The daughter of a physical therapist, Dara C. was introduced to the field when she was 10 years old but wasn’t immediately drawn to it.
Instead, Dara said, she responded to the “holistic approach” of an occupational therapist in her mother’s office and the techniques being used with some geriatric clients.
“They were literally using toys for rehabilitation, and I just thought that was such a unique way to get someone to do what they want to do or need to do to recover,” Dara said. “I know that’s not the average dream job for a fifth grader, of course, but … ever since, my passion for OT has just grown.”
After completing high school, Dara pursued a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at Cal State University Dominguez Hills, considering it a perfect foundation for her future in occupational therapy. Post-graduation, Dara applied to several master’s programs in occupational therapy and ultimately chose West Coast University, partly on the recommendation of one of her mother’s colleagues who had graduated from WCU’s OT program.
Upon visiting the campus and interacting with the faculty, Dara decided to enroll at WCU.
“She really enjoyed her experience here, and I can see why,” Dara said. “We have smaller cohorts, meaning we are more intimate with each other. We all know each other on a personal level. The professors, they know our names, of course, but they also really care about us.”
Approaching her period of fieldwork, Dara found it challenging to narrow down her field of interest. Initially inclined towards geriatrics, her experience in various courses, including pediatrics, mental health, and hand therapy, led her to consider alternative specialties.
“Throughout my time in this program, I kept switching because I was learning something new, and then I’m like, ‘Oh, this is amazing,’ and then I learn something new,” Dara said. “If I had to choose one, right now it would be to work with pediatrics, specifically infants, and working on their primitive reflexes and seeing if there are any delays cognitively.”
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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