Sarah Elliott '23Occupational Therapy

Name: Sarah Elliott
Graduation Year: 2023
Major: Exercise Physiology

Story: I always knew that I wanted to work in a career that had me on my feet
and involved with other people. When I was younger I volunteered at a therapy
clinic called Easter Seals in their Pre-k room one summer and absolutely loved
working with the kids. I was walking through the clinic and noticed a room with
slides and mats and swings and thought it looked like the coolest thing ever and
then learned it was the Occupational Therapy gym. Ever since then it was always in
the back of my mind as a possible field to go into. This idea was further secured
when I worked in a Peer Mentor position at my highschool where we took part in
adaptive PE with the special education students and helped them through their gym
class. This was always the highlight of my day and my love for working with people
with disabilities shined through.
Coming to Gustavus I knew that OT was the path that I wanted to pursue and
immediately started building my portfolio of experiences whether that be
shadowing or jobs with related patients. I started working with the Pre- Health
Professions team and they helped me with building a resume and getting
experiences/ ideas for jobs that would help.
I applied to the 2023 cycle for Occupational therapy and am thrilled to have been
accepted into St Catherines Masters of Occupational Therapy and will be beginning
this Summer (2023).
Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)
1. Gustavus Volleyball- being a part of a team
2. Gustie Buddies Coordinator
3. Paraprofessional in special ed classroom
4. Working at Gustavus Health Service
5. Study Abroad (May 2022)- Greece and Italy

Advice:

1. Apply, apply and keep on applying!! When looking for jobs in your field there
are often very competitive positions. Just get on websites and start applying
or even call up the company and ask about job applications. This really shows
interest and ambition which people like to see from their workers.

2. Get involved on campus- specifically in activities that relate to your field. If
possible try to hold some sort of leadership position in the club/organization

3. Keep a detailed list of everything you do: Shadowing, Work, Volunteer,
Student Orgs, etc. When applying for OT school I was so thankful that I had
been organized with all of it which made the application process much easier.
In addition to this, start early on your applications because they do take a
while and it is important to have multiple drafts, especially of your personal
statement.

Future Plans:
Attending St Catherine's University, Starting Summer 2023