my practice provides options for treatment that are beyond that of typical western treatment plans. I want my practice to be a space where Indigenous people are encouraged to reach out and seek treatment, especially for those struggling with mental health problems. In my studies and personal life, I have been able to witness the detrimental impacts and domino effect of the prevalence mental health problems in Indigenous communities. I want to be able to help people in my community to engage in their occupations in a way that enhances their quality of life, reducing cycles of generational trauma.

I also would like to work in paediatrics, working with Indigenous children to combat these issues commonly seen in the community before they present and are harder to treat. This also relieves the unnecessary burden of the client from an early age, improving not only physical health but also spiritual and mental health in Indigenous communities.

Indigenous health is a topic that has been very important to me from a young age as I have witnessed first-hand how much it does impact generations of an entire population of people.

Reflecting on my Semester 2 in Occupational Therapy, I can confidently say it was a period of both growth and challenge. This semester, I had the opportunity to complete a placement in an aged care facility, which, while demanding, proved to be incredibly rewarding. The experience allowed me to engage with a diverse range of elderly individuals, each with unique needs and stories, which deepened my understanding of the physical, emotional, and social aspects of ageing. I found it fulfilling to apply my theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, helping to suggest tailored interventions to the facility, in hopes to improve the quality of life for our resident.

However, the placement also presented challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to quickly adapt to the complexities of working with elderly individuals, many of whom had multiple health conditions and required individualised care plans. There were times when I struggled with balancing proceeding with our required tasks efficiently, and letting the resident lead the interview- which tended to happen quite frequently. I had to learn how to navigate these difficult decisions with confidence.

In addition to the placement, the scenario-based learning component of the semester was particularly tough. The case studies required me to critically analyse complex situations, sometimes with limited information, and present appropriate interventions. I found this aspect of learning to be mentally taxing, as I had to think on my feet and apply both my clinical reasoning and creativity. While it was challenging, I recognised the value of these exercises in building my problem-solving skills and preparing me for real-life scenarios where quick, effective decision-making is essential.

Furthermore, I also completed a research unit this semester, which added another layer to my learning experience. The research unit was both stimulating and challenging, as it required me to delve into the evidence-based practices that underpin occupational therapy interventions. I explored various topics within the field, critically analysing current literature and identifying gaps that could be addressed in future studies. Although the process of gathering data, reviewing research articles, and synthesising information was at times overwhelming, it was incredibly rewarding to see how research directly informs and enhances clinical practice. The unit also provided me with the opportunity to develop my skills in writing and presenting research, which I know will be valuable in my degree. It was a reminder of the importance of staying current with research and evidence in order to provide the best possible care for clients.

Despite the challenges, I thoroughly enjoyed the semester. The combination of practical experience in the aged care facility and the intellectual rigor of scenario-based learning enhanced my understanding of occupational therapy and reinforced my passion for this field. The support from my mentors and peers was invaluable in helping me navigate the difficulties, and I feel more confident in my abilities as an emerging occupational therapist. As I reflect on the semester, I am proud of how much I have learned and excited for the opportunities ahead in my future placements and career.