Emma Rossow '23Occupational Therapy

Name: Emma Rossow
Graduation Year: 2023
Major: Psychological Science and Spanish

Story:
Becoming an occupational therapist is the next step towards achieving my goals of
having a meaningful career, helping others achieve their goals, and making a
difference on both the individual client and systemic level of the healthcare system.
All of my experiences, including teaching swimming lessons at the local swimming
pool, engaging in a liberal arts education at Gustavus, working in memory care as a
resident assistant, and studying abroad in Seville, Spain, have helped me grow as an
individual, improve my skills, and solidify my goal of becoming an occupational
therapist. Although I am not sure what my work as an occupational therapist will
look like, I know in any area of practice, I will accomplish my goals.

Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)
1. Studying abroad in Seville, Spain for a semester
2. Conducting independent Psychology research
3. Shadowing over the January Interim term Occupational Therapists at Ecumen Pathstone in Mankato
4. Volunteering with the Mayo Clinic Caring Hands program
5. Volunteering with the Gustie Buddies program

Advice:

1. If research is something you are even slightly interested in, start talking to faculty
about possible opportunities early! I wish I could have started conducting research
earlier in my academic career.

2. Volunteer as much as you can! It is so rewarding and is definitely the highlight of
my four years at Gustavus.

3. Don’t sweat the small stuff. The four years go by so fast.

Future Plans:
Attending Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine for Occupational
Therapy, starting Fall 2023.